In the heart of Fulshear, Texas, city officials gathered under the warm glow of the council chamber lights to discuss the future of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The meeting on April 14, 2025, centered around a proposal for a strategic plan refresh, a topic that sparked a lively debate among board members.

The proposal, presented by TIP Strategies, aims to update the city’s strategic plan without a complete overhaul. The estimated cost of $100,000 would be split between the boards, with Fulshear's share amounting to $50,000. While some members expressed support for the refresh, others raised concerns about the timing and necessity of the expenditure, especially given ongoing infrastructure projects that are critical to the city’s development.

One board member voiced skepticism, questioning the tangible benefits of a new strategy when pressing infrastructure issues, such as drainage projects, remain unresolved. “We can’t develop Fulshear until these drainage projects get done,” they argued, emphasizing the need for immediate focus on infrastructure over strategic planning.

Another member highlighted the importance of updated demographics and strategic goals, noting that businesses often inquire about current data when considering investments in the area. “The more updated we have a document that encompasses our goals, strategies, and updated demographics, the better it is to shorten the back and forth in those conversations,” they explained.

The discussion revealed a divide among board members. Some felt that the refresh could provide valuable insights into the city’s evolving needs, especially in light of demographic changes since the last plan was implemented. Others, however, believed that the funds could be better allocated to immediate infrastructure improvements rather than a strategic plan that may not yield quick results.

As the meeting progressed, the conversation shifted to the broader implications of the proposed refresh. Members acknowledged the need for a comprehensive understanding of Fulshear’s growth and development trajectory, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We don’t know what the impact of COVID is and what that’s done to the recommendations in the first study,” one member noted, suggesting that a refreshed plan could help realign the city’s goals with current realities.

Ultimately, the meeting underscored the balancing act facing Fulshear’s leaders: the need to invest in long-term strategic planning while addressing immediate infrastructure challenges. As the board members weighed their options, the future of Fulshear hung in the balance, with decisions made today shaping the city’s landscape for years to come.