The Leander City Council Workshop held on June 25, 2025, focused on potential economic development strategies and collaboration with neighboring cities. The meeting began with discussions about leveraging local tourism to support commercial development. A council member proposed utilizing the Leander station as a focal point for tours, suggesting that this could generate funding relief for the city’s development initiatives. The idea centers around establishing a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRS) to capture sales tax revenue, which could be reinvested into the community.

Councilman Martin raised questions regarding potential partnerships with other cities, referencing a slide that listed sales tax data by agency. He inquired whether there had been outreach to these cities for collaboration. The response indicated that while there had not been direct contact yet, there is ongoing communication among small cities through quarterly meetings.

The discussion highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to address economic challenges, emphasizing that collaboration with other municipalities is essential for effective change. Council members acknowledged that any significant impact would require a collective effort, particularly at the state level, rather than relying solely on Leander's initiatives.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms to bolster Leander’s economic development efforts. The council plans to explore these avenues further, aiming to create a comprehensive plan that involves collaboration with neighboring cities.