The DeSoto City Council Special Meeting on July 24, 2025, focused on economic development strategies and budget updates aimed at enhancing local business growth and workforce readiness.

City officials discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen outreach to site selectors and brokers, emphasizing the importance of developing various business nodes throughout DeSoto. The council highlighted a refined approach to industry sector marketing, which aims to attract diverse businesses to the area. This includes a commitment to improving customer relationship management and expanding resources for small businesses at different stages of development, from ideation to scaling.

A significant point of discussion was retail recruitment, where officials stressed the need for product development to ensure suitable locations for incoming businesses. The council also acknowledged the importance of changing perceptions about DeSoto among developers to foster greater interest and investment in the city.

Workforce development initiatives were another key topic, with increased collaboration between industry partners and local schools. The council noted successful programs, such as the esports lab and the newly established biopharma lab, which provide students with valuable skills and pathways to well-paying jobs in the biotechnology field.

Regarding the city’s budget, officials reported that revenues are projected to remain flat, primarily due to stable sales tax projections. A slight decrease in interest income was noted, attributed to falling interest rates. The city continues to implement a laddered investment program to stabilize revenue streams.

Overall, the meeting underscored DeSoto's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for businesses and enhancing workforce development through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing efforts.