Sanger council authorizes RFQ for multi-year economic development strategic plan

The Sanger City Council unanimously authorized staff on July 21, 2025, to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an economic development strategic plan intended to guide long-term priorities and use of 4A and 4B economic development funds. Council members said the Economic Development Corporation has discussed the need for a clear, measurable plan for several years and wants to set target industries and priority actions that future boards can follow. Shane (staff) told the council the plan will include performance measures so progress can be tracked. Council discussion noted the plan could broaden the scope and collaborative use of 4A and 4B funds. Shari (staff) estimated consultants would need about eight to 12 months to develop the plan. Councilman Chick moved to authorize the RFQ; Councilman Burrows seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The council did not adopt the plan itself; the RFQ simply authorizes staff to solicit qualified firms and return with a proposal and timeline for award and contract. Council members asked for timeline clarity and were given the eight-to-12-month estimate; further details on the RFQ content were not read into the record. Staff said the RFQ is meant to provide a durable document that will guide not only current council-appointed members of the EDC but also future appointees.