Director reports meetings with state representative, pedestrian-design project and 19% sales-tax gain

During the Jan. 2 joint meeting, Director Vince Parker updated the board on recent economic-development outreach and projects, including a meeting with state Rep. Jeff Leach, an EDC-funded pedestrian thoroughfare design for an interurban corridor, plans to revamp the city's website and a reported 19% year-over-year increase in sales tax for October 2024.

Parker said he and staff met with Representative Jeff Leach to discuss projects on the horizon and to request state-level support. "Very positive, very good meeting...can't wait to where he can share more publicly," Parker told the board.

Parker also reported that the CDC/EDC funded the design of a pedestrian-only thoroughfare between 4th and 5th streets. The design would create a space focused on pedestrians while preserving access for emergency vehicles, and staff will share design progress at the Feb. 13 meeting.

Parker said staff will propose a website revamp in the next budget cycle and noted the EDC's outreach and marketing work, including a recruitment brochure and an updated development map for use at trade shows. He reported that October sales tax receipts rose 19% compared with the prior year and credited the board and council's pro-development stance for part of that growth.

Parker listed upcoming events and outreach, including the ICSC Red River retail trade show in Dallas on Jan. 29–31 and a boards-and-commissions recognition during council on Jan. 28. Staff also plan to schedule photographer headshots for board members at the February meeting.