BCDC DISCUSSES ECONOMIC ROLES OF CITY, EDF

  

The Brenham Community Development Corporation (BCDC) met this (Thursday) morning to discuss the new direction of city economic development.

The BCDC held a work session between the City of Brenham and the Economic Development Foundation (EDF), where each party was able to ask any questions about newly assigned roles.  While the city is taking economic development responsibilities in-house, the EDF will maintain an advisory role with the city as it moves into its new capacity.

Board members also discussed Brenham’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and 4B sales tax.  Prior to the city cancelling the contract with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the city distributed around $460,000 from HOT funds to Washington County Chamber tourism operations.  City Manager James Fisher said he hopes to keep an open dialogue and clear communication between county and city parties, as these transitions are made.

Public Works Director Dane Rau also gave an update on the downtown drainage project.  Rau said the project is in the 90 percent design phase of engineer drawings, and that he hopes to have the project out for bids within the next 60 days.

The board also heard updates from city departments on the “Drive to 2025.”  Fisher said this is a series of long-range plans to the year 2025, where the departments take a comprehensive look at themselves and see what needs to be improved.  Fisher intends to have the plans presented to city councilmembers at their October retreat.