The Liberty County Board of Commissioners convened for their mid-month meeting on Thursday, welcoming a new CEO of the Liberty County Development Authority, Brynn Grant. Grant, who has been in her role for just over three months, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to her hometown and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Development Authority and the Board of Commissioners to foster economic growth.

In her address, Grant highlighted the critical need for economic development initiatives aimed at attracting businesses and creating jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector. She noted that these jobs are essential for bringing new revenue into the community and improving the standard of living for residents. Grant shared concerning statistics from the United for Alice report, revealing that 45% of Liberty County's population struggles to meet basic household expenses, a figure that, while better than the state average of 48%, still indicates significant economic challenges.

To address these issues, Grant announced the initiation of a strategic planning process involving Boyette Strategic Advisors. This initiative will include a competitive analysis of Liberty County, target industry assessments, and the development of incentive guidelines to attract businesses effectively. She expressed her eagerness to engage with community members and stakeholders throughout this process.

Additionally, Grant discussed the increasing interest from developers in Liberty County, attributing this surge to the recent economic developments in the region, including the Hyundai project. She emphasized the importance of being selective in the types of projects pursued, ensuring they align with the community's values and needs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration as Liberty County seeks to enhance its economic landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents.