Fulshear Economic Development Council considers $100K strategic plan update proposal

During a recent meeting of the Fulshear Economic Development Corporation (EDC), board members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the potential update of the city’s economic development strategic plan. The proposal, which would involve hiring TIP Strategies for a cost of $100,000, was met with skepticism from several members who questioned the necessity and value of such an expense.

The strategic plan, originally approved in February 2019, has not been significantly altered since its inception. Board members expressed concerns that the proposed update might not justify the high cost, suggesting that many of the plan's objectives remain relevant and achievable without extensive consulting. They noted that while some demographic data may be outdated, the core strategies and goals have not fundamentally changed.

One board member emphasized the importance of being fiscally responsible, recalling the public backlash over previous expenditures. Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a simpler approach—such as a thorough review and internal update of the existing plan—might suffice. They proposed that the EDC could handle the refresh internally, potentially saving taxpayer dollars while still addressing the need for updated demographic information.

The conversation also touched on the idea of setting specific thresholds for when a full strategic plan overhaul would be necessary, rather than relying on external consultants. This approach could allow the EDC to remain agile and responsive to the community's evolving needs without incurring significant costs.

In conclusion, while the board acknowledged the importance of keeping the strategic plan relevant, there was a clear consensus that the proposed $100,000 investment in a consultant was excessive. Instead, members are considering alternative methods to update the plan, including internal revisions and workshops to set new goals. The EDC plans to revisit this discussion in the future, ensuring that they remain aligned with the community's growth and development objectives.