[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472239,"mediaKeyId","5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598","parentId",5776819,"title","Stafford Center schedules concerts, cultural events and holiday programming for fall and winter season","audioSeconds",598,"startMs",4639000,"endMs",5237000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598&start=4639&end=5237","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598/thumbnail_4639000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472239/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-Center-schedules-concerts-cultural-events-and-holiday-programming-for-fall-and-winter-season","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472239-3e12c6e04283eaf33595822bba1a60c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770632720&Signature=UP-F8cnY9TQZYRxih4UClsBz0hLGXnXNDHAR5IDj-QJjg5zm5KxDbrr83dzQk6BbZ1foMFHbNX5KWOq5NDf~BBATxpHosnb7zvy1RCvbHQH~LSuWhYA4-3EvQ7SIln-R0erANi9Obi~FVKGz1Fg~LyYECZU0OunKolU2TZQ3gl20~aICMACIZGaDDmNk1~HTTIpgUK0TlrLyYw0R-wyGxp19H6CPs52FS6wXrpieq6~LxIimA7WvlKf8SIe9620XHYekt-NxQrP7qywDbC-HZtr3j8LGGjlDXlwr4Kg6fj75wvx6w31QnEM8zX1oDPfdv9VizF-s7K9fcu~Wl8vL1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Brian Blum, president of FM Squared (operator of the Stafford Center), presented the center’s fall and winter event calendar and described marketing and scheduling plans.

Blum highlighted an immediate calendar entry: a performance by three-time Latin Grammy winner Gianmarco during Hispanic Heritage Month. Other upcoming bookings include Ballet Forte (Sept. 28), Leonette and Friends (Oct. 7), Bee Gees tribute Staying Alive, an October 8 50-plus expo, international artists from Turkey and Iran in October, Fort Bend Symphony seasonal programming and the Grand Ballet Nutcracker in November.

Blum said one show, Leonette and Friends, was selling exceptionally well, and he noted that some events will be internationally streamed. He apologized for not yet providing final August financials but said the center was having “a very strong year.” Blum also described coordinated marketing activities and merchant participation for specific events (for example, a pre-show dinner tied to the Stars of the Sixties event).

Board members asked no substantive follow-ups and the presentation was accepted as informational. Staff said financial reporting for August would be provided when complete.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford - Special Called Economic Development Corporation","oneSentenceSummary","Stafford Center president Brian Blum presented a slate of performances through December and into early next year, including Latin Grammy winner Gianmarco, Leonette and Friends, Benham Bani and the Fort Bend Symphony’s holiday concerts.","taxTitle","Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",69474,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472244,"Stafford staff shows drone footage of Murphy Road and 59 corridor development, reports high apartment occupancy and upcoming retail openings",1191,3720000,4911000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598&start=3720&end=4911","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598/thumbnail_3720000.jpg","/articles/6472244/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-staff-shows-drone-footage-of-Murphy-Road-and-59-corridor-development-reports-high-apartment-occupancy-and-upcoming-retail-openings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472244-098df5491ee1c6385f1ee7bab9345fec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770632720&Signature=k4i2JIbQKrWK-vcdaGDCItrOxAKQ2fa9QkBDe022GiDXqirz~Taa27VIANNA51MfqlZyHBL9-PdznPwEoepF-DXDIKfhgs9EsCSDLFViZejy3NqCad5D3p2LzUOKJW0KuqhVsRs02t0S19a0CGheviR7pBKkcLi9aDGbbZ8eDbS6ByQK0ozA~NWFgDTuH3YDydl0RTHSdSh6A0p-qgBopVKTOX2itgZ2LGqUJ7GcvDgRBsTw5Hj0bQkiWkUB21KUVkOw7CWf5rleXcq5r8JQOrOWoEgRlQslV~VD88pFZq9qgGHXcG7JFtLkbau1rEJDuKR-gufwFvTseG-tPJf~Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff presented aerial footage and a status update on development around Murphy Road and the US‑59 corridor, showing new apartments, retail and restaurant construction and planned openings.

Christopher Riggs, director of public works and development services, led a drone-based presentation that illustrated buffers between residential and commercial uses, new apartment complexes (including Filament and Lennox-branded projects), retail frontage along US‑59 and the site for a Target store. Riggs said Target’s opening is targeted for October–November ahead of the holidays and that other new businesses along the corridor include restaurants and service tenants. He noted tree-planting and landscaping improvements along the frontage.

Riggs said the city has received plan sets for the final phase of JLB Apartments, which could add up to 1,800 units when completed; he reported neighboring apartment properties are seeing strong leasing activity and estimated occupancy “closer to 90%” for some complexes that have been open less than six months. Staff and board members discussed the possibility of adding for-sale units (condos) to diversify product types for the area’s planned expansion.

Board members asked about the March agreement extending certain revenue-sharing terms for the corridor and whether the agreement contains renegotiation clauses if sales shift between retailers; staff said they would check the contract language. Riggs and other staff said the footage will be used for future drainage and roadway project planning and that property owners and developers continue to engage on in-fill and final-phase work.

No formal board action was taken on development items during the presentation, which board members described as a useful overview of recent activity.","Public-works and development staff presented drone footage showing apartments, retail and restaurant development near US‑59 and Murphy Road, reported strong apartment occupancy and said Target aims to open before the holidays.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472248,"Board endorses recommending Joseph Ash as contract economic development consultant to city council",1110,2728000,3838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598&start=2728&end=3838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598/thumbnail_2728000.jpg","/articles/6472248/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Board-endorses-recommending-Joseph-Ash-as-contract-economic-development-consultant-to-city-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472248-42418e390737701419d22ab851ffcda1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770632720&Signature=I9ocglSx5C~68hnpH7c6KuI~yWGFuyOx5I6C-pr4DxtqXmnruXj5bShvE2upnYzaRvqSl~E6s-EyXwAmPqceGLtw8NewjxgMLPkfg7br4VRVvyjiQSPgWL30Dnre0aq2OHSkTsbF9g33Cw6mMg28JcfprMzSshxLtFnFFneckzIHPJuUR55z~Y~HzoX2yPIvPG6atx9ypH7k3sXhA7YAzfgHHeC4tUMJsmKohjq5Tf6hiebmPXEYFtlPQY5zKtsZjYebx-TCjQwmNPfwqVmyAgQMOWntuozXLIboMh~LL9BCJl7r-GuNulw1XP083BKxirup7b~Lp~4XoQ7FjOXBrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford EDC board voted to recommend that city council consider contracting with consultant Joseph (Joe) Ash to provide economic-development services on a contract/hourly basis while a permanent director search continues.

City staff and board members described a lengthy recruitment process that produced candidates but no hire. Chanel (staff) told the board the city interviewed three finalists and negotiated with a selected candidate without reaching agreement. As an interim option, staff proposed contracting with Joe Ash, an economic-development consultant who has worked with multiple Fort Bend County municipalities. Ash attended the meeting and described his background and approach: “When I bring things to you, I’ll tell you what I believe are the pros and cons on both sides,” he said, adding that he intends to provide candid advice based on experience.

Supporters told the board the consultant arrangement allows the city to quickly obtain capacity for project work and is more flexible than hiring a full-time employee. Several board members said they favored contracting because it avoids hiring a salaried employee who might be paid during slow periods; others noted the candidate’s local experience and contacts. One board member described the consultant model as a way to “get someone in this role and performing these duties…until we figured out a different plan.”

The board voted to recommend that city council approve contract services with Joseph Ash; the motion carried. The board directed staff to forward the recommendation and to coordinate the contract terms and scope of services with council.","After discussing failed recruitment for a full-time director, the board recommended that the City of Stafford pursue a contract with consultant Joe (Joseph) Ash to provide interim economic-development services and project support.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472253,"Stafford EDC approves $2.05 million administrative services agreement amid board concern over allocation and voter intent",1123,1746000,2869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598&start=1746&end=2869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598/thumbnail_1746000.jpg","/articles/6472253/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-EDC-approves-205-million-administrative-services-agreement-amid-board-concern-over-allocation-and-voter-intent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472253-3ff39460984f743240b9021e0934cefa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770632720&Signature=EsC-OwR-T0ssv9JYa1QiyPj5qKyD5PC7hWPfBUec4azO3XOXFk~82t6esmjHJAK3ejlDeLV9u5d0ucg6Jk79za9XvEJiwYi1UP8c2bKncWrrnuw3TGox3Jf2ZfuYtV8Zck~eAuoTRZpvRO80j7ZxAXJHvmWFJJHWMBiYfLBY40AIoXQsJEfzcIQRuEXqabO0TFom2y58~cs~zlDpiv4x7KtHILv4TrydnQ6UQR7ZHe1HRCzNA1CoXvUfmwmHqDlz679fgBcUAUlHKoN7BGM0a5E-pGqxag-6lsV1dMFTNV-hAHDLkkMzw~5Qzd1ZcEf7wErVmmpDxZ9~3M3~eMEW0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Economic Development Corporation voted to approve an administrative services agreement that sets administrative fees to be paid to the City of Stafford totaling $2,054,773 for fiscal year 2025–26.

The approval followed substantial debate. Board member Ken Matthew said the board must guard against a trend of “absorbing” EDC funds into the city general fund and urged documentation showing the EDC receives direct, measurable benefits. “I think this is against the wishes of the voters who voted for the formation of SEDC back in 1999,” he said, arguing the board needs an allocation method showing hours or measurable return tied to EDC duties. Matthew also cited an Attorney General opinion (referred to in the meeting as “GAO 610”) urging caution about using type A or B economic-development funds as a general revenue subsidy for municipalities.

Other board members explained the administrative allocation is a percentage-based sharing of departmental costs and said the amounts align with state law and historical practice. One board member clarified the methodology: the listed percentages reflect the share of certain city-department expenses (salaries, utilities and related costs) tied to work that benefits the EDC, not a flat transfer of EDC receipts. Several directors said the increase reflects expanded departmental workloads and more staff involvement in economic-development tasks.

Board members who spoke in favor said they want to ensure transparency and suggested future tracking or a joint meeting with city council to clarify duties, hours and measurable deliverables behind the fee. The record shows the city has previously used a percentage allocation and that the dollar amount has grown as revenues and department involvement increased.

A motion to approve the administrative services agreement as presented was made, seconded and approved by the board. The minutes record the vote as passed; the motion included ratification of administrative fees paid to the city for FY2025–26.

Board direction: members requested additional documentation showing the departmental time or deliverables tied to the administrative fee and suggested a joint council/EDC review to evaluate the allocation method.","The Stafford EDC board approved a $2,054,773 administrative services agreement and ratified fees paid to the city for FY2025–26 after an extended debate about whether the contract diverts EDC funds away from voter-directed economic-development uses.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472257,"Stafford EDC auditor issues clean opinion; board accepts audited financial statements",1411,77000,1488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598&start=77&end=1488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776819-4aece30979f607d4b0656d0580a21598/thumbnail_77000.jpg","/articles/6472257/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-EDC-auditor-issues-clean-opinion-board-accepts-audited-financial-statements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472257-19d104457072089b12b41ac08f061173/orig.mp4?Expires=1770632720&Signature=kNvGh6uGZTTUcGl9~~L7RDJcqLI~ExgkPBNUVWIIK5-kR-xdkqWZ3v6203YN7jMuaV1M~E~KmNneQtp715GxAXIf9Td-gBLy~aOCNPWbRcnX2D2OAeZ~VR9JgTYHffNBMFgITyeiw2aVOGBdkVQtRRilpfHCG03JA0nhp8nN2GCTq9njZytxT6TYFaBmSHVjH77Oig6f35h9tcmoiVBwc8r0PmwDQjmYdZmNFj74Wy7XsJuXbLmm1es4PYwAGO3SX66-gm3nOLVkCFoPnhxXqecu10QLkezT2PmcXZCoMMgqqMTv1mzFlegcjV0Igw4L7f7F-c2uuJWmeCF3YLJB1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Economic Development Corporation accepted audited financial statements for the fiscal year after Portillo, Brown & Hill issued an unmodified (clean) opinion.

Portillo, Brown & Hill audit partner Chris Pruitt told the board the audit was performed in accordance with GAAP and GAAS and that “the financial statements, in our opinion, are materially stated correctly. It’s called an unmodified opinion, also referred to as a clean opinion.” He said the audit found no items that could cause a material misstatement and no disagreements with management.

The auditor highlighted the corporation’s fund balances and major revenue sources. Pruitt said the corporation’s total ending fund balance is about $18,000,000, with an unassigned (available) fund balance of roughly $7,000,000; the remainder is committed for debt service or capital projects. He identified sales tax as the largest revenue source — “a little bit over $6,000,000” — and said the audit confirms the sales-tax receipts with the state comptroller. On the budget, Pruitt said the corporation was “about $835,000 better off than what you thought at the beginning of the year” after higher-than-expected sales-tax and interest income offset greater-than-budgeted expenditures.

Finance staff added detail. Miss Shaw summarized July-year-to-date results: combined ending fund balance was $2,623,039 higher than the prior year; total cash and investments were about $21,700,000; about 20% was in a government pool called LOGIC and nearly 28% in brokered CDs and similar investments. Year-to-date interest received was $666,591 and accrued interest receivable $148,626. Shaw also provided fund-level breakdowns: the operating fund’s year-to-date sales-tax net of rebate was reported as $5,600,000 (13.09% higher than the previous year), and transfers to debt service and capital projects were reported with specific amounts.

Board members asked for clarifications about a budget variance related to economic development expenditures and administrative-service allocations. Pruitt said he did not identify a material concern and offered to follow up on line-item detail for the $354,000 of higher-than-budgeted operating costs. Shaw said audited fund balances will be used in next year’s final budget and that she will forward required resolutions to finalize the budget.

After the presentations and brief Q&A, a motion to accept the audited financial statements as presented was made and approved unanimously.

Looking ahead, staff said upcoming accounting-standard changes included in the auditor’s communications will be circulated to management to allow time for preparation.","External auditor Portillo, Brown & Hill gave the Stafford Economic Development Corporation a clean (unmodified) opinion and reviewed fund balances, sales tax and budget variances; the board voted to accept the audit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stafford Center schedules concerts, cultural events and holiday programming for fall and winter season

Stafford staff shows drone footage of Murphy Road and 59 corridor development, reports high apartment occupancy and upcoming retail openings

Board endorses recommending Joseph Ash as contract economic development consultant to city council

Stafford EDC approves $2.05 million administrative services agreement amid board concern over allocation and voter intent

Stafford EDC auditor issues clean opinion; board accepts audited financial statements