The Frisco City Council adopted an amendment to the bylaws of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation on Tuesday to allow the appointment of a nonvoting ex‑officio member, a change the council said is designed to help recruit senior executives who do business in Frisco but do not meet the city's residency requirement.

Council members and EDC staff described the change as a tool to expand the pool of experienced candidates — especially high-level corporate executives — who can advise the EDC board without counting toward quorum or voting totals. The ex‑officio position is noncompensated, does not count toward quorum and would serve up to three two‑year terms (six contiguous years), and the council retains the authority to appoint or remove the position at any time.

Supporters said the change gives the city additional flexibility in economic-development outreach. “This gives council the option and the opportunity, should a really great candidate surface that does not happen to have an address with the city of Frisco, but is vested in other ways, for council to consider their candidacy,” an EDC staff presenter said during the meeting.

Opponents said those who influence decisions about how public economic-development dollars are used should be city residents and taxpayers. One council member said they would vote no because they believe those who help influence spending decisions should be Frisco taxpayers.

After public discussion and council questions about safeguards and appointment mechanics, the council adopted the resolution approving the fourth amended and restated bylaws of the Frisco EDC on a 4-3 vote. The resolution adds housekeeping updates to statutory references and clarifies the president's signing authority to align with city practice.

EDC staff noted the position is optional and may remain unfilled. The change does not alter the residency requirement for standard voting EDC board seats.

Council members who supported the measure said it could help the city be more competitive when courting major corporate relocations or expansions; those opposing the measure underscored the value of local residency and questioned whether nonresidents should help shape incentives or strategy.

The council directed staff to proceed with the updated bylaws; appointments under the new language will follow the city's regular nomination process if council elects to fill the ex‑officio seat.