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Private group asks Walker County to join founding members of new countywide economic development corporation
Summary
Organizers of a proposed Walker County Economic Development Corporation asked the commissioners court to consider becoming a founding member and to contribute a one‑year founding payment (suggested range $15,000–$50,000) to help hire a director and launch operations; commissioners requested bylaws and a formal agreement before committing funds.
Representatives of a private initiative seeking to form a Walker County Economic Development Corporation asked the Commissioners Court on May 5 to consider being a founding member and to contribute start‑up funds.
Jonathan Thomas and Chris Damigliano told the court the organization has completed bylaws, opened a bank account and an office, and is in the process of hiring a director. They said private industry, the city, Sam Houston (the university), and TDCJ are expected to be founding members, and they requested the county make a one‑time founding contribution for year one; organizers suggested membership levels and said government entities would be asked to contribute at proposed levels between $15,000 and $50,000 depending on size.
Court members asked for bylaws, a proposed agreement, and financial controls including the right to inspect financial records. Officials said they would draft a formal agreement and provide copies of bylaws and financial plans for county review; one commissioner said he planned to submit a budget request for a county contribution if the court chooses to participate. No county funding was approved at the meeting.
The presenters emphasized that the proposed EDC would be a private, industry-driven corporation aiming to attract employers and create jobs, and that the university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs had offered support for grant-writing and other services. The court directed staff to review bylaws and prepare an agreement for future consideration.
