Glen Heights council hears consultant plan for economic development; part of item tabled to April 1

The Glen Heights City Council on Tuesday work session heard a proposal to develop a citywide economic development strategic plan from consultant Kaye Brownpatrick, who emphasized community engagement and data analysis. Councilmembers voted 6-0 to table part B of the agenda item until the council's first meeting in April so staff can collect additional information.

Brownpatrick, introduced by City Manager Clifford Blacklock, said the proposed scope would combine a data-driven analysis with extensive community engagement, including one-on-one interviews with council members and city officials, resident and business surveys, and in-person stakeholder meetings. "Data can be a little bit misleading. So if you couple that [with community input], that will get us to where we need to be," Brownpatrick said.

The consultant outlined deliverables that would include a customized economic development strategy, a phased roadmap for implementation, recommended grant and software resources, and key performance indicators to measure progress. She said the discovery and research phase would be the "heaviest lift" because it requires time-consuming engagement and synthesis of input from residents, property owners and business leaders.

Brownpatrick told the council she reviewed existing documents, including an older trade-area report that contained a leakage study. She said that study showed most industry categories in Glen Heights were on the "leakage side," meaning residents were shopping or obtaining services outside city limits, with the exception of gas stations. She cautioned that the report is somewhat outdated and that the city's business mix may have changed since that study.

She also flagged the Loop 9 expansion as a potential catalyst for new development, noting that the project would open acreage for development but that land ownership patterns might complicate assembling parcels. "The amount of property that's going to become accessible ... I think is going to be especially an attraction," she said, while noting ownership could be one or multiple private owners.

After the presentation, councilmembers asked questions about prior reports and whether planned roadway expansions had been factored into analysis. Brownpatrick said she had reviewed recent materials and that Loop 9 factored into her preliminary observations.

Council members ultimately voted to table agenda item 1B until the council's first meeting in April after city staff said not all requested data were available. The motion to table was moved and seconded (mover and seconder not specified on the record) and passed 6-0. Councilmember Mosley, Councilmember Garrett, Councilmember Hale, Councilmember Lightfoot, Councilmember Binford and the presiding Mayor (name not specified) voted "aye." The council clerk noted the tabling was requested so staff could finalize the scope and provide needed information before the council considers the item again.

If the council later approves the scope, Brownpatrick said the next step would be to finalize an agreement with the city manager and initiate the discovery phase and community engagement work. No formal contracting action or budget figures were discussed at the work session; those details were described as to be finalized with staff.