Balch Springs EDC reviews projects, budgets and infrastructure grants in annual update

Chris, an economic development staff member, gave the Balch Springs Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (Type A) a year‑in‑review and an update on ongoing and planned projects during the regular meeting on Jan. 20.

The presentation summarized the city’s economic profile — a population “a little over 28,000,” a retail trade area of roughly 198,000 and a median household income of about $60,000 — and reported steady sales‑tax growth from roughly $6 million in 2015 to “a little over $12,000,000” in 2024. The report reviewed Type A and Type B budgets and identified capital projects, public‑private partnerships and grant funding the city expects to use for roads, parks and other infrastructure.

Why it matters: the EDC staff said the combination of sales tax growth, grant awards and private investment will fund roadway, pedestrian and park improvements the city and developers have identified as necessary for planned housing and commercial projects.

Key points from the presentation included: sales‑tax revenue allocation to general, Type A and Type B funds; Type B approvals for park upgrades and a downtown master‑plan consultant; Type A commitments to infrastructure and marketing; and several grant awards the city is using to design or fund projects.

Staff listed significant projects and commitments, including a 14‑acre mixed‑use site adjacent to City Hall that Type B contributed $2,500,000 toward as part of an economic development agreement. The project was described as phased, with initial work focused on infrastructure; the site is being marketed for family entertainment, restaurants, about 250 market‑rate apartment units and retail. The city also is pursuing access from I‑20 to serve the property.

On transportation and public works, staff said the city has secured or is pursuing several grants: about $13,500,000 from the county and the regional council of governments to widen Hickory Road (under design and expected to begin construction in 2026–27), roughly $3,400,000 from the Highway Safety Improvement Program for intersection and lighting improvements, and approximately $1,600,000 from Dallas County for a roughly 4‑mile trail connecting multiple parks. Staff reported an overall total of just over $22,000,000 in infrastructure funding received or in progress.

Other capital commitments noted in the packet and presentation included: - Type B budget approvals of approximately $1.5 million for FY projects and park upgrades, including Irvin Park improvements (field/parking/fencing), Woodland Park parking and a soccer field, and splash pad and trail phases. - Type A allocations including $900,000 for Alexander Road redevelopment, $400,000 set aside for a right‑turn lane at Elam and Shepherd (project under design, construction expected spring 2025), and $150,000 for Lakeside Drive improvements. - A contract with Catalyst Commercial for a downtown City Center master plan with a design workshop held in December and a draft targeted for spring 2025. - A professional services contract with Kimley‑Horn for a traffic‑signal warrant analysis at Lake June Ranch Way, which recommended a signal; staff said the city will seek grant funds and match from Type A.

Staff also described recent and forthcoming private development activity: an $80 million Amazon business park (two buildings), a $35 million Stone Lake Capital project, a $300 million Arcadia Trails master plan with mixed housing types, and multiple retail recruitment leads. The presentation included an update on a Lakewood Capital Partners public‑private project at Elam and Shepherd that will include a car wash, a Starbucks (under construction) and other retail; staff said total invested value at buildout would exceed $48 million.

On city marketing and business retention, staff reported a billboard campaign, a one‑year subscription to PlaceAI for demographic and foot‑traffic data, 83 business retention visits in 2024, a completed facade grant for a local business, and sponsorship of regional outreach events.

Board members asked a few clarifying questions during the presentation. Staff said a sign and a parcel being marketed for the 14‑acre site had been damaged and was being cleaned up; staff will return with a site‑cleanup proposal. Staff also said planned road redesigns on corridors such as Lake June/Elam aim to reduce flooding and improve pedestrian access.

Actions taken by the board during the meeting were limited: the board approved the meeting minutes, agreed to table executive‑session items and adjourned at 7:00 p.m. No formal board votes on the capital projects or grant acceptances were recorded at this meeting.

The presentation materials and monthly activity report are available in the meeting packet and on the city’s economic development website, and staff noted upcoming events including a Starbucks groundbreaking on Jan. 27 and an ED Business Summit on Feb. 26.