Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Bricks director outlines downtown plans, Frostfest and shed project fundraising
Summary
Leanne June, the new executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp. (the Bricks), gave a 90-day update on marketing, volunteer engagement, a farmers market internship, the shed project and a slate of holiday events including Frostfest and a Nov. 29 tree lighting.
Leanne June, executive director of Downtown Hays Development Corp. (the Bricks), told the commission she has spent her first 90 days listening to businesses, building partnerships and refining the group’s marketing and events plans. "Our mission is to advance the economic and cultural vibrancy of downtown as the heart of the community," June said, adding that the Bricks is working on rebranding, cross-promotion and a consolidated events calendar.
June highlighted recent successes: a well-attended market season supported by a NextGen internship market manager, multiple business anniversaries, and a fundraising effort that has produced donations for Christmas programming and the shed project. She said the organization had raised $23,000 specifically toward the shed (a storage/concessions/pavilion element) and that Christmas fundraising had reached about $43,000 from roughly 36 donors.
June reviewed upcoming holiday events and volunteer needs: Frostfest is planned for Dec. 7, and the Bricks will host a tree-lighting and "Christmas Magic on Main Street" on Nov. 29 with free activities including a chili and soup supper, cocoa and vendor booths. She asked for help recruiting volunteers for Trick-or-Treat on the Bricks and said the board is preparing a sponsorship campaign to roll out in January.
Commissioners thanked June and the volunteer committees and noted coordination with city staff and other partners. June said the Bricks board remains engaged and that the group plans to lean into the Bricks’ 25th anniversary in 2026.
Action: Information/update only; no commission action requested at the meeting.
