Manvel EDC reviews draft strategic plan proposing community center, Old Town development and small‑business grants

The Manvel Economic Development Corporation on Thursday reviewed a consultant’s draft strategic plan that lays out a multi‑pronged approach to spur jobs and local retail while expanding community amenities.

The draft, presented by Chad (consultant/presenter), recommends starting with familiarization tours and a $67,000 feasibility study to test a proposed multi‑use community center for seniors, children and incubator space; a slower, revenue‑generating strategy to build an “Old Town Manvel” district with modest annual property purchases; and small‑business grant programs for façades, signage and equipment.

Why it matters: the plan is framed as a way for the EDC to leverage roughly $200,000 of annual discretionary funds to seed studies, prospecting and modest property investment without requiring new recurring revenue. Proposals in the draft aim to convert limited reserves into assets and grant programs that can grow the EDC’s cash flow over time.

Chad told the board the EDC lacks the revenue to build a large center but can fund a feasibility study and learning trips to sites in other cities and that banks or sponsors often underwrite…