Downtown Laredo BID approves RFPs for branding and action plan, tables board appointments and authorizes talks with city and county
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Summary
At its Dec. 15 meeting the Downtown Laredo BID tabled nonprofit board appointments, approved drafting an RFP for branding and an RFP for a downtown action plan, and authorized outreach to the City of Laredo and Webb County to explore participation in service plans; all motions carried.
The Downtown Laredo Business Improvement District at its Dec. 15 meeting took several formal actions on governance, procurement and intergovernmental outreach.
Appointments: Board members discussed nominations for the newly formed BID nonprofit and the chair said founders include Julian and another individual referred to as Larry. The board moved to table appointing nonprofit board members until a fuller slate can be assembled; the motion was seconded and passed.
Branding RFP: The board approved a motion to draft a request for proposals for branding and associated marketing for Downtown Laredo BID. The chair said the RFP will provide cost estimates to inform budgeting and potential capital raising and suggested dedicating a small portion of the budget (an example cited was about 5%) or seeking grants and sponsorships rather than relying solely on assessments. The motion passed after a second.
Intergovernmental outreach: The board authorized formal discussions with the City of Laredo, Webb County and other potential partners to explore participation by government and nonprofit property owners in downtown service plans. The chair cited a roughly 50% increase in properties exempt from BID assessment between 2022 and 2025 and said discussions aim to secure participation despite statutory exemptions. The motion carried.
Downtown action planning RFP: Directors approved drafting an RFP for downtown action planning and implementation to obtain quotes and grant‑match scenarios. The chair used an example planning estimate of $50,000 with a possible small local match; the motion to draft the RFP was seconded and passed.
Votes at a glance: - Excuse absent members: motion passed (unanimous voice vote). - Approve minutes (11/18/2025): motion passed (voice vote). - Table appointments to nonprofit board: motion passed (voice vote). - Draft RFP for branding and marketing: motion passed (voice vote). - Authorize outreach to City of Laredo and Webb County to explore participation: motion passed (voice vote). - Draft RFP for downtown action planning and implementation: motion passed (voice vote).
Next steps: Chair said he expects nominations and follow‑up on appointments by January and will circulate a poll to set a consistent monthly meeting schedule. The RFP drafts will return to the board for budgeting and next actions; formal agreements with city or county agencies would require separate negotiation and any needed council or county approvals.