Councilmember Gonzales asked the City Council on Jan. 6 to pursue a strategic exploration of a Killeen Children’s Museum and Immersion Center integrated with the children’s public library, emphasizing early literacy, STEAM learning and community partnerships.

Gonzales framed the project as a strategic direction rather than an immediate capital project and requested staff prepare a phase-based 2–5 year road map. Her motion directed staff to identify potential sites (with emphasis on District 1), outline partnership roles and governance (including an outside nonprofit operator and a possible legacy society of founding donors), map funding strategies and identify grant and philanthropic opportunities, and return to council with a preliminary report and recommendation by June 2026.

Councilmembers and several citizens who spoke during the public-comment period expressed broad support. Speakers cited other Texas children’s museums and research correlating early literacy experiences with long-term educational outcomes. Councilmembers asked practical questions about private funding, governance structure (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to operate programming), possible use of existing library space, and whether library strategic planning could dovetail with the museum concept.

Concerns raised included municipal budget constraints and competing priorities in District 1—some councilmembers emphasized the need to avoid committing city general-fund dollars at this exploratory stage and urged reliance on private donors and state grant opportunities. Gonzales replied that the concept would primarily pursue public-private partnerships and available state funding (cited HB2 educational allocations) and that staff should return with specific financing scenarios.

Councilmember Alvarez asked about next steps; Gonzales requested the staff report include partnership roles, site options, funding prospects, and a June 2026 timeline for a preliminary report. Councilmember Segar and others voiced support for exploring library-space synergies and private-sector involvement.

On a motion from Councilwoman Gonzales seconded by Councilmember Cigar, the council voted to direct staff to explore the museum concept and return with a plan; Mayor announced the motion carried 7–0. Staff will develop the exploration framework and report back in June 2026.

Public comment during the meeting included several citizens urging support for the museum and describing community benefits ranging from early-literacy outcomes to downtown economic activity.