Sugar Land staff on Dec. 9 briefed the Economic Development Corporation on a proposed Office Readiness Program intended to modernize aging office inventory, boost occupancy and move office users out of industrial/flex space into professional corridors.

Jennifer Alexander and Jordan Cutler described market trends—post‑pandemic hybrid work and a ‘‘flight to quality’’—that have left local vacancy elevated and created demand for modern, amenitized Class A space. Staff cited a Sugar Land vacancy rate near 15% (platforms that include Lake Pointe show higher figures) and said the city currently lacks true Class A office product.

The program proposed two pathways. The property‑owner path would target comprehensive building repositioning with a minimum capital investment of $2,000,000 and reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible improvements; the tenant path would require a minimum $750,000 tenant investment with 50% reimbursement of eligible improvements. Staff said agreements would require baseline occupancy reporting and a minimum five‑year lease term for incoming tenants; targeted industries would be prioritized and projects would be evaluated case‑by‑case by staff and the Economic Development Corporation.

Staff acknowledged concerns about the proposed 50% reimbursement level and the city’s budget capacity if several projects apply. Several board members suggested considering a lower reimbursement rate (25–30%) or adding language that caps reimbursement at a maximum of 50% so the program can be refined after the pilot period. Staff characterized the proposal as a pilot, saying the thresholds and program terms can be adjusted following market response.

The presentation included marketing and outreach plans (December–March), use of Lou Hammond Group for PR, targeted email outreach and an ‘‘office readiness toolbox’’ of collateral for property owners and brokers. Staff said, if approved, they would bring the program back for formal approval on Feb. 3 with recommended refinements and refined cost‑control language.

The board asked clarifying questions about outreach to building owners, scoring and discretionary review; staff confirmed applications meeting parameters are required to be brought to the EDC but the board retains discretion to approve or deny any project. The workshop closed with direction to return in February with updated program language and budgetary guardrails.