Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Liberty Hill EDC agrees to discuss increasing Wilco EDP membership to $20,000; staff also recommends Team Texas bronze membership
Summary
Staff urged the EDC to raise its Wilco Economic Development Partnership contribution from $10,000 to $20,000 to align partners and secure an extra board seat; the board moved and seconded the $20,000 membership increase and discussed a Bronze Team Texas ($8,000) marketing membership for recruiting trips.
Staff presented background on the Wilco Economic Development Partnership (Wilco EDP), including Williamson County’s $500,000-a-year funding and the partnership’s request that member cities standardize their contributions.
Staff explained the ask: move partner contributions from $10,000 to $20,000 annually so partners have equal commitment and to secure an additional board seat for the city. As staff summarized, "they're hoping everyone will come in at the same amount... which is 20,000 rather than the 10,000 we're paying now." The staff presentation also noted an approximate $5,000 savings from no longer contributing to Opportunity Austin this year.
Board members discussed ROI and the value of regional marketing and lead generation that Wilco EDP provides. One board member said they supported approving the extra $10,000 for the coming year and then reevaluating.
A board member moved and another seconded a motion "for Wilco EDP $20,000 membership" (motion was made on the record and seconded). The transcript provided does not include a recorded vote tally or final outcome for that motion in the excerpt provided.
On related marketing matters, staff described Team Texas membership options and recommended the Bronze ($8,000) level for a first-year participation as a cost-effective recruitment and marketing tool.
Next steps: staff will proceed with membership paperwork if approved; for Wilco EDP any payment or final authorization will follow procurement and budget procedures and, if required, City Council approval.
