La Marque council backs Opportunity Zone application, revives business-spotlight effort
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Summary
Council voted to support the EDC’s application for Opportunity Zone designation and approved directing staff to host a business summit to inform investors and local businesses, alongside adopting a resolution affirming support for local businesses.
The La Marque City Council voted to support an Economic Development Corporation application for Opportunity Zone designation and to revive a business‑spotlight program aimed at promoting local businesses.
Councilmember Yancey introduced a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to local businesses and proposed restarting a recognition program for merchants. “We want to promote our local businesses and come up with a plan of how do we do that,” Yancey said. The council approved the resolution and agreed on a friendly amendment to have staff and council members restart a business-spotlight effort.
On Opportunity Zones, staff said the EDC has taken the lead on submitting an application for new designations, which would be valid for 10 years and could unlock private investment and certain grant opportunities. The council directed staff to apply and to organize a business summit to educate local entrepreneurs and potential investors about the program and potential incentives.
Councilmember discussion included using the chamber and community partners to host events and encouraging at least one councilmember to attend national conferences that showcase Opportunity Zone best practices. The motion to support the EDC application and to sponsor a business summit passed unanimously.
Council directed the city’s administrative staff to coordinate sponsorships and a platform for a second annual business summit; no specific funding allocation was approved at the meeting.