Perla Tavara says Historical Park will move under city tourism as director takes on portfolio

Perla Tavara, the city’s newly introduced director of economic development, tourism and planning, told the Farmers Branch Historical Park Board on Aug. 22 that the park will be folded into her tourism portfolio. “I’m the director of economic development, tourism and planning,” she said when asked to state her role.

Tavara said the change reflects a consolidation of tourism and park programming under her office. She told the board the Historical Park will be moved into her tourism budget and accounting structure starting Oct. 1 so revenues and expenses can be tracked under that umbrella. She also noted she oversees economic development and planning duties and invited board members to contact her with questions.

Board members welcomed Tavara and confirmed her office is in City Hall on the second floor. Several members asked about past roles and how the park’s current operations and revenues will be accounted for once the transfer occurs. Tavara said staff will clarify the reporting and accounting setup for the park’s revenue streams.

The board did not take a formal vote that evening to enact the budget or reorganization; the change was discussed as an administrative update and next steps include staff follow-up on accounting and a return to the board with any implementation details.

The board listed the Canyon Cemetery subcommittee, the Witness to History award and officer nominations for the next meeting’s agenda.