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Guadalupe council appoints Tom Bradenberry to lead Royal Theatre capital campaign amid questions about pay and scope
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Summary
The council voted to appoint Tom Bradenberry as capital campaign coordinator for the Royal Theatre on March 24 after a presentation outlining fundraising tools and recent donations; some residents and council members requested more information about compensation and the campaign’s financial plan before appointment.
The Guadalupe City Council on March 24 appointed Tom Bradenberry as the capital campaign coordinator for the Royal Theatre after a presentation in which Bradenberry outlined a capital campaign plan, fundraising ideas and recent donations.
City staff said Bradenberry has been deeply involved in the project and recommended making his role official to close funding gaps. In his presentation Bradenberry described a volunteer team called Friends of the Royal Theatre, demonstrated a donation QR code and thermometer, and listed potential fundraising strategies including T-shirt and hoodie sales, donor plaques for seats, naming rights for parts of the facility and gift boards. Bradenberry also cited recent gifts and grants, telling the council the capital campaign had received a $50,000 grant from the Doves Fund and referenced prior foundation support.
Public commenters and some council members urged caution. Judy Wilson said the presentation did not fully address the required scope and financing and stated she did not feel comfortable appointing a coordinator without more information: "I don't feel that he's done that... I don't feel that the council should appoint him at this point," she said. Other residents supported the project but asked for clarity about whether the coordinator position would be paid and about whether a local on-the-ground presence would be needed.
Staff and a councilor clarified that one staff understanding is Bradenberry would volunteer as coordinator, and that the city could open a formal RFP for a paid coordinator if the council chose to do so. After debate the council voted to appoint Bradenberry; the roll-call vote recorded one council member opposed.
Why it matters: The appointment formalizes leadership for a $3 million capital campaign the council and volunteers say is needed to complete work at the Royal Theatre and to operate the performing arts center. Local residents and councilmembers pressed for clearer financial details and terms of any contract, reflecting concerns about transparency and oversight for high-profile fundraising.
What comes next: Staff will work out terms of the coordinator role and any compensation if applicable; council members asked for additional financial details and for staff to return with contract or RFP options if compensation over council thresholds is required.
