Anna development boards approve Tool Design contract for downtown plan and OK two property purchases

The Anna Community Development Corporation and the Anna Economic Development Corporation approved a professional services contract with Tool Design Group LLC on Dec. 11 to produce an illustrative map and detailed standards intended to guide downtown redevelopment.

Natasha Birch, an EDC staff member leading the project presentation, said the work will produce a coordinated, four-phase illustrative map and technical standards for downtown elements such as street lamps, signage, setbacks and mobility. "The goal of this project is to take our downtown boundaries and create a foundation for us to take to developers when we're recruiting businesses," she said.

During the meeting at the Anna Municipal Complex, the board approved Resolution 2025-12-19 to award the contract not to exceed $134,001.54; staff said they will return later to amend the budget to align with the finalized contract amount. Birch and other staff described the scope as larger than the previously scoped small-area plan and said the work will include coordination with development services on ordinance and code updates.

The boards also approved two property acquisitions that staff said support downtown redevelopment and generate short-term lease revenue. Resolution 2025-12-20 authorizes a purchase-and-leaseback for property near Powell Parkway and FM 455, with a six-month leaseback period to allow the tenant to relocate and to produce lease revenue during the transition. Resolution 2025-12-21 authorizes acquisition of property near Hackberry Drive and North Pell Parkway; staff said both acquisitions are related to downtown redevelopment and to the illustrative map just approved.

Chair (board presiding) called for motions on each item and the board approved the resolutions by voice vote. Staff noted that once the illustrative map work is complete, the board will consider a budget amendment to appropriate the full project funding.

Authorities and closed-session notice: Before moving to closed session, the chair cited Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (consultation with legal counsel), 551.072 (deliberation regarding real property), 551.074 (personnel matters) and 551.087 (economic development negotiations). The boards recessed to closed session at 6:23 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:25 p.m.; the chair announced there were no reportable actions from the closed session.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-12-19 (Tool Design Group LLC contract): Approved (motion and second; voice vote). Contract amount stated in the meeting: $134,001.54 (transcript contains a nearby repeated numeric fragment that appears inconsistent).

- Resolution 2025-12-20 (purchase and leaseback near Powell Pkwy & FM 455): Approved (motion and second; voice vote). Staff described a six-month leaseback to permit tenant relocation and generate lease revenue.

- Resolution 2025-12-21 (purchase near Hackberry Dr & North Pell Pkwy): Approved (motion and second; voice vote).

What this means: Staff said the illustrative map will create a marketing and regulatory foundation the city can present to prospective developers, and the property acquisitions are intended to secure sites for downtown redevelopment. Staff will return with budget amendments and further implementation steps as projects progress.