Regional development group asks Lamar council for work session to present 'shovel ready' program

Tally Harmon, director of Prowers Economic Prosperity (PEP), told the Lamar City Council on Sept. 22 that PEP has provided technical assistance to 43 businesses this year and is launching a "shovel ready" program designed to make commercial land and projects more attractive to investors. Harmon asked council for a work session on Sept. 29 to present the program in detail and to discuss PEP's annual contribution.

The proposal would create a project repository and a shovel-ready certification intended to simplify development navigation for businesses and developers, Harmon said. She described a five-year goal to prepare 100 or more acres for development and said PEP will use an initial commercial project under contract to pilot the program. Harmon also described other PEP activities: façade-improvement reimbursements (a $1,000 reimbursable grant program), quarterly incentive approvals and workforce-development events, including an Oct. 8 career fair and an Oct. 14 VIP social.

The presentation highlighted recent local wins: PEP recently approved incentives for Teridian Agrico, an environmentally controlled calf development facility, and reported nine facade-improvement applications approved so far this year. Harmon invited councilmembers to attend a tour and incentive presentation for Teridian Agrico scheduled the week following the meeting.

PEP requested the Sept. 29 work session so council and staff can examine the program's capacity needs and the organization's annual contribution; Harmon emphasized the program is meant to be a one-stop repository that helps prospective developers quickly find planning, permitting and incentive information.

Council did not take a final action on the proposal at the Sept. 22 meeting; Harmon's request for a work session was recorded and will be scheduled by staff if feasible. The council's next regular meeting was announced for Oct. 13, 2025.