Leon Valley committee hears priorities from new economic development director; Tiffany Bradfield named vice chair

The City of Leon Valley Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee on Monday welcomed Sarah Whipple as its new economic development director and special projects director and discussed priorities including redevelopment of vacant commercial sites, workforce development and local business promotion. The committee also confirmed Tiffany Bradfield as vice chair and scheduled a follow‑up meeting to receive a psychographic report to guide project selection.

Whipple, who said she started at the city in late April, walked members through the committee's duties and the ordinance that governs it, emphasizing confidentiality around incentive negotiations and explaining that the committee can either respond to City Council direction or propose its own objectives to bring before the council. "I'm the new economic development director and special projects director with the City of Leon Valley," she said. She urged members to identify focused objectives the committee can complete and return to council with recommendations.

The committee discussed several possible priorities Whipple presented, including land‑use and redevelopment work, workforce initiatives and marketing the city to retain spending from new housing. Staff noted three properties the city recently demolished ' the former Sonic, the old Comfort Cafe and the former Leon Valley Vet Clinic ' and suggested the committee consider redevelopment or recruitment strategies for those sites. Whipple told members, "you don't have funds. You don't have any money," clarifying that the advisory committee makes recommendations but does not control the city's incentive funds or final spending decisions.

Members asked for data to ground the committee's choices. Staff committed to present a psychographic and demographic report at the next meeting showing local work/live/play statistics, owner/renter splits and major local employers; that report will include vacancy and sales tax context to help the committee pick a practicable objective. The committee agreed to meet Monday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. to review the report and develop ideas to forward to City Council; staff flagged July 21 as the council meeting when recommendations could be presented.

Council representatives introduced themselves and offered support: Mayor Pro Tem Mirch was named as the committee's council liaison and council members encouraged work the committee could take to retain spending from roughly 400 new homes expected to be built near Leon Valley. Staff also reported that the city has been purchasing water to support growth and estimated an additional need of about 215 acre‑feet to support future development.

On committee operations the members agreed that incoming appointees would complete the nine‑member panel (seven members and two alternates). Chair Yvonne Orozco agreed to remain in the chair role for the near term; Tiffany Bradfield was nominated and seconded for vice chair and the committee confirmed her by voice vote.

The committee listed potential near‑term projects including a redevelopment focus for the recently demolished parcels, a renewed "shop local" and small business education push, and outreach to partner organizations (county, UTSA, nonprofit business assistance programs) to connect local entrepreneurs to training and grants. Staff cited existing regional programs and noted the committee could help promote and route businesses to those supports.

The committee adjourned at 7:39 p.m.; members will reconvene on June 22 to review the psychographic report and consider a recommendation to send to City Council in July.