Rowlett council creates Downtown Advisory Board to guide downtown planning; council sets six‑week application window

Council adopted an ordinance to add a Downtown Advisory Board to the code of ordinances. The board will have five voting members, two alternates, two ex officio representatives (one appointed by DART and one by the Rowlett Area Chamber), and two council liaisons. Qualifications listed in the ordinance are non‑exclusive and include owning property or operating a business in downtown Rowlett, residency in downtown, professional experience in economic development, planning, mobility or arts and culture.

Council and staff discussed outreach and timeline; the mayor proposed a six‑week application window and proactive outreach to downtown businesses and a distribution list. Council amended the handbook to allow more than one council liaison and clarified notice requirements to reflect state law. The ordinance and handbook amendment passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the board is intended to coordinate downtown strategy and help implement the downtown strategic plan; membership design and outreach timing will determine early priorities and community representation.