Work Session - Eco Dev Update and Annual Report

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Kim Buttram, Director of Economic Development, presented the Economic Development Department Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Strategic Plan. She stated that the Economic Development Department has a Vision Statement developed from the Strategic Plan which states " Rooted in tradition, Mesquite is a welcoming city with a Texas heart - boldly charting new paths and embracing fresh ideas to build better lives and grow prosperity for all." The department focuses on being intentional, cohesive, strategic and prepared. Ms. Buttram recognized members of City Council, the Mesquite Economic Development Advisory Board (MEDA), the Downtown Development Advisory Board, and Economic Development Department Staff. Ms. Buttram stated that the Economic Development Department strategic objectives for Fiscal Year 2024-25 inlcude: (1) Promote investment in new and existing businesses; (2) Develop a long term economic and land use plan for Military Parkway/Downtown, Gus Thomasson Corridor, Creek Crossing, Trinity Pointe, and Town East Mall; (3) Promote revitalization of targeted retail and business centers; (4) Continue emphasis on Downtown Revitalization; (5) Cultivate a robust pool of skilled workers and stakeholder partnerships; and (6) Implement a long-range plan for the Mesquite Metro Airport. Ms. Buttram stated that the Fiscal Year 2024-25 key accomplishments include: (1) Mesquite was ranked 2nd in North Texas for the 2nd year in a row by the Dallas Business Journal for $2 billion in investment; (2) Ribbons cut for Hithium, Zipline International, Harmon expansion and Town East Asian Buffet; (3) Ground Breakings for Shadow Creek, Camping World, Senox, Mesquite 80, and BJs Wholesale Club; (4) Sears tract entitlements and development agreement; (5) Completion and adoption of the Downtown Ordinance; (6) Acquisitions of two key properties for Downtown business development; (7) Six Target Areas analysis begun; (8) Gus Thomasson zoning plan begun; (9) MEDA board assisted with the Incentive Policy draft; (10) Formed a community-wide Young Professionals Group; and (11) Mesquite Convention Center remodel kick-off. Ms. Buttram stated that the Economic Development Department Awards for Fiscal Year 2024-25 include: (1) Community Economic Development Award (CEDA) Best Project for Secondary Benefits for Canadian Solar, from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC); (2) Best Downtown Business by the Texas Downtown Association (TDA) for MVP Nutrition; (3) Urban Gold Award by the American Planning Association - TX Chapter (APATX) for Front Street Station; and (4) Texas Destination Excellence Award from the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) for the Mesquite Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB). Ms. Buttram reviewed the economic snapshot, demographic snapshot, sales tax performance, real estate performance, development agreements, and the top 50 taxpayer analysis. The City has approximately 54,000 households and the median household income is approximately $73,580.00. Multifamily residential developments include: The Fielder, Torrington Creekside, Avanti Hills, Palladium Carver Living, Military Parkway Living, Motley Senior Living, Town East Trails Senior Living, Torrington Briarwood, and Aura Fairways. Single-Family residential developments include: Ridge Ranch, Solterra, Valley Brooke, Polo Ridge, Talia, and Berkshire Estates. The work session ended at 6:47 p.m.