Economic Development Committee

Meetings

The Committee would meet no less than once a quarter and shall be comprised of 7 to 15 citizen members, one City Council liaison, and one City staff liaison.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Jennifer Austin
    Appointed: April 2022
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • Donald Tracy
    Appointed: October 2023
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • JP Bartonico
    Appointed: October 2023
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • Andy Eis
    Appointed: March 2021
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • Kevin Lancaster
    Appointed: October 2023
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • Stephen Chang
    Appointed: October 2023
    Term Expires: October 2026
  • Tiesa Hollaway
    Appointed: October 2023
    Term Expires: October 2026

Overview

Established by city ordinance (PDF), the Economic Development Committee supports, promotes, encourages, and advocates for developments that strengthen the local economy and diversify the tax base in a way that is consistent with the character of Leander.

As citizens and members of the business community, Economic Development Committee members serve as a conduit of information between the business community and City of Leander. The committee serves in an advisory capacity only and does not make decisions on behalf of the city as it relates to development projects, incentives, or administration.

View board duties/responsibilities (PDF).

Each committee member shall be appointed by Leander City Council. To qualify for appointment to the Economic Development Committee, members shall either be a Leander citizen or shall own property or a business that operates in the city limits.

Blue HouseMission

Responsible for working with the Mayor, City Council and City Staff to facilitate development of a healthy/diversified economy in which businesses can locate/relocate/grow and prosper, and all residents have opportunities for economic prosperity. Provide feedback to both the Citizens of Leander and City Staff through research, information and a common goal consistent with the City's Master Plan, Comprehensive Plan and Council's direction.

The EDC shall be comprised of no less than 7 members and no more than 15 members with preference given to individuals with professional expertise in the following sectors: Education, Real Estate, Industrial, Technology, Non-Profit, Small Business, Retail, Banking and Utilities. There shall also be citizen members as well as a City Council Liaison. The Economic Director or his appointee shall act as the City Liaison and provide guidance and feedback. Qualifications for Committee Members shall be that they are Citizens of Leander or property owners or doing business in the City of Leander and a registered voters. The Committee would meet no less than once a quarter.

Purpose

The Purpose of the Committee Shall Be:

  • Identify changing economic trends and development resources available to the City of Leander
  • Develop and advocate for an economic development strategy that maximizes commercial property tax revenues and generates employment opportunities as part of a broader, long-range strategic plan for the community as established by City Staff and Council
  • Continuously review Leander's regulations and zoning for consistency with the City's economic development goals, and to make any applicable recommendations to improve permitting, licensing and regulatory functions
  • Promote streamlining the City's regulatory processes as related to commercial development
  • Advocate for state and federal legislation and regulations that advance economic development in Leander and the Region
  • Work with Staff to obtain Federal and state grant funds to further the economic development strategy
  • Support and encourage new businesses seeking to locate in Leander and existing businesses seeking to remain or expand in Leander
  • Prepare and distribute material and data advertising the advantages of the City for the purpose of attracting appropriate non-residential development
  • Act as a source for business leads that will be brought to the attention of the City Staff liaison. The Committee is also responsible for providing information to staff relative to business development situations perceived or real affecting the business climate within the City
  • Develop and maintain inventory of government sponsored business grants and loans along with other benefits available to those operating within the City
  • Determine the desirability of an EDC section under the City home webpage promoting Leander's business environment and to develop the general content thereof
    Recommend the creation of multi-media presentations promoting Leander's business opportunities
  • Develop regularly scheduled progress reports to the Mayor and City Council

Further Information

For more information, please contact Economic Development at 512-528-2855.