EDAC - LVISD City Council Liaison Report

[Norma Owen]

Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) - Report to City Council – February 10, 2026
Bottom Line for Council​

At this time:

• No immediate action required beyond EDC formation item already in progress.
• ️ Potential future action related to EDA matching funds.
• Strategic monitoring items: mobility, tourism positioning, corridor study alignment.

Overall Theme:
The meeting focused on preparing for the formal launch of the EDC, advancing grant strategies, strengthening tourism positioning, and reinforcing the connection between quality-of-life initiatives and long-term economic vitality.

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The Economic Development Advisory Committee met on February 10, 2026, for what is anticipated to be its final meeting prior to formal transition into the new Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

Council Liaison Update​

Council recently held a workshop on e-bike policy. No ordinance or direction was issued; the discussion was exploratory. Several speakers framed e-bikes as a potential tourism and outdoor recreation amenity, with opportunities tied to youth engagement, small business support, and trail connectivity. A new bike shop opening on Lohman Ford expressed interest in partnering with the City on training and safety education initiatives.

Council also advanced the formal dissolution of the prior EDC structure and launch of the new EDC, expected to appear on the upcoming consent agenda. A CAMPO Lohman Ford corridor study resolution was approved to support further evaluation of corridor improvements.

Staff Report​

• A regional business considering expansion has Lago Vista on its short list; staff will continue engagement.
• January sales tax collections totaled approximately $100,005, reflecting an increase over the prior year.
• The City has been accepted into the Governor’s Tourism Friendly Texas Program, enhancing tourism positioning and marketing opportunities.
• North Shore Eye Care was recognized for long-standing service in the community.
• Staff recommended coordinating the March EDC meeting with City Council to allow the grant writer to present to both bodies in the same week.

Chamber of Commerce Report​

• The Chamber finalized a new agreement with a local printer for the Navigator newspaper, reducing costs and turnaround time.
• Community Choice Awards and Dueling Pianos Night are scheduled for February 26.
• “Backstage Pass” luncheons will rotate among local businesses, beginning with Oak Ridge Archery.
• Planning is underway for a State of the City event in March.

Grant Update​

Discussion included:

• A T-Mobile grant opportunity (~$50,000) with no match requirement, currently prioritized due to strong probability of success.
• Potential EDA grants, which would require matching funds; prior Council allocation of $100,000 was not carried forward this fiscal year.
• The future EDC may serve as an alliance partner and provide letters of support.
• Grant coordination efforts are focused on layering grants strategically to create matching opportunities where possible.

A committee member offered volunteer real estate expertise to assist in identifying and analyzing potential sites for future projects, while noting conflict-of-interest considerations.

Transition to EDC​

The Committee discussed:

• Adding language to the EDC bylaws to formally allow Council Members to serve as non-voting ad hoc participants.
• Scheduling post-formation training with legal counsel to review bylaws, statutory requirements, compliance, and the EDC’s relationship with the City.
• Anticipated board reorganization once officially formed.

Public Safety & Quality of Life​

Discussion centered on aligning public safety, trails, e-bike activity, and tourism as part of broader economic development strategy. Conversations with developers and community partners indicate support for collaborative trail and pathway planning. The Chamber may assist with community messaging and event tie-ins (e.g., upcoming bike race and safety education efforts).

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[Norma Owen]

Lago Vista Independent School District - Report to City Council – February 10, 2026

Bottom line for Council
1. The District is in planning mode
2. New trustee appointment (Brian Caller)

Possible Council-Level Actions
>Attending March 24 public input session
>Identifying City strategic items that intersect with LVSD planning
>Monitoring SB11 implications if they relate to emergency preparedness or safety coordination

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At the February 9, 2026 meeting of the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees, the Board formally accepted the resignation of Trustee Greg Zaleski and, in accordance with state law, voted to appoint Brian Caller to fill Place 5 for the remainder of the unexpired term through November 2026. The Board chose appointment rather than calling a special election, avoiding additional cost to taxpayers. The meeting also highlighted significant student achievements, including the High School Cheer Team’s 2026 UIL State Championship (setting a state record for most titles across all divisions), strong national competition results, All-Region Band recognitions, and the 7th Grade Girls Basketball team’s undefeated district championship season.

The Board addressed a Level III FNG grievance, following established procedure, and voted to deny the grievance after hearing presentations in open session and deliberating in closed session. Policy Update 126 was adopted (including a reduction of agenda posting from 10 days to 7 days), a resolution related to Texas Senate Bill 11 was approved, and routine financial and governance items were adopted, including updates to authorized representatives for TexPool and Lone Star Investment Pool reflecting the superintendent transition.

Superintendent Dr. Curran provided an update on upcoming strategic planning with the “Team of 8,” with a kickoff scheduled for March 23 and public participation opportunities planned for March 24 and tentatively April 29. These sessions will provide community input as the district shapes future priorities. I encourage residents interested in the district’s long-term direction to review the meeting packet and recording and to participate in the upcoming public sessions.

Of note is the Strategic Planning - "Team of 8"
Dr. Curran announced upcoming strategic planning:

• March 23 – Team of 8 Kickoff
• March 24 – Public Participation Session
• April 29 (tentative) – Additional Public Input

Council Interest:
The district is shaping future priorities. From a City perspective, this intersects with:

• Long-term growth projections
• Facilities planning
• Traffic & infrastructure
• Joint-use opportunities (fields, performing arts, emergency shelter concepts, etc.)
• Community center discussions
  

Councilors may want to:

• Attend at least one public participation session.
• Ensure City strategic planning timelines are aligned.
• Explore cross-alignment between district facilities planning and City CIP planning.