The city committee will “will support, promote, encourage and advocate projects that expand the city's commercial tax base in a manner that strengthens the local economy and diversifies the tax base consistent with the character of our community,” according to the approved ordinance. It will serve as an advisory committee and will not have the authority to make any decisions.
Mayor Troy Hill said the city’s previous economic development committee, which was formed around 2012, joined with the chamber about two years ago as to not “step on toes." Now, the committee is returning to the city of Leander.
The committee will have between seven and 15 members. Preference would be given to Leander residents or business owners with professional experience in the education, real estate, industrial, technology, nonprofit, small business, retail, banking and utilities sectors, according to the approved ordinance.
When candidates for the open council seat came forward in October, Hill said there was a great interest in economic development, and it would be good to utilize the talent pool in Leander. City Council will select the members in the same process for other city commissions. Applications should be posted in the next week and will remain open for about four weeks, city spokesperson Mike Neu said.
“I’m just so glad that we’re bringing it back in house,” Council Member Marci Cannon said.
