SUBJECT
title
Authorizing the City Manager to execute (12) twelve individual contracts with the following Hotel/Motel recipients totaling $418,750.00 for FY 2025-2026. Funding is available in the Hotel/Motel Fund.
|
Organization |
Amount |
|
Border Olympics |
$135,000.00 |
|
Boys and Girls Club |
$18,750.00 |
|
Laredo Center for the Arts |
$10,000.00 |
|
Laredo Chamber of Commerce |
$35,000.00 |
|
Laredo Cultural District |
$5,000.00 |
|
Laredo Heat Youth Soccer, Inc |
$40,000.00 |
|
Laredo Main Street |
$25,000.00 |
|
Princess Pocahontas Council, Inc |
$5,000.00 |
|
TAMIU Alumni Association |
$20,000.00 |
|
The Society of Martha Washington |
$17,000.00 |
|
Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) |
$75,000.00 |
|
Webb County Heritage Foundation |
$33,000.00 |
|
Total Budget |
$418,750.00 |
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Moderate
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 4.1 - Expand Laredo’s role as a regional center for tourism, culture, and commerce.
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.3)
“Promote Laredo’s unique culture, history, and natural resources to attract visitors and strengthen its identity as a regional destination.”
Policy 4.1.2 - Support tourism infrastructure and hospitality services.
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.5)
“Encourage the development of tourism-related infrastructure, including hotels, conference facilities, and cultural venues that enhance visitor experiences.”
Goal 4.3 - Promote sustainable economic development and diversification.
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.10)
“Support initiatives that expand the city’s economic base, create jobs, and foster private investment.”
Summary of alignment:
This agenda item demonstrates moderate alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. The allocation of Hotel/Motel funds to recipients supports Goal 4.1 and Policy 4.1.2 by directly investing in the hospitality sector, which is central to strengthening Laredo’s tourism identity. While the item does not create new infrastructure or facilities, it provides financial support to existing hotel/motel recipients, indirectly contributing to sustaining visitor services and promoting Laredo’s economy.
Additionally, the action relates to Goal 4.3 by facilitating private-sector activity in the hospitality industry, reinforcing economic development and diversification. The alignment is categorized as moderate rather than strong because the item does not directly fulfill a verbatim policy (e.g., construction of new tourism infrastructure or explicit cultural promotion), but instead provides operational financial support that indirectly advances these goals.
Broader intersections include economic development, cultural promotion, and regional competitiveness as tourism funding contributes to citywide economic vitality and identity-building efforts.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Appropriations approved on September 15, 2025, Council meeting through the adoption of the FY 2025-2026 Budget.
BACKGROUND
The agencies submitted applications for review by the Civic Partnership and Engagement Committee. The Committee and city staff submitted the recommendations for funding the City Council during the Budget workshop.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Civic Partnership and Engagement Committee and Staff recommended funding for these agencies.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
For City Council to approve this motion.
end
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Hotel/Motel
Account #: 244-4920, 244-4930
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Aid Other Agencies division in Hotel/Motel Fund.