SUBJECT
title
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas amending Resolution 2025-R-113 to change the project location from El Mercado to the Federal Courthouse building, in accordance with the requirements of the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC); authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $664,890.00 from the Southwest Border Regional Commission under the Economic and Infrastructure Development (EID) 2025 grant program with a local match funded through the 2022 Certificate of Obligation in the amount of $133,00.00, for a total grant amount of $797,890.00. The grant is to support facility improvements for the purpose of creating economic development programs and projects; further authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary to implement the award of this grant.
body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council approved grant submission on April 22, 2025.
BACKGROUND
On March 3, 2025 the Economic Development Administration released a grant opportunity under the 2025 Economic and Infrastructure Development (EID) grant program. This cycle will fund projects that promote economic development in parts of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas - with a focus on distressed counties in order to revitalize and transform communities.
This grant was originally submitted for El Mercado and as per SBRC requirements, was not eligible as a blighted property. Therefore, the Federal Courthouse Building located at 1300 Matamoros has been considered for this grant.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 6.1 - Promote economic growth and diversification
“Support economic development initiatives that attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Laredo’s economic base.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.3 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 6.1.4 - Leverage public facilities for economic development
“Utilize public facilities and strategic infrastructure investments to support economic development programs and entrepreneurial activity.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.6 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Goal 6.2 - Support economic competitiveness and regional collaboration
“Enhance infrastructure and partnerships that strengthen Laredo’s role within the regional and binational economy.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.8 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Policy 6.2.3 - Pursue external funding for economic and infrastructure projects
“Aggressively pursue state, federal, and regional funding opportunities to support economic development and infrastructure improvements.”
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.10 - Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan)
Summary of alignment:
This resolution demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by advancing economic development through strategic facility improvements and regional funding partnerships. Acceptance of SBRC EID grant funding directly supports Goal 6.1 and Policy 6.1.4 by investing in a public facility to house and expand economic development programs and projects that contribute to job creation and economic diversification.
The amendment of the project location to meet SBRC requirements reflects effective intergovernmental coordination and supports Goal 6.2, which emphasizes regional collaboration to enhance Laredo’s competitiveness within the Southwest border region. Furthermore, the pursuit and acceptance of SBRC funding directly fulfills Policy 6.2.3, reinforcing the City’s commitment to leveraging external resources for infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
Overall, the agenda item aligns with broader planning themes of economic development, infrastructure investment, regional cooperation, and fiscal stewardship, justifying a Strong level of alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Click or tap here to enter text.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approval of item
end
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: 2022 Certificate of Obligation Bond
Account #: 475-9810-535-9201 (CRTHSE)
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$133,000.00 475-9810-535-9301 (CRTHSE)