SUBJECT
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An Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability (LCUAS), only for the Garden Grounds of the “Canseco House”, excluding the house and storage room on 1415 Chihuahua St., in the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas. The new lease terms will be of three (3) years with an annual rate set and agreed by both parties at one dollar per year.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Policy 4.1.7 - Support and expand community gardens and urban farms
“Support and expand community gardens and urban farms to increase local food production, provide educational opportunities, and enhance neighborhood cohesion.”
Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.4
Relevance: The lease directly enables the LCUAS to continue operating its garden site, thereby fostering urban agriculture and supporting community-driven sustainability and education.
• Goal 4.1 - Strengthen and expand Laredo’s green infrastructure network
“Protect, enhance, and expand Laredo’s network of natural areas, parks, open space, trails, and greenways to preserve the city's environmental quality and provide recreation, transportation, and resilience benefits.”
Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 4.2
Relevance: By preserving the garden use of this site, the lease contributes to green space activation and community resilience in the central city.
• Goal 7.3 - Promote healthy eating and active lifestyles
“Promote programs and policies that enable Laredoans to make healthy lifestyle choices and ensure access to fresh, healthy food.”
Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.24
Relevance: LCUAS’s mission and programming directly encourage healthy food access and sustainability education, reinforcing public health objectives.
• Goal 8.3 - Expand partnerships with educational and non-profit institutions
“Leverage the resources, knowledge, and community presence of education and nonprofit partners to achieve shared goals for sustainability and equity.”
- Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.12
Relevance: This lease formalizes the City’s support of a local nonprofit aligned with the Plan’s vision for collaborative, mission-driven urban sustainability work.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed lease with LCUAS for the Garden Grounds at the Canseco House exhibits strong alignment with multiple verbatim goals and policies in the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. It ensures the continuation and formalization of urban agriculture activities that support Policy 4.1.7 and Goal 4.1, reinforcing the city’s investment in green infrastructure. The LCUAS mission to foster sustainability and food access advances Goal 7.3, while the City’s partnership with this nonprofit reflects the intent of Goal 8.3 to collaborate with community-based organizations. These activities not only provide environmental and public health benefits but also serve as a model for equitable, educational urban development.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On June 16, 2025, City Council introduced Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
LCUAS has been leasing the property located at 1415 Chihuahua Street on a month-to-month basis. Under the proposed lease agreement, the organization will lease the property for a term of three years. Due to necessary repairs needed for the building, only the Garden Grounds will be leased at this time. LCUAS's mission is to develop and implement programs that promote urban agriculture and environmental sustainability within the City of Laredo.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For the item to pass.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
That this Ordinance be approved.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2024-2025
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: Click or tap here to enter text.
Account #: Click or tap here to enter text.
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Revenue collections of $3.00 will be recorded in revenue account 101-0000-361-1060.