SUBJECT
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Discussion with possible action on proposed funding amounts for FY 2025-2026 for 3rd Party Funding contracts through General Fund and Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax as recommended by the Civic Partnership and Engagement Advisory Committee and staff.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Moderate
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 8.4 - Promote transparent, inclusive, and equitable governance.
"Expand opportunities for citizen participation in government."
(Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.14)
Relevance: Third-party funding mechanisms, especially those vetted by civic committees, represent a form of indirect civic participation and institutional partnership that supports inclusivity and transparency in municipal financial planning.
Goal 6.6 - Celebrate and strengthen Laredo’s identity, culture, and tourism sector.
"Support efforts to promote tourism and attract outside investment, with a focus on arts, culture, and heritage."
(Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.33)
Relevance: Funding through the Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax often supports cultural and tourism-related organizations, aligning with efforts to enhance Laredo’s cultural identity and economic development through arts and heritage promotion.
Policy 8.5.1 - Build partnerships with nonprofits, civic institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
"Partner with nonprofits and civic groups to implement plan goals and policies."
(Source: Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 8.16)
Relevance: This policy supports the City’s engagement with third-party entities as a vehicle to deliver services aligned with community goals and strategic development areas.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed discussion on FY 2025-2026 third-party funding amounts demonstrates moderate alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by advancing civic engagement, public-private partnership, and cultural development. While it does not directly fulfill a singular plan goal verbatim, it facilitates the implementation of citywide objectives through funded partnerships that support inclusive governance (Goal 8.4), cultural and tourism programming (Goal 6.6), and institutional collaboration (Policy 8.5.1).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On January 21, 2025, City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-R-26, which established the Civic Partnership and Engagement Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND
Local nonprofit organizations had the opportunity to submit an application to be considered for funding. The application process opened on February 16, 2025 and closed on March 20, 2025. Shorty after that the staff initiated the review of the applications to prepare a report for the committee.
On May 29, 2025, the advisory committee met to discuss applications and concluded their review and recommendations by June 11, 2025.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That the recommended amounts be approved.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
That this motion is passed.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: General Fund
Account #: 101-3010
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
General Fund: $337,991.33
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Hotel Motel
Account #: 244-49
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Hotel Motel: $363,750.00