Ginny Cross
VP Government Affairs
This week’s City Council meeting was a powerful reminder of how closely our local government decisions impact our region’s prosperity, public safety, and quality of life. From water supply and emergency preparedness to fiscal responsibility and ethical governance, June 10 was packed with issues the business community is watching closely. Here’s our breakdown of the key moments and what they mean for Corpus Christi.
🍋 Starting on a Positive Note: Lemonade Day Recognition
We’d like to thank the Mayor and Council for kicking off the meeting with a proclamation recognizing Lemonade Day Coastal Bend—a program that builds youth entrepreneurship and encourages our future business leaders. It was a refreshing moment of unity and a nod to the values we all share: education, opportunity, and community investment.
🌪 Emergency Preparedness: Ready or Not, Hurricane Season Is Here
City staff laid out extensive planning efforts to prepare for hurricane season. Coordination with regional partners, full-scale evacuation exercises, sandbag distribution, and vulnerable population outreach were all on the agenda. We’re particularly encouraged by the city’s emphasis on “No resident left behind”—a principle that aligns closely with our Chamber’s focus on resilience for every business and family in Corpus Christi. Click here to visit the City’s Hurricane Preparedness & Response Resources Page.
Of note: the Fire Department will now receive cancer screening tests through a partnership with Grail Inc.—a critical investment in the health of those who serve and protect.
💧 Water Supply: The STWA Brackish Project Moves Forward
Water was front and center as the council approved moving forward with a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Texas Water Authority for a new brackish desalination project near Driscoll.
We commend the council for advancing this partnership. Delaying infrastructure only increases long-term costs—a point our Chamber continues to highlight. With lake levels below 15%, we can’t afford to wait.
Other water updates included progress on the Evangeline and Eevee Ranch projects, rehabilitation of Nueces River wells, and financing through revenue-supported utility bonds totaling $181 million. Importantly, this is not taxpayer-funded debt.
🧭 Ethics and Governance: Calls for Accountability
A proposal to change how audit committee appointments are made—adding a check-and-balance requiring council majority approval—sparked debate. While non-binding, the decision reflects a broader discussion on transparency, council authority, and the balance between trust and oversight.
🎉 Community and Culture
Local leaders from the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education expressed disappointment that their Juneteenth proclamation was not formally read, despite organizing a major event celebrating the 160th anniversary. We echo their call for recognition of events that enrich our cultural and economic landscape.
Big news for the arts: The historic Ritz Theatre will receive a $30 million state restoration grant. We look forward to seeing this landmark come back to life and support downtown revitalization.
💰 City Budget & Finance: Gaps and Gains
As the city begins developing its FY26 budget, an initial shortfall of $7–13 million has been identified. The council is requesting public input through an open survey.
Other financial highlights:
- Revenues remain steady, especially from property and sales taxes
- Public safety makes up 52% of general fund expenditures
- Water revenues are up, thanks to increased wholesale sales
- Cost-saving strategies are helping keep utility operations under budget
From a business perspective, we encourage continued investment in long-term infrastructure while managing costs smartly.
🚧 Infrastructure: Progress with Caution
Several key projects are underway, including:
- Animal Care Services yard improvements
- Continued progress on 2020, 2022, and 2024 bond programs
- Discussions around finishing previously delayed road work
The Chamber supports the return of Certificates of Obligation as a financing tool. In a time where project costs have skyrocketed 50% over five years, inaction is the real cost.
A particularly emotional issue was the proposed Hillcrest re-zoning to heavy industry, which has been postponed to June 24. Longtime residents voiced passionate opposition, citing health concerns and a sense of being pushed out. The Chamber encourages thoughtful dialogue and transparency on decisions that impact neighborhood stability and equity.
🏛 Convention Center Naming Rights: Heated Debate
Should the Convention Center go to the highest bidder—or the best community partner? That was the question in a lengthy debate, with Thomas J. Henry as a controversial potential sponsor. A non-binding motion passed in favor of awarding naming rights to the highest financial contributor, reflecting a push for maximizing public benefit.
📋 Oversight and Audits
Finally, several council members requested an audit into payments made to Luminere Inc., citing concerns over taxpayer waste. The city defended its actions, noting the use of grant funds rather than general fund dollars. The audit request was approved, underscoring the growing tension between council oversight and staff autonomy.
🗣️ Public Comment Changes: New Time, Ongoing Debate
Effective July 15, 2025, public comment at City Council meetings will move from noon to 5:30 p.m. This change is intended to improve accessibility for residents who work during the day—but it comes with important considerations.
Council acknowledged that quorum may not always be maintained during the evening comment period, but legally the meeting can remain in session until adjournment. This shift raised questions about how responsive council will be during a period that could occur without official action-taking ability.
For businesses and residents alike, this time change creates new opportunities for civic participation—but also highlights the need for clear communication, consistent engagement, and accountability from our elected leaders.
What’s Next
The issues raised on June 10 reflect both the challenges and opportunities in front of us. As a Chamber, we remain committed to advocating for:
- Smart, drought-resilient water solutions
- Continued road and infrastructure investment
- Fiscal responsibility with transparency
- Inclusive community recognition and support
- Fair, data-driven economic development policies
We encourage our members and residents to stay informed and make their voices heard. This is your city—and your future.
Stay tuned for updates on the Hillcrest re-zoning, the water project contracts, and the FY26 budget development. Want to weigh in? Take the City’s budget survey and make sure your priorities are reflected.
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