YEDC discusses grant application, holds final joint City Council meeting

The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC) discussed incentive programs and its grant application at the Dec. 16 meeting.

YEDC Executive Director Genora Young provided details outlining the revised local business and community service grant packages offered by the YEDC.

“A simplified process will give local businesses a more streamlined avenue to request assistance and the YEDC board a cleaner view of the requests that are submitted to them,” Young said.

Young also provided a brief report regarding retail leakage and will bring more detailed information to the board over the coming months.

The board also held its final bi-annual joint City Council meeting. Along with review of meeting minutes and financial reports, other important issues were addressed.

With a grant through the Texas General Land Office that provides assistance to the City to develop and incorporate a comprehensive plan, the Council and the YEDC Board members brainstormed ideas that are meant to revitalize and improve the community’s quality of life.

The boards also discussed overall zoning issues including the placement of manufactured homes within the City limits.

The boards looked at the options related to improvement to the wastewater treatment system and how upgrades to the FM 318 lift station would affect the intake at the City’s wastewater treatment plant.

Discussion was held regarding the new Yoakum Industrial Park II (IP2) located at the corner of Carl Ramert Dr. and Hwy 77-A North. The 63-acre tract is a strategic addition to the assets used by the YEDC to capture the interest of new and expanding or relocating businesses to Yoakum and an option for local businesses considering expansion. Young presented the 2024 YEDC Annual Report to the Council providing a summary of the accomplishments of the board over the past year and outlining the goals for the coming year.

“One thing that I have found since coming aboard in July of this year, is that our elected and appointed officials, along with all of the City of Yoakum staff have one goal; to find ways to help Yoakum thrive and improving the quality of life for all of our citizens,” City Manager Michael Mitchell said.