Downtown Weatherford Inc. reports local investment, unveils green‑space fundraising plan

Downtown Weatherford Inc. presented its biannual update to the Weatherford City Council, reporting nearly $9.99 million in private investment in the downtown central business district since 2022 and unveiling fundraising plans for a new green space at York Avenue and Spring Street.

The nonprofit’s update matters to downtown merchants, property owners and visitors because the organization reported tourism and marketing gains, detailed cultural‑arts spending and described a fundraising campaign to build and maintain a publicly leased green space.

Lindsay Montgomery, representing Downtown Weatherford Inc., said the organization celebrated its fifth anniversary and has “refined mission, vision and promise” language aimed at preserving and promoting downtown. Montgomery reported ‘‘since 2022, there have been approximately 9,992,300 invested in purchasing and improving property in downtown’’ and said roughly 20 properties in the Central Business District have new, locally based owners. She said the group spent more than $140,000 on cultural arts over the last four to five years and noted the Wine & Whiskey Walk drew more than 2,000 ticket holders from 115 ZIP codes, including 25 ZIP codes in 11 states.

Montgomery described plans for a green space at York and Spring and said the group has “just now beginning to raise funds for that.” She told council the group signed a lease with Parker County for the site and intends to maintain the space with annual operating funds provided by Downtown Weatherford Inc.

Council members asked detailed financial questions. Council Member Heidi Wilder noted that the third‑party reviewer Snow Garrett did not audit the financials and questioned discrepancies between line items on the group’s Form 990; Montgomery replied she would meet with Snow Garrett and provide clarified information. Council Member Zack (Zach) Smith asked about the estimated cost of the green space; Montgomery said the group was “probably looking around this quarter of about $400,000.” Montgomery confirmed that Downtown Weatherford Inc. receives contract funds from the city — listing a $12,500 city contribution that the presenter said was specifically for Sunset on the Square sponsorship — and said the organization’s only W‑2 employee is herself, supplemented by contract labor.

Council members requested clearer budget breakdowns for events and facade improvement grant facilitation. Montgomery and staff clarified that facade grants administered by the city are paid directly from the city to applicants, and any Downtown Weatherford Inc. role is informational and facilitative rather than a pass‑through of city funds. Council requested Downtown Weatherford Inc. provide financial materials at least 10 days before future presentations so council and staff may review them in advance.

No formal council action was required; the presentation was received and Montgomery was asked to follow up with the requested financial clarifications and facade‑grant coordination with city staff.