Fulshear EDC previews parking-structure study, recaps ICSC and spotlights small-business outreach

City staff told the Fulshear Development Corporation on May 27 that the parking-structure density study and related renderings and cost projections will be presented at a special joint A/B board meeting in June. Staff said Seymour Cooper will attend to present the study and that staff will meet nearby property owners to gather feedback on site collaboration and feasibility.

"At that meeting, we will have Seymour Cooper attend, and present the findings of their study, the renderings, the projected cost of the parking structure and, let you all ask your questions," staff said. The study is meant to address downtown parking constraints that currently limit the size and type of development on fragmented parcels.

Staff also recapped attendance at the ICSC convention in Las Vegas, saying staff and the EDC director had many meetings with brokers, developers and retailers and that follow-up meetings are scheduled to move several recruitment projects forward.

On small-business support, staff described a rapid response after a local booth-rental business declared bankruptcy: staff organized a "Shop Full" event at Irene Stern that drew more than 23 small businesses and strong community turnout. Staff said the event was organized in roughly 10 days, included a mix of vendors and even kid-owned businesses, and drew requests to expand or repeat the format; staff floated ideas for rotation, outdoor vendor activation and shuttles to handle parking constraints.

A franchisee workshop that helps would-be local franchise owners pair with compatible franchisors is scheduled for late June at City Hall; staff said the workshop costs the city nothing because commissions are paid by participating retailers to the franchise service.

Staff asked the board to send ideas for budget or project priorities ahead of the June FY27 budget presentation and said preliminary draft budgets and the ASA for FY27 will be presented at the June meeting.