Fort Bend Economic Development Council could disband by summer 2024

After receiving recommendations from a consultant, the nearly 40-year-old public-private partnership could dissolve by June

The nearly 40-year-old Fort Bend Economic Development Council could disband by next summer.

For many years, the council has operated similarly to an economic development department for the county, facilitating connections between developers, businesses and county officials.

However, in 2022, the county created an Economic Development and Opportunities Department in response to rapid growth. Both the county and the council have been working with a consulting firm, TIP Strategies, Inc., to create a strategic plan for economic development in the region and help redefine their roles.

Carlos Guzman is the director of the county's economic development department.

"We're trying to think ahead the next 10, 20, 30 years — how do we position the county?" he said.

Recently, the consultant recommended that the Economic Development Council "reorient" the organization and change its staff and board, or create a completely new mission with a new staff and board, according to a statement from the council.

Based on the recommendations from the consultant, the council's board began to consider dissolving the council.

The council will hear final recommendations in January but says barring new information, it will likely move to disband by June 30.

"The Executive Committee agreed to cancel all board meetings for the rest of the year as they continue to work with the County and TIP Strategies," the council said in a statement.

In a statement from the commissioner's court, county officials said they would create a committee with representatives from both the private and public sectors to provide feedback on how to grow the county's economy.

"Even if the [council] chooses to close, the County is committed to working with the cities and private sector to keep Fort Bend County moving forward," the statement said.