Stafford's economic development fund grew $4.53 million during fiscal year 2025-26, reaching $25.86 million. The figures appear in financial reports headed to the Stafford Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) board Oct. 27.

The SEDC agenda packet breaks down the balance across three funds. The capital project fund holds $16.89 million, up $6.75 million from the prior year. The general fund dropped to $6.53 million from $10.43 million, and the debt service fund rose to $2.43 million from $753,522.

Of the total, $15.65 million is committed to capital projects, $1.62 million to debt service and $1.02 million for operating expenses. The remaining $7.57 million is unassigned.

Sales tax revenue, the SEDC's primary income source, came in at $6.12 million through August, a 5.36% decrease from fiscal year 2024-25. The SEDC's $25.6 million investment portfolio earned $819,378 in interest year-to-date at a weighted average yield of 3.84%.

Capital project spending remains in early stages. The board has budgeted $16.43 million across six projects but spent just $778,082 so far.

A $7 million commercial street repair project has drawn $106,146. A $2 million parks project has not yet recorded any expenditures. A drainage rehabilitation effort budgeted at $6.63 million has spent $319,036.

Wilmington Regional Transit, a passenger transportation company with a Stafford mailing address, will present a pitch for public transit service in Fort Bend County. The company's proposal envisions Stafford as a regional transit hub at the intersection of U.S. 59/I-69, U.S. 90A, State Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Parkway.

According to its website, WRT plans commuter and demand-response service seven days a week across Stafford, Missouri City and Sugar Land. SEDC President Randy Krahn requested the presentation, and Kimberly Wingate represented WRT at the board's Sept. 22 meeting.

Keith Henry, CEO of Four KH Express LLC, will present a workforce development initiative called the Stafford Career Pipeline. His proposal requests a $75,000 investment for a 90-day pilot serving 25 participants. Economic development consultant Joseph Esch noted in a memo that Henry submitted an unsolicited letter seeking funds from the city, United Way and Fort Bend County.

Bryan Blaum, president of FMsquared, will update the board on Stafford Centre operations. The venue's September report lists events through December, including the Sugar Plum Market on Nov. 4-6 and the Urban Nutcracker on Dec. 19-20.

The SEDC transferred $750,000 to the Stafford Centre for capital repairs this fiscal year. Maintenance crews completed an inspection of the new roof, carpet stain removal and drywall repairs in September.

The board will also discuss scheduling meetings in November and December. The SEDC historically does not meet during those months, but Krahn asked staff to propose dates.

Separately, the city received formal approval of a $250,000 grant for a comprehensive land use plan, according to Esch's October update.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Stafford City Hall, 2610 South Main St. Each agenda item includes time for public comment.