2013 was a banner year for the Marble Falls economy.  Gentle increases in taxable sales in 2011 and 2012 were superseded by record-breaking numbers in 2013.  Hotel receipts, already strong in 2011 and 2012, broke more records in 2013.  Building permits and valuations increased steadily through the year, bolstered by small projects related to an April hail storm and large projects like the Hurd Regional Medical Center, retail redevelopment, and new housing.  You’ll find some of the many highlights for the EDC and our community below.

January

The EDC’s $2.5 million performance agreement with Scott & White is formally approved by City Council.  The EDC approves the target sector study completed by TIP Strategies.

February

The February sales tax allocation from the Comptroller—which represents December and 4th Quarter sales activity—sets a new record and kicks off a year of unprecedented retail sales in Marble Falls.

March

The historic bridge over Lake Marble Falls is demolished to make way for the new southbound 281 bridge. Footage of the demolition yields more than a million views on YouTube.

April

The new Visitor Center, constructed using hotel occupancy tax dollars on land purchased by the EDC, officially opens.

May

Marble Falls voters elect Mayor George Russell and Councilmembers Ryan Nash, Jane Marie Hurst, and Butch Kemper to two-year terms on the Marble Falls City Council.

June

Baylor Scott & White Healthcare opens the 66,000 square foot specialty clinic on the Hurd Regional Medical Center campus.  The EDC receives an Economic Excellence Recognition from the Texas Economic Development Council at their Mid-Year Conference in Frisco.

July

The EDC board approves a new Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program and expenditures from the Community Leverage Line item toward South Main improvements and the extension of the city’s hike and bike trail system.

August

Marble Falls ISD announces that every campus in the district earns at least one academic distinction from the State’s accountability report.  Marble Falls was one of only three districts in the state with 4,000+ students—along with Lubbock Frenship and Kerrville—to attain this honor.

September

The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Marble Falls EDC team up to host Edible Austin’s “Edible Escape” at the Lakeside Pavilion.  The event brings together hundreds of chefs, winemakers, and attendees to the community.

October

At the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference in Philadelphia, the EDC wins a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for our web site and a Gold Medal as the Highest Performing Economic Development Organization under 25,000 people.

November

The EDC exhibits at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Texas Conference and meets with dozens of prospective developers, retailers, and restaurateurs about doing business in Marble Falls.

December

The Marble Falls City Council formally approves the ordinance to create a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone in Downtown Marble Falls.

If you would like to be a part of what’s to come in 2014, please contact us at 830/798-7079