City of College Station recognized for economic development

Duffel Pud

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"Our staff has worked really hard in creating an economic development strategy that really focuses on a number of different things. Particularly focusing on business, making sure that businesses are retained within our community, that they have the needed tools to expand," explained Chief Development Officer Michael Ostrowski with the city."

Does Michael talk to the CM? Because I'm not sure that's what the strategy is.

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maroon barchetta

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In reply to Duffel Pud • 8:23a, 3/10/25

I saw that. It was confusing for sure.

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MyNameIsJeff

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8:27a, 3/10/25

AG

"Really focuses on a number of different things". That's... not what "focus" means.

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BCSWguru

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9:13a, 3/10/25

how much did COCS pay out to get this award?

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aggie-1997

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9:15a, 3/10/25

AG

I don't know what our attrition rate is for businesses compared to other cities, but it seems high. Interesting they are focused on businesses when it feels like we have businesses closing every week.

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Brian Alg

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10:17a, 3/10/25

Before he moved to his current role, Ostrowski was the guy who pushed through the shared housing as the director of Planning and Development.

https://texags.com/forums/35/topics/3320889/
https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/pds/shared_housing

He intentionally crafted it so that pretty much any home design required a waiver from the city. When I talked with him about it, he gave me the impression that he has no appreciation for how disruptive it is to be uncertain what the city will allow. It was as if he didn't see how it was a problem at all. He argued that if the law were tailored to only target problematic designs then people would design within the rules. If the rules were clear, people would follow them and he would not be able to allow/disallow arbitrarily.

Ostrowski appears to be a central planner through-and-through. I cannot overstate how poisonous this mentality is to prosperity.

Brian Alg

My words are not intended to be disrespectful to any of the staid and venerable members of College Station City Council

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tu ag

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10:28a, 3/10/25

AG

Regulations. Bureaucracy. Taxation.
This seems to be the path the COCS has been on for many years.

I prefer investing in:
Infrastructure. Efficiency. Safety services. Easing the burden of Taxation.

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ElephantRider

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10:36a, 3/10/25

AG

Totally laughable. This is same city that screwed a business owner by overpaying for part of a failing shopping mall to keep him from acquiring it. That seems like the opposite of economic development to me.

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Brian Alg

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In reply to BCSWguru • 10:53a, 3/10/25

BCSWguru said:
how much did COCS pay out to get this award?

It isn't about developing economically or anything. It is a recognition of active membership in the Texas Economic Development Council.
https://texasedc.org/about-tedc/about-us

Quote:
The Economic Excellence Recognition program provides recognition to economic development organizations that meet a desired threshold of professionalism. Recipients qualify for recognition based on training taken by their governing board/council as well as the economic development director and professional staff. Certifications, professional memberships and activities, and organizational effectiveness of the economic development staff also contribute to the standards for qualification.

https://texasedc.org/assets/agendas/tedc-2024-eer-press-release_rev2.pdf

Quote:
Program Objectives
Provide recognition to ED organizations that meet a desired threshold of professionalism
Encourage professional staff membership and involvement in TEDC
Encourage EDO Board member attendance at TEDC training opportunities
Continue to underscore TEDC as the pre-eminent organization advocating professional economic development in Texas

https://texasedc.org/programs/awards/economic-excellence-recognition-program

Brian Alg

My words are not intended to be disrespectful to any of the staid and venerable members of College Station City Council

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