Page 201 - CityofSouthlakeFY27Budget

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

DEPARTMENT AT A GLANCE

OUR MISSION: The Southlake Economic Development and Tourism Department’s mission is to sustain
and grow Southlake’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life by providing leadership and
resources for the creation, expansion and retention of businesses and visitors.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT City Department Overview

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURISM
& TOURISM

SPECIAL EVENTS

4.0 $509,816* 0.9% 1,800+

General Fund Budget
FTE of the total General Fund Businesses Served

*Additional operational funding provided by the Community Enhancement & Development Corporation (CEDC) and the Hotel Occupancy Tax
(HOT) Fund.
THE SOUTHLAKE STANDARD

Southlake deliberately sets service standards above baseline expectations. The standards below
illustrate where EDT’s performance exceeds typical municipal operations, reflecting the community’s
priorities for economic vitality, business support, and visitor experience.

Service Baseline Expectation Southlake Standard
Area

New Business Chambers of Commerce, not city staff, City staff visit every new business within 3 to 6 months of
Visits typically handle welcome visits opening

Business Most cities lack resources for business 8 to 10 in-house video spotlights per year promoting local
Spotlights features businesses

5% cash back program for shopping locally; $100,000 in
Open
Rewards Peer programs are rare incentives delivered in FY 2026, representing an economic
impact of over $1.8 million

FY 2027 City of Southlake | Budget Book 201