The Sealy Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Board of Directors convened in September 2025 to take major steps toward strengthening the economic future of Sealy. Two key actions were approved during the meeting: new strategic planning initiatives and a new grant supporting important downtown improvements.
New Three-Year Strategic Plan
The Sealy EDC and Sealy City Council have approved a three-year strategic plan that will guide local development efforts from 2025 through 2026. The plan centers heavily on revitalizing historic downtown Sealy to make it a cleaner, more vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
The Sealy EDC will work closely with community partners to:
• Improve storefronts
• Attract new businesses
• Update downtown ordinances to support positive development
A major goal is to create a downtown environment that encourages tourism, supports local businesses, and provides a welcoming experience for shoppers, families, and out-of-town guests.
Incentives and Downtown Action
The EDC is exploring new options to use grants to help existing businesses make improvements and generate new forms of entertainment that draw people into the downtown area.
Façade Grant: Good Samaritan Shop
The Board approved a façade grant for the Good Samaritan Shop. This project includes ADA upgrades, a new exterior sign, a fresh entry door, outdoor flower boxes, and fresh paint. These upgrades will improve safety and appearance while increasing visibility for both residents and visitors.
SEDC President Sterling Schiller emphasized that the project provides strong improvements in a high-traffic location and aligns with the organization’s broader goal of beautifying downtown. The Good Samaritan Shop project is expected to encourage other businesses to pursue similar upgrades.
Current Grant Opportunities
The Sealy EDC offers grants to eligible businesses along major thoroughfares and within the historic district. Grants may cover up to 50 percent of improvement costs with a maximum award of $12,500 for façade, ADA, and exterior signage improvements.
Local Sales Tax Growth
Local sales tax collections reached $3,303,735 for the fiscal year to date. This reflects a 14.91 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.
Average collections over the past 12 months total $329,717. Major industries contributing to this growth include department stores, restaurants, contractors, gasoline stations, and building materials suppliers.
A comparison of in-town versus remote tax activity shows steady local growth over the past year. Twelve-month and three-month moving averages both continue to trend upward.
Strategic Plan at a Glance
The 2026 Focus Areas include:
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Provide quality infrastructure
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Support existing businesses and attract new ones
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Create effective marketing and communications
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Enhance amenities for citizens and tourism
Budgeted Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Cryan Park Pond & Path Lighting, Shade Structures, Engineering: $750,000
• Hill Center Building Improvement: $105,000
• Fill Sealy Mall: Retail coaching
• Business Retention and Expansion Program
• Liedertafel Hall Improvements: $87,850
• Focus on Tourism
• Focus on Downtown: $350,000
Other ongoing or long-term projects include commercial and industrial development, physical infrastructure improvements, enhancements to the industrial business park, and expanding healthcare capacity.
Wayfinding Project
The Sealy Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has partnered with urban design consultants MERJE to create a community-wide wayfinding program. This effort will help both residents and visitors more easily locate local attractions and amenities through clear signage.
The wayfinding project will only succeed with strong participation from the business community, property owners, and residents. Collaborative involvement will help strengthen the downtown area and provide long-term value.
Cryan Memorial Park Expansion
A major investment in 2025-2026 is the enhancement of Cryan Memorial Park. Improvements include erosion control, upgraded lighting, shaded seating areas, and other infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Additional park amenities introduced in recent years include the Irene LeBlanc Splash Pad and the Disc Golf Course, funded by the Sealy Rotary Club and opened in 2023. These upgrades have helped transform Cryan Park into a popular recreational destination.
A Community Effort
Sealy Mayor Carolyn Bilski noted that these initiatives work together to support the city’s long-term goals. Many of the public enhancements are expected to strengthen recruitment efforts related to healthcare providers and other service industries.
The Sealy CVB encourages residents to stay engaged, offer feedback, and assist in shaping the future of the downtown area. Community involvement and strong collaboration will play a key role in continued success.
For full details, view the September 2025 Newsletter.
