MAYOR BILL WHITE BOOSTS PROPOSED FUNDING FOR BAY AREA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
May 9, 2008 -- Mayor Bill White today joined City Council Member Mike Sullivan in announcing a plan to double City funding to the Bay Economic Partnership in the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget. Funding would increase to $100,000 from the $50,000 budgeted in Fiscal Year 2008.
"Houston has added more than a quarter-million new jobs over the last four years and the Bay Area is an important part of that success story," said Mayor White. "We want to build on the good work BAHEP has done and keep the momentum going."
Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, commented on the extension of the contract between the City of Houston and his organization saying, "We are very appreciative that the City of Houston, Mayor White, and Council Member Mike Sullivan have placed this level of confidence in BAHEP. The contract extension will assist us in meeting our strategic goals to attract, expand and retain industry that supports the economic base of our region as well as the high quality of living enjoyed by our residents."
"NASA and the Johnson Space Center are economic engines for not only the City of Houston, but our entire region," said District E City Councilman Sullivan. "BAHEP is the recognized economic development group in the Clear Lake area and this increase in funding will be critical in their future success in retaining jobs, pursuing new economic development opportunities, and to providing meaningful support to the Clear Lake area and the City of Houston."
