Civil and Municipal - Jan 22

59 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 the area. With a 12.5% growth in population over the last decade, and no new developments during that time, Commerce does not currently have a robust housing inventory. Lisenbee reports that this is an obstacle the city is working to overcome, sharing that a major developer, Bloomfield Homes, is bringing a 270-home development to the community, while another 60-home subdivision, by Countryside Development, is also in the works. He acknowledges, “With the projects we have on the ground right now, we’ll be adding 320 to 330 homes in the next couple years, which will be a major benefit. I’ve got two commercial developers that build apartments that are both aggressively looking at our community, to take on apartment complexes. That will help solve some of the housing challenges in our city as it grows.” Development is also underway in the city’s downtown, where a mixed-use strategy is already being implemented in several commercial COMMERCE , TEXAS Partners in Progress The partnership between Texas A&M University-Commerce and the city of Commerce was born in 1894 when the university moved to town and established a stellar reputation as a teachers’ college. Today, A&M-Commerce has grown to serve 10,966 students, provide more than 130 academic degrees, and claim its place as the third-largest university in The Texas A&M University System. A&M-Commerce is proud to serve its hometown. Plans are underway to construct a multi-million-dollar agricultural complex at the university, which will boost the economy as a dynamic hub for ag education in East Texas. The university also works closely with the local school system to support children’s education. Among several collaborations, the ASPIRE program provides enrichment and college readiness activities for K-16 students, and a dual-credit partnership allows local high school students to jump-start their college education at A&M-Commerce, free of charge. As A&M-Commerce designs in- demand programs to prepare career- ready graduates, the local business sector provides volunteer, work study and internship opportunities to give graduates an edge in the job market. A&M-Commerce looks forward to adding another productive year to its historic partnership with the city in 2022. Together, they are strengthening the community they serve. ...... For more information, please visit our website tamuc.edu City Manager, Howdy Lisenbee