July 9, 2026 Odessa Development Corporation Sales Tax Workshop

The City of Odessa, Texas, held a Sales Tax Workshop on July 9, 2026, focused on economic development and the role of the Odessa Development Corporation (ODC). The workshop featured Carlton Schwab, president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council, who provided an overview of economic development sales tax mechanisms, local control issues, and the importance of strategic planning for economic growth. Discussions emphasized the use of economic development sales tax funds to support infrastructure and business attraction efforts, the challenges posed by legislative attempts to alter or eliminate local economic development sales taxes, and the need for community buy-in to sustain economic development initiatives. While no specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the meeting, the workshop highlighted the critical role of economic development organizations in fostering job creation, business retention, and diversification of the local economy, particularly in the context of Odessa's oil and gas industry base.