Baytown’s mayor and city council gathered for a two-day retreat to align on priorities ahead of the 2027 fiscal year budget, with discussions centering on public participation and the proposed ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center.
The retreat, held Wednesday and Thursday at the Rosenberg Library in Galveston, drew all seven council members and Mayor Charles Johnson. There was no cost to the city for the venue.
On the first day, the group focused on community engagement as a key to decision-making. Officials reviewed the Spectrum of Public Participation from the International Association of Public Participation, which ranges from “Inform” — emphasizing information dissemination — to “Empower,” where the public holds final decision-making authority.
Council members plotted major projects, including the annual operating budget and the events center, along the spectrum to determine appropriate levels of public input. The session ended with alignment on effective methods for involving residents in city initiatives.
The second day of discussions focused on the ExxonMobil Baytown Events Center (EMBEC), a catalyst project aimed at boosting economic growth and community vitality. Presenters included Jeff Williams, owner’s representative from Graham Associates Inc.; Kevin Armstrong and Mick Massey from BRS Architecture; Margaret Sullivan from Margaret Sullivan Studio; and Larry Auth from LT Sports Consulting.
Williams highlighted the project’s potential to leverage tax dollars for broad benefits.
“Isn’t it nice when you can get somebody else to pay for something?” Williams said. “It’s an awesome thing when you get other people’s money being spent in your city. And that’s what we’re talking about here. We’re going to be bringing people in to actually spend money. And that is an awesome way to help people.”
Williams emphasized attracting visitors from a 60-mile radius to boost tax revenue from shopping and dining, raise the city’s image and retain young talent.
