08/27/2026
On behalf of the Helotes EDC, I would like to provide the following information to address online discussions about the Helotes EDC:
1 With regard to concerns about the EDCs statements about online commentary:
Questions and online commentary are made independently, separately, and apart from private, confidential discussions. We believe our duty is to share factual information.
It has been stated the EDC plans to spend hundreds of thousands in plans in FY 2027. In fact, our plan is to undertake two plans (Target Industry Study and a Hotel Feasibility Study) which together are budgeted to cost less than $90k in total.
2 Regarding a suggestion that the EDC is “Too light” about what residents are concerned about:
The Helotes EDC takes seriously our duties and responsibilities to strengthen the Helotes economy. Specifically:
— We work closely and in strict confidentiality with existing and prospective businesses within our existing resources to assist them in marketing, promotion, and deal-making to further strengthen those relationships.
— EDC practitioners are bound by ethical standards to protect plans, business relationships, and confidential discussions with the utmost sensitivity.
— We have current projects which are intentionally kept confidential and we are not at liberty to disclose any of those conversations.
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3. With regard to suggestions of a “growing trend,” and having "serious conversations", the following facts are not mentioned:
— The majority of businesses mentioned are outside our city limits, and in, fact lie within the City of San Antonio:
— Pei Wei
— Jim’s
— Arby’s
— Golden Corral
— Taco Cabana
With the exception of Pei Wei, the majority of these businesses closed prior to the end of 2025 (Corrected); December 2025 (corrected) is when the new EDC Director was hired. We believe that a timeframe of more than nine months does not necessarily reflect a “growing trend.”
4. With regard to closures of existing businesses, the following facts are not mentioned:
— 6 Clicks relocated for private business reasons, and they made their decision independent of the EDC.
— KFC has been replaced by a new independent business, Wild Wings Station.
— A new Lebanese independent local business Arz Lebanese Kitchen opened in a vacant space near Oolong Bistro in July.
— Prior to closure of the Sonic on Bandera Road, the EDC was in discussions with developers regarding site issues when the property owner sold the property to another brand.
— The EDC is in constant communication with landlords of other sites. We are not at liberty to discuss different brands.
5. The article also does not consider the following facts or “trends”:
— Sales taxes in Helotes went up by more than $100k from July to August 2026.
— Sales taxes are on track with prior year “trends” of growth.
— A new ground-up McDonald’s opened in March
— A new Sherwin Williams opened in April
— In August, The Weitzman Group, a reputable commercial real estate firm (CRE) announced its purchase of the 51,000 SF Bandera Shopping Center.
6. It is correct to point out that Helotes has tremendous advantages. Helotes does in fact have strong traffic counts (24k+ vehicles per day), strong household incomes ($132k annual household incomes), high levels of education (81% at or above post-secondary education) and a very high average net worth of $2.1 MM.
7. Re assistance to existing businesses:
• Helotes EDC incentives programs were put on hiatus in Q2 of 2025 (corrected). The Helotes EDC is working aggressively toward success and prosperity. In fact, the Helotes EDC plans to discuss incentives programs and initiatives at the EDC Board Meeting in September 2026.
• It is a fact that the following programs are included for our proposed FY 2027 budget starting October 1, which are subject to City Council approval:
$100k in Facade and Tenant Improvements for Existing Businesses
$100k in Business Development Grants for capital expenditures to help existing businesses
$100k in New Business Development Incentives
$100k in Destination Retail And Restaurant Incentives
$100k in CRE incentives programs to financially incentivize CRE brokers to attract targeted businesses to Helotes, including destination retail, restaurants, and Boutique hotels. This program is the first of its kind in Texas.
$200k in Hotel Development Incentives
$75k in Signage Reimbursement Grants
$20k in Arts Grants Program
• All told, that is more than three quarters of a million dollars in incentives planned for FY 2027.
That said, again, these programs are all subject to discussion and final approval by City Council.
• We have also programmed funding of $850K for park improvements at City park, which are outlined in the EDC’s Master Plan for City park. Phase one is currently out for bid.
This is not an exhaustive list of our planned initiatives but is representative of the Helotes EDC’s Strategic Plan which is guiding our decision-making in the next year and in the next three to ten years.
We sincerely appreciate your interest and support.
If there are any further questions, please feel free to reach out to:
Kate Silvas, CEcD
Executive Director at:
210-695-5910
or [email protected]
