Bryan City Council Invests $1.05 Million to Attract Tech Start-Ups and Innovate Local Economy

Big Moves in Bryan: City Council Partners with Tech Guru

In an exciting turn of events, Bryan really stepped up its game during a city council meeting on November 12. The council members came together unanimously, agreeing to invest $1.05 million over the next three years to attract high-flying technology start-ups, specifically in the defense and aerospace industries. This strategic alliance includes the prestigious Texas A&M system and the local economic development corporation, now known as the Greater Brazos Partnership.

Introducing Plug and Play

The star of this show? A well-regarded company named Plug and Play. Mayor Bobby Gutierrez expressed great optimism, stating that this company will have a global reach, potentially bringing numerous tech companies to Bryan to set up shop. According to Mayor Gutierrez, “We learned about Plug and Play during an economic development trip to California, where we looked at some of their success stories.”

In the world of tech, Plug and Play is something of a legend. They were pivotal in the early development of giants like Google and PayPal, so their expertise could be a game changer for Bryan’s economy. Gutierrez added, “What they’ve done is truly some incredible stuff.” This partnership aims to foster innovation and job growth, helping put Bryan on the tech map.

Funding the Future

Money talks, and in this case, it shouts! Both the Greater Brazos Partnership and the Texas A&M system will contribute additional funds. The local partnership will chip in $350,000, matching Bryan’s donation, while Texas A&M is set to invest a whopping $800,000 over the same three-year period. That’s a serious commitment to making Bryan the go-to place for tech startups!

But what about Plug and Play’s local presence? They’re not just going to send representatives and call it a day; this company plans to relocate its corporate office to Bryan and hire four full-time employees. Plus, they’ll create a four-member advisory committee, two members of which will be appointed by the Bryan city council. This setup ensures that local interests are front and center as the partnership develops.

Sewer Agreement Ahead

The agreement means that instead of creating a gravity sewer line along Rosemary Drive, a trunkline will be constructed along College Station’s Chimney Hill Drive and Cooner Street. This change is estimated to cost College Station an extra $5 million to $10 million but ensuring the residents’ concerns are addressed is worth it, and the collaboration is a notably positive outcome.

Recent Incidents

However, not everything in Bryan has been smooth sailing. A rather alarming incident occurred recently when police responded to a report of gunfire in Austin’s Colony Park. Fortunately, everyone inside the home was unharmed, but Alexander Espinoza, a 17-year-old, found himself behind bars for firing the gun during an argument with his girlfriend, facing serious charges.

Meanwhile, in College Station, a baseball player from Blinn College had a rough night too, flipping his car while allegedly speeding. With the driver arrested for DWI, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of safety on the roads.

Among all the changes and challenges, Bryan is on the brink of something special. With investments in technology and infrastructure, the community is poised for a bright and innovative future.