The City of Manvel is seeking passionate individuals to apply for positions on two essential boards: the Planning, Development & Zoning Commission (PD&Z) and the Manvel Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Candidates must submit their applications by December 31, 2025.

The Planning, Development & Zoning Commission, along with the Manvel Economic Development Corporation, play crucial roles in shaping the future of our community. Three positions on each board will be opening this year, providing an excellent opportunity for residents to contribute to the growth and development of Manvel.

About the Planning, Development & Zoning Commission

The Planning, Development & Zoning (PD&Z) Commission is the City of Manvel’s frontline advisory body for managing responsible growth and shaping the long-term physical development of the community. Their core mandate is to review, evaluate, and recommend actions to City Council on land-use, zoning, and development matters to ensure growth aligns with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, infrastructure capacity, and overall strategic direction.

Key Functions

• Zoning & Land-Use Recommendations
   Reviews zoning changes, rezoning requests, specific use permits (SUPs), and zoning ordinance amendments, then issues formal recommendations to City Council.
• Platting & Subdivision Review
   Evaluates preliminary and final plats, replats, variances, and subdivision plans to ensure compliance with city codes, engineering standards, and long-range infrastructure needs.
• Development Standards Oversight
   Assesses projects for alignment with design standards, thoroughfare planning, drainage considerations, and compatibility with surrounding development.
• Alignment with the Comprehensive Plan
   Ensures that growth patterns, proposed developments, and land uses support Manvel’s Comprehensive Plan and its long-term vision for transportation, utilities, neighborhoods, and economic development.
• Public Input & Transparency
   Conducts public hearings to receive community feedback on zoning and development matters and incorporates that feedback into recommendations.

Overall Purpose

The Commission acts as a strategic gatekeeper—balancing development opportunities with community expectations, infrastructure capacity, and long-term planning priorities. Their work gives City Council the clear, vetted recommendations needed to make informed decisions about Manvel’s growth.

To apply for this commission, applicants must have been a resident of the City of Manvel for at least 12 months, be a real property owner, and cannot be employed with the City of Manvel. Attendance at two consecutive Planning, Development & Zoning meetings before the February 20 City Council meeting is mandatory. This requirement ensures that applicants gain a comprehensive understanding of the commission's responsibilities and operations.

Meetings for the Planning, Development & Zoning Commission are typically held on the second and fourth Monday of every month.

About the Manvel Economic Development Corporation

The Manvel Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the City’s primary engine for business retention, business recruitment, and strategic economic growth. Its mission is to strengthen the local economy, expand the commercial tax base, and invest in public projects that enhance quality of life and long-term financial stability for the City.

Key Functions

• Business Attraction & Recruitment
   Markets Manvel to prospective businesses, coordinates with developers and brokers, and negotiates incentive packages that bring new commercial and job-creating projects to the city.
• Business Retention & Expansion
   Supports existing Manvel businesses by identifying growth opportunities, helping remove operational barriers, and fostering a business-friendly environment.
• Strategic Infrastructure Investment
   Helps fund and deliver infrastructure improvements that make commercial development possible—such as roads, utilities, drainage, site readiness, and public amenities. These projects help unlock development sites, increase marketability, and reduce the upfront burden on new and expanding businesses.
• Long-Range Economic Planning
   Aligns growth initiatives with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, market trends, and projected development patterns to ensure Manvel attracts high-value, sustainable commercial activity.

Overall Purpose

The MEDC acts as a strategic catalyst—leveraging Type B sales tax funds, targeted infrastructure investments, and strong partnerships to spur commercial growth, reduce dependence on residential taxes, and deliver amenities that benefit the community.

Duties of MEDC Board Members

• Strategic Oversight
   Set the overall vision and strategic priorities for the Corporation, ensuring alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Council expectations.
• Fiscal Stewardship
   Oversee the proper use of Type B sales tax funds, review budgets, approve expenditures, and ensure compliance with state law and MEDC policy.
• Project Evaluation & Approval
   Review proposed economic development projects, infrastructure investments, and incentive applications; determine whether they advance the City’s economic growth goals.
• Governance & Compliance
   Ensure the Corporation adheres to all statutory requirements, including the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and economic development laws under Chapters 501–505 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• Collaboration & Communication
   Work closely with City staff, City Council, and partner agencies; serve as ambassadors for Manvel’s economic development vision within the community.
• Accountability & Transparency
   Maintain open, ethical decision-making processes, provide clear documentation, and ensure all actions taken by the Corporation can withstand public and legal scrutiny.

To apply for this commission, applicants must reside within ten miles of the City of Manvel. In addition to the qualifications for service on a board required by City ordinances or state law, a person appointed to a board must not be delinquent in the payment of taxes, water service charges, or other obligations to the City.

Meetings for the Manvel Economic Development Corporation are typically held on the second Wednesday of every month.

For more information or to apply, visit cityofmanvel.com/boards. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.