C’ville EDC talks downtown plans, sets community event for August

The Collinsville Economic Development Corporation (EDC) took steps to advance several downtown improvement projects during its latest meeting Wednesday, July 1.

These included plans for new downtown lighting, an upcoming community engagement event, and continued support for the Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s signature events.

EDC President Joseph Cartwright led the meeting.

One of the board’s primary discussions centered on replacing lighting in the downtown median area. Members debated whether to install historically styled fixtures or more modern, functional lighting designed to better illuminate sidewalks while reducing light pollution.

Board members ultimately agreed to postpone a final decision until next month’s meeting, asking staff to present three different lighting options along with updated pricing before establishing a project budget.

“We’re trying to find a happy medium,” Cartwright said during the discussion, noting the importance of preserving downtown’s historic character while improving safety and visibility.

The board also finalized plans for a public stakeholder meeting to gather input on Collinsville’s ongoing Remarkable Downtown Strategy.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Old Depot Park and will coincide with a family-friendly back-to-school celebration featuring activities such as a bounce house, possible dunking booth, snow cones and other attractions designed to encourage community participation.

Commissioners said the event will allow residents to learn more about the downtown revitalization effort while sharing ideas for future improvements.

The board plans meeting again Monday, July 27, at 9 a.m. to finalize logistics for the event.

In other business, representatives of the Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce requested continued promotional funding for the community’s two largest annual events — Pioneer Day and Christmas on the Square.

Speaking on behalf of the chamber, board member Austin Lewter requested $9,500 in matching promotional funding, an increase from last year’s request. He cited rising costs for advertising, insurance and event production, along with plans to replace the chamber’s aging community Christmas tree.

Lewter also highlighted continued growth of Pioneer Day, which this year will feature additional attractions, expanded indoor activities and Texas songwriter James McMurtry as the headline entertainment.

Commissioners expressed support for the request while also encouraging the chamber to continue expanding private sponsorships as the EDC balances future funding priorities tied to Collinsville’s comprehensive downtown plan.

Following discussion, the board approved the chamber’s funding request.

The EDC also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Chris Black and approved applications from Aubrey Hewlett and Christy Parrott to fill commissioner positions. Both appointments will move to the Collinsville City Council for final approval.

Another downtown beautification proposal involving native plants for public green spaces was tabled until the next meeting. Board member Julie Henderson said she plans to return with a detailed presentation that includes plant selections, costs and maintenance plans focused on drought-tolerant native species.

As part of its long-term planning discussions, commissioners also reviewed the draft 2026-27 budget. While delaying final approval until the July meeting, the board discussed several future priorities, including downtown parking improvements, technology upgrades, business development incentives and implementation of recommendations from the city’s comprehensive plan.

To better accommodate commissioners’ schedules, the EDC also voted to permanently move its regular meetings to 9 a.m. on the fourth Monday of each month.