South Padre Island City Council Meeting - April 15, 2026

Citizen Alert: Major Convention Center Expansion Proposed

The City Council is reviewing a massive $60,000,000 renovation and expansion of the Convention Center. This project may involve issuing up to $40,000,000 in revenue bonds, impacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) budget and local Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds for years to come.

• Convention Center Feasibility: Presentation by Hunden Partners regarding Part 1 of the Tourism and Convention Center development study.
• Pedestrian Safety: Approval of $16,623.77 from TIRZ funds for a stamped terracotta crosswalk at the PR-100 Parking Lot.
• Spring Break Public Safety: Budget amendment of $211,354 to reimburse the General Fund for police and fire department overtime and temporary staffing during Spring Break 2026.
• Regional Economic Development: Authorization of a Regional Benefit Agreement (RBA) to collaborate with Workforce Solutions Cameron and other Cameron County municipalities on large-scale economic projects.
• Convention Center Funding: Financial presentation on the $60,000,000 Renovation and Exhibit Hall Annex, including the use of $13M-$21M in reserves and potential debt issuance of $26M to $40M.
• Development Action: Discussion and possible action on the next steps for the Hunden Partners report and recommendations.