The Lakeway Economic Development Committee (EDC) presented a donor-funded billboard campaign to the City Council on Oct. 6 and secured council authorization for staff to finalize a contract with Lamar Advertising.

EDC chair Larry Harland told the council that commitments from eight local businesses will cover a six-month rental on a single city-area billboard near 509 RM 620 South. Harland said the contract terms discussed with Lamar are $5,000 per month plus a one-time $540 art/installation fee for a total initial cost of $30,540, and that donor payments will be made to the city so the city can execute the contract on behalf of the group. "There will not be any cost to the city of Lakeway," Harland said during his presentation.

Harland described the campaign as part of a broader "Buy Local, Loyal to Lakeway" effort that includes stickers, banners and social media. He said the billboard site is the only location currently available inside the city limits with a December 1 availability date and that Lamar estimates roughly 163,000 monthly impressions at the chosen location. The EDC asked the council to accept the donations and authorize staff to negotiate the contract; council members moved, seconded and approved the request by voice vote.

Harland said the donation cost to each of the eight businesses for the six-month placement is $3,817.50. The EDC and staff said they will return to council if future action is required; the current authorization allows staff to negotiate and sign the initial placement contract once donor funds are received.