Schertz Council Heads to Vegas: Economic Development or Junket?
Schertz City Council is heading to Las Vegas in May for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference ā and this year, more council members want to join.
The Trip
š Destination: Las Vegas, Nevada
š
Dates: May 18-20, 2026
šØ Event: ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) conference
š„ Attendees (proposed): City Manager, Economic Development staff, Mayor, plus Councilwoman Watson and Councilman Macaluso
Previous years: Small team of four (city manager, economic development staff, mayor)
This year: Potentially two teams of three ā meaning more council members, more hotel rooms, more airfare
The Pitch: It Worked Last Year
City Manager Steve Williams reported last year's strategy was "highly successful" ā a small team held over 16 meetings in two and a half days, helping close deals for Schertz Station and generating new leads still being pursued.
Economic Development Director Scott told the council, "This will be my twenty-sixth ICSC". The event draws roughly 25,000 attendees ā a massive networking opportunity for attracting retailers and restaurants to Schertz.
The "seek and destroy" model: Small, focused team, pre-scheduled meetings, targeted outreach to specific brands Schertz residents want (Trader Joe's, Central Market, etc.)
The Questions
After three years of attendance, the city claims last year's model was most effective. But with multiple council members now wanting to attend, several questions arise:
1. What's the ROI?
"Helped close deals for Schertz Station" is vague. What specific tenants were recruited at ICSC vs. through other channels? How much did those trips cost vs. the tax revenue generated? Where's the data?
2. Is this work or tourism?
Las Vegas. May. Conference runs Monday-Wednesday with hotels booked in advance [82:44]. What happens Thursday-Sunday? Who's paying for extra days if council members extend the trip?
3. Why do more council members need to go?
If last year's four-person team was "highly successful," why double the size this year? More people = more meetings? Or just more council members wanting a Vegas trip on the city's dime?
4. What are we paying for?
- Conference registration fees (per person)
- Airfare (per person)
- Hotel (3-5 nights per person)
- Meals, ground transportation, incidentals
šØ BOONDOGGLE WATCH: We need the full cost breakdown. How much did last year's trip cost? What's the budget for this year with more attendees?
The Defense
To be fair: ICSC is a legitimate economic development tool. Retail chains use these conferences to scout locations and meet with city representatives. Schertz has landed major tenants recently (Schertz Station boom is real).
Economic Development Director Scott's 26 conferences suggest this isn't a one-off junket ā it's a regular part of the job.
The city's pre-scheduled meeting strategy (16 meetings in 2.5 days) sounds focused and results-oriented, not a Vegas vacation disguised as "work."
What It Means
The good: Schertz is aggressively recruiting retail and dining ā and it's working. Schertz Station, Portillo's, CAVA, James Avery, Home Depot didn't just fall from the sky. Someone had to pitch those brands, and conferences like ICSC are where that happens.
The skepticism: Without hard ROI data, it's impossible to know if this trip is worth the cost. "Helped close deals" could mean anything from "critical final negotiation" to "mentioned Schertz in passing at a cocktail hour."
The accountability test: If Schertz lands concrete, verifiable tenants in 2026-2027 that can be directly traced to May 2026 ICSC meetings, this trip pays for itself. If not, it's a Vegas junket disguised as economic development.
What We're Watching
- Total trip cost for all attendees (registration, airfare, hotel, meals)
- Meeting log ā who did the city meet with, and what came of it?
- New tenant announcements in 2026-2027 ā can any be traced to ICSC connections?
- Council member travel extensions ā does anyone stay past Wednesday on the city's dime?
