The Keene Community Development Corporation, commonly known as the Type-B Corporation, is a seven member board appointed by the city council that manages the one-half percent sales tax for community development. The economic development sales tax was first created in 1989 to give smaller Texas communities the financial wherewithal to build effective economic development programs. The tax today serves as the backbone of local economic development efforts in more than 450 cities across the state.( See Mission Statement, Vision and Purpose, below.)

The Type-B Board is charged with the duty of helping make Keene a better place to live. Per the State of Texas' Economic Development website, this duty encompasses, but is not limited to,infrastructure like water, sewer, and telecommunications;projects to improve the community's quality of life including parks, professional and amateur sport and athletic facilities, tourism and entertainment facilities, affordable housing, and other improvements or expenditures that promote new or expanded business activity that create or retain jobs. Other eligible projects may include direct incentives for retail development in communities fewer than 20,000 residents, hangers, airport maintenance and repair facilities, new military missions, etc. Basically everything authorized under Type-A of the DCA, including retail and commercial projects with the same restrictions. More information can be found at: http://www/pag/state/tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/2006econdevhb.pdf

All members of the Type-B are volunteers, and serve a 2 year term. We meet once a month, on the 2nd Monday evening at 7:00, in the city council chambers at city hall. Visitors are welcome to all meetings. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about Keene or our Type-B Board, if you have suggestions for worthwhile projects or if you would be willing to serve on the board.

MISSION STATEMENT: To endeavor to improve the quality of life in Keene by promoting community improvement plans and projects. To assist in the expansion of the local tax base through the creation of jobs, via efforts to retain existing employers and attract new employers.

VISION: To make Keene the best small town in which to live, raise a family, and own or run a business.

PURPOSE: To operate in a way that will promote public trust by educating the public about economic development issues and keeping the local citizens, businesses, industries, and volunteer associations informed about economic development initiatives.