Princeton Approves $22,000 For 2,000 Backpacks As 12 Students Land Apprenticeships

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Community Development Corporation

The Community Development Corporation met on May 20, 2026, and the night centered on money, youth programs, and a coming legal shift. The discussion touched Princeton and Lowry Crossing residents in a direct way, from school supplies and student jobs to how the board will handle future legal help.

Financials Show CDC Still In The Black

Finance staff said the CDC’s books were holding steady through April 30. Sales tax revenue remained the main driver, and year-to-date collections were running higher than this time last year. The board also heard that debt payments were current, with only August interest still due, and that the CDC was sitting on a strong cash position after accounting for bills and commitments.

Community Center Audit Appears Wrapped Up

Staff said there had been no new invoices from Weaver and Associates for the forensic audit tied to the community center. That led to the belief the audit work was complete. For residents, it means one major piece of old business looks close to finished, with no new costs showing up on that project.

CDC Funds Back-To-School Bash With $22,000

The Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber came back with a new price tag for the Back to School Bash: $36,266. Chamber President Beth Willhite said the higher number came after updating supplies, including better crayons, more pencils, index cards, and one-inch binders. The CDC voted to donate $22,000, matching and topping the EDC’s $15,000 commitment and helping cover most of the gap for 2,000 backpacks.

Mayor Apprenticeship Program Moves Forward With 12 Students Placed

The chamber said 12 students have already been matched with businesses through the Mayor Apprenticeship Program, and nearly all of the agreements have been returned. Board members said the program grew out of an idea from the CDC and praised the students, parents, and school partners who helped make it happen. A June meeting is planned so the students can be introduced to the CDC and, hopefully, the mayor.

New Attorney Search Is Officially Underway

The city procurement officer opened a request for qualifications on May 14 for legal representation for the city and both boards. Officials said one firm has already responded, and the window stays open through the end of the month. The board should get a status report in June, with the goal of choosing new legal counsel later this summer.

Board Members Float New Topics For Next Month

Members asked to put three items on a future agenda: a CDC booth at the city’s back-to-school bash to explain its programs, a discussion of development benchmarks tied to growth and employment, and a conversation about possible support for the purposeful partnership library. Those requests were raised for later review, not debate that night.

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🗳️ Candidate Forum
📅 May 30 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E Princeton Drive, Princeton, TX
A great chance to hear from the City Council Place 4 candidates and get a clearer read on what is on the table for Princeton. Bonus points for showing up informed, neighbor-style.

🏛️ Princeton City Council
📅 June 8 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton St., Princeton, TX 75407
If you like knowing what is happening in town before everyone else starts talking about it, this is the room to be in. Local government is not flashy, but it is very much where things happen.

🥪 Lunch & Learn
📅 June 10 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Legacy Church, 120 Ticky Drive, Princeton, TX 75407
Midday networking with a side of useful conversation? That is a solid lunch break upgrade. Easygoing, practical, and a nice excuse to get out of the usual routine.