The Amarillo City Council will meet on Tuesday, November 12th, to consider a resolution that would remove Andrew Hall from his position as chair of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors. This move comes amid growing concerns over Hall's leadership and his controversial involvement in the ongoing RANGE Foundation scandal, which has cast a shadow over the AEDC's operations and governance. The controversy surrounding Hall and the RANGE Foundation has sparked public debate about the AEDC's transparency, its financial management, and its ability to effectively contribute to the city’s economic growth.
The RANGE Foundation, a prominent Amarillo-based nonprofit organization focused on economic development and charitable efforts, has been the subject of an investigation into its financial activities. Hall's ties to the foundation, including his role in some of its initiatives, have drawn criticism from both the public and political circles. Many critics argue that the foundation’s lack of transparency—coupled with questions about its spending practices—reflects poorly on Hall’s leadership at the AEDC. The situation has put additional pressure on the AEDC, which is tasked with overseeing major economic development projects and managing millions of dollars in public funds.
The draft resolution to remove Hall, which will be discussed at the City Council meeting, states that the Council "desires to remove director Andrew Hall from the board of directors of the Corporation to better effectuate Council objectives and policies related to the operation of the Corporation." The draft emphasizes that the Amarillo City Council has full discretion over the AEDC Board, which serves at the Council’s pleasure, meaning Hall’s removal could take effect immediately. Hall, who has served on the AEDC Board since 2020, is currently in the middle of a term set to expire in 2025. However, the City Council has the authority to make changes to the board's leadership at any time, regardless of the term lengths set for individual members.
The resolution to remove Hall highlights the increasing frustration among City Council members regarding the AEDC's direction and leadership. Transparency and accountability have been major concerns voiced by both the public and certain Council members, especially as the AEDC is involved in key projects that directly impact the city’s economy, such as real estate development, industrial parks, and business recruitment efforts. The RANGE Foundation controversy, combined with the ongoing audit of the AEDC, has raised serious questions about how public funds are being managed and whether the AEDC is living up to its mission of fostering economic development in a transparent and accountable way.
In addition to considering Hall’s removal, the City Council will also address appointments to two other key positions on the AEDC Board. Scott Bentley, a current board member, is ineligible to serve another term due to term limits, which creates a vacancy. Meanwhile, Adrian Meaner, another sitting board member, is eligible to be reappointed to his position if the City Council chooses to do so. The makeup of the board is a critical issue, as these members have a significant role in shaping economic policy, reviewing development proposals, and ensuring the responsible use of public funds. The AEDC Board currently holds authority over several high-profile development initiatives, including projects involving land development, business incentives, and community partnerships.
Another major topic on the agenda for the November 12th meeting will be an update on the ongoing audit of the AEDC. This audit, which was launched earlier this year in response to mounting concerns about the organization’s financial practices, is expected to shed light on any discrepancies or mismanagement of funds. The results of the audit have become a focal point for those critical of the AEDC’s leadership, as well as those who believe the organization’s activities need greater oversight. The audit is expected to address questions about financial controls, conflict-of-interest policies, and the AEDC’s overall governance structure.
The City Council is also scheduled to vote on approving an updated version of the AEDC's articles of incorporation, a key document that outlines the corporation's purpose, powers, and responsibilities. The updated articles are expected to reflect changes that aim to increase oversight, clarify governance practices, and improve the AEDC's ability to align with the City Council's broader economic development goals. These changes could signal a shift in how the AEDC operates and could have a significant impact on future economic development projects in Amarillo.
The public has been invited to attend the City Council meeting and participate in the public comment portion of the session. This provides an opportunity for residents, business leaders, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions on the leadership of the AEDC, the range of development projects underway in Amarillo, and the future of economic development in the region. Many local leaders have expressed concern about the need for more transparency and accountability in the AEDC's operations, and this meeting will likely be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about how to improve the city’s economic development efforts.
The meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the third-floor chambers of Amarillo City Hall. With the potential for major changes to the leadership of the AEDC and the direction of the city’s economic development, the outcome of this session could have far-reaching implications for Amarillo’s future. The City Council’s decision on Andrew Hall’s removal, along with the appointment of new board members and the outcome of the audit, could shape the city’s economic strategy for years to come. As the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation plays a pivotal role in securing investment, creating jobs, and shaping the local economy, the decisions made at this meeting are of critical importance to the city’s future trajectory.
