Tomball Invests $53,147 in Old Town Events, Marketing and Visitor Shuttle to Support Local Businesses Through 2027
Old Town Tomball has become one of the city's defining gathering places, drawing residents and visitors alike to its locally owned shops, restaurants and community events. Now, a new investment is aimed at helping that momentum continue.
The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), with approval from Tomball City Council, is providing up to $53,147 in grant funding to the Heart of Tomball Alliance to support downtown events, regional marketing efforts and a dedicated visitor shuttle service through 2027.
For residents and business owners, the investment represents more than funding for events. It reflects a broader effort to strengthen Old Town Tomball's role as an economic and cultural destination while supporting the small businesses that help define the community's character.
Supporting the Businesses at the Heart of Old Town Tomball
The Heart of Tomball Alliance was formed in 2024 by local business owners and community leaders who share a common goal: preserving the character of Old Town Tomball while helping downtown businesses grow and thrive. Today, the organization represents approximately 36 businesses and serves as a collaborative voice for retailers, restaurants and entrepreneurs throughout the district.
The Alliance's mission extends beyond organizing events. Through community outreach, marketing initiatives and business collaboration, the group works to promote local businesses, strengthen connections among merchants and create memorable experiences that encourage residents and visitors to spend time in downtown Tomball. Its vision is to ensure Old Town remains a welcoming destination known for its hospitality, charm and vibrant local culture.
Events such as Shop & Strolls, purse bingo and fashion shows have helped transform downtown into a year-round destination, generating activity that benefits retailers, restaurants and service providers throughout the district. Those events not only provide opportunities for residents to gather and connect, but also help drive sales and increase visibility for the small businesses that form the backbone of Old Town Tomball.
Under the agreement, the grant funding will reimburse eligible expenses related to seven events planned during 2026 and 2027. The funds will also support regional advertising campaigns, professional marketing management, website improvements and content creation designed to attract visitors from across the Greater Houston region.
A portion of the funding will also be used to provide a dedicated circulator shuttle service operating during Alliance-hosted events, helping visitors move more easily throughout Old Town while improving convenience and safety.
Economic Development Through Community Experiences
City leaders and economic development officials view the partnership as a strategic investment in one of Tomball's most recognizable assets.
“The TEDC fully supports this initiative from the Heart of Tomball Alliance not only because it will enhance the visitor experience to Old Town and improve safety, but it also aligns with our TEDC Strategic Plan which calls for exploring collaborative opportunities with the Alliance to ensure efforts reflect Old Town priorities and support the interests of local merchants,” explained Kelly Violette, TEDC Executive Director.
The TEDC Board of Directors approved the expenditure during its April 14 meeting, and Tomball City Council formally approved the grant request during its May 4 meeting.
The funding is intended to generate measurable economic benefits by attracting additional visitors, increasing retail sales and encouraging longer stays in the downtown district. It also reflects the city's recognition that successful downtown districts are built not only through infrastructure and investment, but through experiences that encourage people to return again and again.
Old Town's Growing Reputation as a Destination
For longtime residents and business owners, the changes taking place in Old Town Tomball are the result of years of effort by entrepreneurs, community organizations and city leaders working to create a welcoming destination while preserving the area's small-town appeal.
“I grew up here and I have a business here, so it’s been immensely rewarding to watch Old Town Tomball grow into a destination,” shared Michelle Coleman, owner of Golden Knob Boutique and a member of the Heart of Tomball Alliance. “There’s so much energy in Old Town now. There are beautiful stores and great food places and so many fun people to meet – you will feel like you’re friends with everyone after you spend a few hours here.”
That sense of connection is central to the Alliance's work. While the organization is best known for its events, local leaders say its impact extends further. By promoting small businesses, encouraging collaboration among merchants and creating opportunities for community engagement, the Alliance has helped strengthen Old Town Tomball's identity as both a gathering place and an economic driver for the city.
Why the Investment Matters
Economic development efforts are often associated with recruiting new companies and major employers, but investments in existing business districts can be equally important to a city's long-term success.
By supporting marketing, events and visitor amenities in Old Town Tomball, local leaders hope to build on a district that already serves as a key driver of tourism, small business growth and community identity.
The investment also aligns with TEDC's broader mission of promoting business retention, expansion and economic opportunity throughout Tomball. Established in 1994 after voters approved a dedicated half-cent sales tax for economic development, the organization works to strengthen the city's economic environment through strategic partnerships and business support initiatives. As a Type B economic development corporation governed by a seven-member board appointed by Tomball City Council, TEDC focuses on creating opportunities that help businesses and residents benefit from Tomball's growing economy.
As Tomball continues to grow, city leaders see Old Town not only as a historic district but as an important contributor to the local economy. Through the partnership with the Heart of Tomball Alliance, they hope to ensure that the district remains a place where businesses can thrive and visitors continue to discover what makes Tomball unique.
What Happens Next
The Heart of Tomball Alliance will use the grant funding over the next two years to support seven community events, expand regional marketing efforts and launch a dedicated visitor shuttle service during hosted events. Residents can expect to see continued programming designed to attract visitors, support local merchants and keep Old Town Tomball active and engaging throughout 2026 and 2027.
For those who enjoy shopping local, dining downtown or attending community events, the investment represents another step in preserving and strengthening one of Tomball's most recognizable destinations—and the businesses that give it its distinct personality.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on upcoming Old Town Tomball events, business developments and community initiatives.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.