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Public Money, Public Records: A Lake Como Transparency Guide


Over the past year, many Lake Como residents have asked a simple, reasonable question:

“Who is responsible for what — and where can we see the record?”

That question matters because Lake Como is in a once-in-a-generation moment. Decisions about land use, design standards, and public investments made now will shape our neighborhood for decades. When public dollars are involved, residents deserve clarity — not confusion, rumor, or gatekeeping.


This post explains how public records work, what has changed recently, and what happens next.

Image- Public Money = Public Record

What changed

A City-funded support agreement connected to Lake Como neighborhood work has ended December 31, 2025.. When contracts end, active work stops — but the public record does not disappear.

That distinction is important.

Public funds were authorized and spent to support neighborhood deliverables. Whether a partner is still engaged or not, the documentation tied to those funds remains part of the public record.


That’s not about blame. That’s about stewardship.

What “the public record” means (plain language)

When public money is used, residents have a right to see:

  • The funding or grant agreement

  • The scope of work and deliverables

  • Materials produced under the agreement (drafts and finals)

  • Invoices and proof of payment

  • Records showing whether deliverables were completed and accepted

  • Public engagement documentation tied to the work (when applicable)

These records don’t belong to any one organization or individual. They belong to the public.

Even after a contract ends, these documents are retained through official City channels and can be requested through the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA).


What Keep Lake Como Beautiful is doing

Keep Lake Como Beautiful (KLCB), a program of Proof of Life Community Development Corporation, is doing what credible resident-led redevelopment work requires:

  • Requesting documentation through proper City channels

  • Organizing records into resident-readable summaries

  • Publishing what is available — and clearly noting what is missing or pending

  • Avoiding speculation, personal attacks, or rumor cycles


Our role is not to assign motive or intent. Our role is to build the record so residents can see the facts in one place.

What we are not doing

To be clear, KLCB is not:

  • Accusing any individual or organization of wrongdoing

  • Litigating through social media

  • Asking former partners to continue working after contracts end


We are simply saying: Public investments deserve public documentation.

That standard protects everyone — residents, partners, and the City alike.

Why this matters for Lake Como’s future

For decades, Lake Como residents have been told to “trust the process” — often without being shown the process.


Transparency changes that. When records are organized and accessible:

  • Residents can participate with confidence

  • New leaders can step forward informed

  • Future partnerships start on firmer ground

  • The neighborhood controls its own narrative


Sunlight doesn’t slow progress.  It strengthens it.

What happens next

KLCB will continue to:

  • Obtain records through official City public-information channels

  • Publish neutral, factual summaries

  • Clearly distinguish between what is documented and what is still pending

  • Invite residents to review the materials and draw their own conclusions


As always, this work is facts-first, standards-based, and resident-centered.


Lake Como deserves nothing less.

Stay connected

If you have questions about how public records work — or want to review materials as they’re published — follow @KeepLakeComoBeautiful and join the conversation via our weekly Office Hours: LIVE Vlogcast.


Sunlight belongs to everyone.

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