The Downtown Development Manager reports directly to the City Administrator, or his designee, in some cases, to the advisory board, who functions as the supervisor of the program.  The Manager spends 80% of his time working on the development of attractions, amenities, new business mix and creation of plaza areas. The position maintains a high level of visibility for downtown and the downtown enhancement effort. Attendance and availability are essential functions of the job.  This position will serve as the Main Street Director.

A few of the main duties of the Downtown Manager is recruitment of targeted and specific business to downtown, recruitment of volunteers from area business owners, investors, and elected officials, development of economic strategies to increase downtown retail, attracting new users into existing facilities and expanding market opportunities.  This position also works with downtown property owners to negotiate lease rate incentives, ramped lease rates to specific tenants, façade and tenants improvement, signage and exterior displays.

Larry Calhoun has been employed by the City of Conroe since April 1, 2006, as downtown manager.  Prior to joining the City, Larry was in the commercial real estate acquisition, disposition, development, leasing, and management business for 26 years.  Mr. Calhoun serves on The Transportation Management Area under the H-GAC.  He is a member of C.R.E.A.M., The Rotary Club of Conroe, and the The Tourist Council, a Board Member of the Crighton Players and member of The International Council of Shopping Centers.  Mr. Calhoun administers the Texas Mainstreet Program for the City of Conroe and is involved in City-related real estate matters.  Larry is an alumni of Sam Houston State University.