Board of Directors Special Meeting scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, TX 78520.

Regular Meeting of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.

Notice is hereby given that the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 505.159, will conduct a sixty (60) day public comment period beginning on November 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2024, to consider the proposed use of Type B sales tax funds for the following quality of life initiatives:

1. Quality of Life Grants Program: With an allocation of $1.3 million for Fiscal Year 2025, this program aims to enhance the quality of life for Brownsville residents by funding projects that improve public spaces, promote cultural and recreational activities, preserve historic sites, and upgrade community amenities.
2. City of Brownsville’s Ordinance 2024-1723: Allocating $3,320,000, this ordinance supports quality of life projects as identified in the Quality of Life Master Plan and other City Commission-approved studies, focusing on community infrastructure and services for the betterment of Brownsville’s neighborhoods and public spaces.

A public hearing to consider the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds will be held by BCIC during a regular BCIC Board Meeting. The date, time, and location of the hearing will be posted at least 72 hours in advance on the bulletin board at Brownsville City Hall – Federal Building and on BCIC’s website at brownsvilleedc.org/meetings.

Regular Meeting of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.

Regular Meeting of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.

Regular Meeting of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.

NOTICE OF MEETING POSTPONEMENT
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)
September 26, 2024

In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) Board of Directors meeting scheduled for:

Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization
1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, TX 78520

is POSTPONED.

The meeting has been rescheduled for:
Monday, September 30, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
at the same location.

An updated agenda will be posted following the usual protocol.

This notice is posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and will remain publicly accessible on the BCIC website and at City Hall.

Contact Information:
For further inquiries, please contact BCIC at (956) 747-0100.

Regular Meeting of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, located at 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.

Special Work Session on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

Hidalgo Room, at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, located at 1304 E. Adams Street Brownsville, TX 78520

Special Join Work Session on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

OD&HR Training Room, on the Fourth Floor of the Brownsville City Hall

Old Federal Building,  1001 E. Elizabeth Street Brownsville, TX 78520.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, July 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

This meeting was postponed, and its items were added to the agenda for the July Board Meeting.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

Notice is hereby given that the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 505.159, will conduct a sixty (60) day public comment period beginning on May 8, 2024, and ending on July 7, 2024, to consider the request by the following applicants to expend Type B sales tax funds for the following quality of life projects.

A public hearing to consider the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds will be held by BCIC during a regular BCIC Board Meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization Training Room located at 1304 E. Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520.

BCIC Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

BCIC Board Meeting – Monday April 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

BCIC Board Meeting – Monday April 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

Notice of a Workshop of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation Board of Directors – Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.

1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

Notice is hereby given that the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 505.159, will conduct a sixty (60) day public comment period beginning on March 16, 2024, and ending on May 15, 2024, to consider the request by applicants to expend Type B sales tax funds for quality of life projects.

A public hearing to consider the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds will be held by BCIC during a regular BCIC Board Meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization located at 1304 E. Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m CST

City Commission Chambers, Brownsville City Hall – Old Federal Building.

1001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Monday, December 18, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

Notice is hereby given that the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 505.159, will conduct a sixty (60) day public comment period beginning on December 15, 2023, and ending on February 14, 2024, to consider the request by the City of Brownsville to expend Type B sales tax funds for quality of life projects.

A public hearing to consider the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds will be held by BCIC during a special BCIC Board Meeting on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization Training Room located at 1304 E. Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Thursday November 2, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

Notice is hereby given that the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 505.159, will conduct a sixty (60) day comment period beginning on October 27, 2023, and ending on December 26, 2023, to consider the request by the City of Brownsville to expend Type B sales tax funds for quality of life projects.

A public hearing to consider the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds will be held by BCIC during a special BCIC Board Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization Training Room located at 1304 E. Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520.

Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws of Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation will be discussed at the BCIC’s Board Meeting – Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

 Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization

1304 E. Adams Street
Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

 Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.

eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization
Rio Grande Meeting Room

1304 E. Adams Street
Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

Thursday, July 27, 5:00 P.M. (NEW TIME)

eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization
Training Room

1304 E. Adams Street
Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Monday, May 22, 2023, at 4:00 P.M. CST

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, Rio Grande Conference Room

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, Rio Grande Conference Room

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, Rio Grande Conference Room

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “899 8810 5558” and passcode “627925”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, January 26, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. CST

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, Rio Grande Conference Room

1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “899 8810 5558” and passcode “627925”.

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Rio Grande Meeting Room at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization at 1304 E. Adams St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Rio Grande Meeting Room at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization at 1304 E. Adams St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 12:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.

The Young House, Conference Room, 500 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

via Zoom by logging on at +1 (346) 248-7799, and using meeting ID “8585-3466-991” and passcode “647810”.

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person

The Young House, 500 East Saint Charles St. Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, December 17, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. CST

Online & In-Person

United Way of Southern Cameron County, Conference Room, 634 E. Levee St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520

Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, November 19, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person

Brownsville Public Library-Main Branch, Meeting Room, located at 2600 Central Blvd., Cameron County, Texas 78520 

Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person

United Way of Southern Cameron County, Conference Room, 634 E. Levee St., Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520 

Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, July 29, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online & In-Person – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 12:00 P.M. CST

Online ONLY – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

Sixty Day Public Comment Period & Public Hearing Notice of the BCIC

Thursday April 29, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Microsoft Teams Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Microsoft Teams Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Friday, February 19, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Microsoft Teams Meeting – Call In Details:

StartUp Texas Pre-Qualifier Round – Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Microsoft Teams Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 12:00 P.M.

Online ONLY – Microsoft Teams Meeting – Call In Details:

60 DAY COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF THE BCIC

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, November 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Friday, September 11, 2020 at 12:00 PM

Online ONLY – Zoom Meeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, August 27, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, July 30, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Monday, June 22, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, April 30th, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

60 DAY COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF THE BCIC

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Monday, April 6th, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, March 26th, 2020

Online ONLY – GoToMeeting – Call In Details:

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Friday, February 21st, 2020

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, January 30th, 2020

Brownsville City Commission Chambers – 1001 E Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Monday, December 16th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 10th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, November 21st, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, October 31st, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Friday, October 18th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, September 26th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, August 29th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, July 1st, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Special Board Meeting – Friday, June 28th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, June 27th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, May 30th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, April 29th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, March 25th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting • Friday, January 25th, 2019

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting • Monday, January 29th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting • Friday, March 9th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting • Monday, March 26th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, April 30th, 2018 –  CANCELED

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, May 7th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, May 21st, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, June 4th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, June 25th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, July 23rd, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, August 6th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

2020 AGENDAS & MINUTES

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Monday, August 6th, 2018

The Young House – 500 East Saint Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018

City Commission Chambers – 1001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, November 29th, 2018

City Commission Chambers – 1001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville Texas

BCIC Regular Board Meeting – Thursday, December 20th, 2018

515 West Fourth Street, Brownsville Texas