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State of DFW 2021

A Regional Economic Development Update
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Sundance Square
Courtesy of Fort Worth

As Dallas continues to attract more businesses and people, surrounding cities are also benefitting from its growth. CEOs and their employees who crave a small-town feel, as well as businesses looking for tax advantages and other perks, are quickly claiming space in Dallas’ suburbs. Here, local economic development experts reveal why their city is in demand for corporate and residential development.




Addison Airport
Addison Airport is the premier general aviation airport in Texas.

Town of Addison


Town of Addison Economic Development & Tourism Department


EDC Contact: Orlando Campos | 972-450-7034


Population: 16,263


County: Dallas


Major Businesses: Mary Kay Cosmetics, Hitachi Consulting, Concentra, Bottle Rocket Studios, Wingstop, Cinepolis USA, Supreme Lending, Occidental Chemicals, Projekt202, ExponentHR, Systemware, Gehan Homes


How has Addison sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? In Addison, we have been successful by demonstrating our strong support to local businesses. We increased our business retention and expansion efforts by enhancing our communication with local businesses to keep them Informed of ever-evolving changes related to COVID regulations. We also used funds provided to us through the CARES Act to provide grant support to local businesses and our hotel industry.  From a marketing standpoint we emphasized the strong live, work, play environment Addison provides, ensured that all local businesses were supporting safety protocols, and pivoted our tourism marketing efforts to promote our restaurant industry and weekend travelers. All of this helped local businesses feel that the community was doing all it could to promote a safe work environment for employees and visitors while driving traffic to some of our most struggling Industries.


How does Addison differentiate itself from others in the region? Unlike other cities, Addison is a community that is nearly built out. Our current development efforts are focused on redevelopment and leveraging the services we offer for the benefit of all businesses.  Because we are a small community with a relatively small staff, and we are proud of our entrepreneurial spirit and innovation culture. We can pivot quickly to meet the needs of local business to help further our economic development efforts.  We are never opposed to looking outside the box or taking on risk that will help further our efforts.  Just about everything a business would need to be successful can be found within our 4.4-square-mile area or within a short drive of Addison.




Spectrum Center
Spectrum Center

What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Addison attract businesses? As a DART member city, Addison does not have an economic development corporation that dedicates a portion of its sales taxes for economic development purposes. Instead, our city council resolved several years ago to dedicate a portion of local ad valorem revenues for economic development. Through our Chapter 380 program, we can provide cash grants, sales tax sharing agreements, ad valorem reimbursements, fast track permitting, and other programs if the project meets certain evaluation criteria that helps further our economic development efforts.


What are you excited about in the future? We are very excited about the introduction of the DART Silver Line passenger rail service to Addison that will include a stop at the Addison Circle DART Station. Addison residents and visitors will be able to travel straight to DFW Airport or Downton Plano. This will be a game changer for Addison as it helps enhance our competitiveness for many businesses that will be within a short walk or drive to the station.  The Town Is also in the process of selecting a master developer for vacant sites near the station for a mixed-use development.  This will Increase the amount of office space In Addison and provide more residential options for employees and future residents.




City of Anna Water Tower
City of Anna water tower highlights the Anna skyline.

Anna


City of Anna Economic Development Corporation


EDC Contact: Joey Grisham | 214-831-5394


Population: 18,330


County: Collin


How has Dallas-Fort Worth’s market growth impacted development and offerings in Anna during the past three years? Companies are looking to Anna so their businesses can flourish and their employees can enjoy an exceptional quality of life. With a population more than 18,000, expected to grow to 100,000 by 2050, Anna’s first wave of commercial expansion included more than 160,000 square feet of construction. In 2020, both a 24,000-square-foot Surgery Center of North Texas and the first 24/7 emergency room were completed and a 37,000-square-foot Municipal Complex is underway. The Walmart-anchored Anna Town Center added numerous restaurants since 2020, including Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Panda Express, while Anna’s FY21 sales tax collections increased 24%– more than double since 2016–as 45 new businesses opened and more than 400 jobs were created.


How has Anna sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life?  The City of Anna offers an “open for business” transformative culture, featuring a newly adopted strategic plan focused on economic development and a reduced permitting process that averages two days. Despite the pandemic, Anna’s population continues to boom, leading the City to update its Comprehensive Plan and create a new Downtown Master Plan and a Parks & Trails Master Plan. In 2020, the Anna Economic Development Corporation also completed its strategic plan that highlights Anna’s forward trajectory.


What type of new-build activity are homebuilders experiencing, and what’s next for the sector in the coming months? Despite the pandemic and ballooning materials costs, Anna’s housing market remains steady, attracting a myriad of housing options new to Anna, including townhomes and larger lot sizes. With a 40% increase in single-family permits in FY 2021, a trend expected to continue in 2022, Anna’s newest communities offer access to one-of-a-kind features like botanical gardens, swimming pools, fishing ponds, parks, hike and bike trails, and unique amenity centers.




Austin Ranch
Austin Ranch is a mixed-used development offering an excellent lifestyle and easy access to employment opportunities.

The Colony


The Colony Economic Development Corporation


EDC Contact: Keri Samford, AICP | Executive Director of Development | 972-624-3127


Population: 44,000


County: Denton


Major Businesses:  Nebraska Furniture Mart, Rave Restaurant Group, Sanyo Energy U.S.A. Corp., Scheels All Sports, Quest Resource Management Group


How has The Colony’s City/EDC sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? When it comes to the factors companies evaluate for expansion or relocation, The Colony continues to rank high in all areas, including low taxes, an educated workforce, affordable and diverse housing choices, a convenient and central location within Dallas-Fort Worth, excellent schools, and a unique quality of life that encompasses both exciting amenities for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as the natural assets of Lake Lewisville and a parks and trails system that offers connectivity throughout the city. 


How does your city differentiate itself from others in the region? The Colony is a Texas Destination with unique, one-and-only concepts in the retail, restaurant, and entertainment sectors, including the exciting array of businesses located within the 433-acre Grandscape development. The opening of the Grandscape Lifestyle Center in 2020 and Grandscape Live in 2021 further confirms our distinction as a Texas Destination—not only commercial development, but new residents and visitors. At Grandscape Live, offering 345 luxury unites in its first phase, and other residential communities in The Colony, like Austin Ranch, a fabulous lifestyle is literally steps from your front door. And thanks to our technology infrastructure, residents don’t have to choose between living in a cool place or living near their workplace.


What product and/or development do you have coming online that fills a need in the market today? We continue to work together as a community to offer diversity and strike the balance between an enviable lifestyle and an environment that fosters business success. A great example includes the recent grand opening of a trail that connects The Cascades development to Grandscape. The trail runs under State Highway 121 along the railroad Right of Way. This is a unique design not replicated in many other cities and a part of a Trail Master Plan that connects the entire city and answers today’s desire for a community that is bikeable and pedestrian friendly. On the flip side, we currently have a 100-acre industrial park under construction that meets the demand in a market segment experiencing a shortage. We also continue to have a high interest in entertainment, retail/restaurant, and high-end flex office space. When a business fits our culture and brings value to the community in terms of quality of life, employment opportunities, and a return on investment, we can be very creative and aggressive in terms of incentives and assistance. 




Downtown from the Trinity River Basin
Downtown from the Trinity River basin

Dallas


City of Dallas Office of Economic Development


EDC Contact: Robin Bentley214-670-1685 


Population: 1,343,573


County: Dallas


Major Businesses: AT&T, Energy Transfer, CBRE Group, AECOM, Texas Instruments, Jacobs Engineering Group, HollyFrontier, Southwest Airlines, Builders FirstSource


How has Dallas sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? Dallas has long been focused on sustainability and livability through smart city innovation, public transportation, increasing mixed-use development, and cultural and recreational opportunities. These investments and the strength of our economy helped Dallas recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic more quickly and robustly than most other cities. Continued growth in our labor force, lower cost of living, and a stable economic outlook will ensure that Dallas remains a competitive and attractive option for companies.


How does Dallas differentiate itself from others in the region? Dallas is the only urban choice in North Texas—the place where density, diversity, and innovation intersect. Dallas has 340 square miles of new and historic neighborhoods; 150 million square feet of office space; 1.34 million residents; a comprehensive transportation network, including five interstates, three airports, and DART; world- class arts, museums, and parks, and a diverse economy. In the past two years, the city’s investments of $70 million of incentives leveraged commitments for $754.4 million in private investment, and 3,785 jobs were created or retained. Dallas has also led the region in small business COVID-19 relief, providing almost $7.5 million in total funding to qualified Dallas small businesses. A total of 614 grants and 32 loans were awarded to impacted small businesses in Dallas.  




AT&T Discovery District
AT&T Discovery District

In a post-pandemic environment, how is Dallas reimagining where residents live, work, and play and evolving in an unpredictable climate? The pandemic has showed everyone how vital it is to have usable, walkable outdoor spaces. Our downtown is anchored by large parks, including Klyde Warren, Belo Gardens, and Carpenter Park, and we welcomed the addition of the AT&T Discovery District earlier this year. Providing outdoor community meeting spaces, public access, and outdoor dining have enhanced our downtown areas as people returned to in person activities. Many of our local and neighborhood retail and hospitality businesses have increased outdoor seating and updated technology to allow curbside and to-go services. Maintaining these neighborhood businesses are vital to keeping our community strong and livable.  


What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Dallas attract businesses? Dallas has a variety of tools and incentive programs, including tax increment financing districts, Property Assessment Clean Energy financing, New Markets Tax Credits, Foreign Trade Zones, tax abatements, Chapter 380 grants and loans, general obligation bond program, freeport tax exemption, Opportunity Zones, and Neighborhood Empowerment Zones. We also coordinate with and leverage resources from local, regional, state, and federal partners, including our workforce development and training partners.


What does Dallas’ EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business? We look for businesses that can offer a good return to the citizens of Dallas by increasing the tax base or creating new jobs. When businesses are seeking incentives for job creation, we look for a commitment to a living wage for all workers, recruitment, and hiring of Dallas residents, and the business’ participation in local workforce programs. 




Mercer Crossing Farmers Branch
Mercer Crossing Farmers Branch

Farmers Branch


City of Farmers Branch Economic Development Department


EDC Contact: Allison Cook | 972-919-2507


Population: 36,000


County: Dallas


Major Businesses: Copart, TD Industries, Softlayer, Essilor of America, Eyemart Express, Tenet Healthcare, Trinity Industries, Southwestern Health Resources


How has Farmers Branch sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? The City of Farmers Branch has sustained interest as an attractive option for companies by continuing to maintain exemplary city services and updated public infrastructure. We also have a low tax rate in comparison to surrounding cities, along with the option for a triple net freeport exemption on inventory for qualifying companies. The city has a well-positioned location in Dallas-Fort Worth, giving residents and/or employees a manageable commute. For the growing remote employee sector, we have a newly renovated library and recreational facility. Flexible work schedules allow employees or residents the option to visit these facilities at various times during the week.

What type of new-build activity are homebuilders experiencing, and what’s next for the sector in the coming months? Homebuilders in Farmers Branch are in demand. We have custom homebuilding activity primarily in the established neighborhoods around Brookhaven Country Club. We also have production builders west of IH-35 with the new Mercer Crossing neighborhoods offering single-family and townhome products. Purchasing existing homes with the option to tear down and rebuild is also an initiative with the city program, Demo Rebuild. Cash grants and property tax rebates are offered for residents planning to build a new home. An application must be submitted and approved before the demolition of the existing home to participate in the program.


What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into your city? Farmers Branch has a variety of relocation opportunities for businesses, including existing Class A office space as well as existing and new industrial product.


How has Dallas-Fort Worth’s market growth impacted development and offerings in Farmers Branch during the past three years? Regional growth has created higher property values for the city, and demand for residential and commercial development has increased. Most of the 12 square miles of Farmers Branch have been developed for decades, creating revitalization opportunities. 




Sundance Square
Sundance Square

Fort Worth


Fort Worth


Contact: Robert Sturns


Population: 918,915


County: Tarrant


Major Businesses: Alcon, American Airlines, Ben E. Keith, BNSF, Bell Flight, Incora, Linear Labs, Lockheed Martin, SmartAction


How does Fort Worth differentiate itself from others in the region? Despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Fort Worth still prides itself on being a community where relationships are a priority, and collaboration is the key to success. Its strengths lie in its diversity—not only of people, but of places. And there are plenty of places to choose from, including Fort Worth’s central business district in Downtown, the world’s first industrial airport at Alliance, the city’s renowned Cultural District and Historic Stockyards, and its many unique neighborhoods and small businesses. 


Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Fort Worth today? Fort Worth continues to be a sought-after choice for businesses in the city’s more established industries, like transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, aerospace, and professional services. However, there are exciting opportunities developing in some of Fort Worth’s newer, emerging industries as well, including biotech, mobility innovation, and technology-driven clean energy. 



What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Fort Worth attract businesses? Fort Worth has several tools to attract businesses to the city, including Chapter 380 grants and tax abatements, opportunity zones, foreign trade zones, property assessment clean energy financing, neighborhood empowerment zones, and enterprise zones. Based on a business’ potential location, Fort Worth also utilizes tax increment financing districts and public improvement districts. Fort Worth also offers local tax credits for ongoing research and development projects that take place within the city and has established an economic development fund to close the competitive gap with nearby 4A and 4B communities, In fact, Fort Worth’s economic development incentives have leveraged a total of $5.3 billion in private investment, resulting in 20,800 jobs.


What does Fort Worth evaluate when looking to attract a new business? Fort Worth is specifically looking to attract businesses within its designated target areas that offer high-impact, well-paying jobs to the city’s fast-growing community. Particular areas of interest include biotech and transportation innovation, given the recent creation of the iter8 Health Innovation Community and the exciting strides being made at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone.




Lakewood Brewing Co.
Lakewood Brewing Co.

Garland


City of Garland Economic Development Department


EDC Contact: Ayako Schuster | 972-205-3818


Population: 246,018


County: Dallas


How does Garland differentiate itself from other cities in the region? Garland has the unique advantage of being a big city with small town values. Businesses here are welcomed into the community and met with a can-do spirit. The city is also one of the most diverse in Dallas-Fort Worth, offering a variety of cultural experiences. Numerous internationally based businesses choose Garland for their strategic locations.


What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Garland? Garland presents key benefits, such as a business friendly and diverse environment, affordable overhead costs, workforce training opportunities, and more. The city is also focusing its efforts on revitalizing existing commercial properties. We are excited to facilitate redevelopment and renovation projects.


What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Garland attract businesses? Since we understand that each project is unique, we strive to get creative with various incentive options to fill the specific gaps a business has and work collaboratively to help them attain their goals. We want to continue our involvement after the initial deal is made, as support, a sounding board, and a resource.


How has Garland sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? The city’s economy has remained relatively resilient. Garland businesses have the advantage of easy access—rail, highways, airports—as well a noteworthy workforce, with Garland being recognized as the seventh-hardest working city in Texas.


What does Garland EDP evaluate when looking to attract a new business? We believe it’s important to look at how the city fits into the business’s vision, along with how a business fits into the city’s vision. One quality we love to see is a unique and creative business plan, whether it be a corporation or an entrepreneur. We also seek to build relationships and like to work with those who plan to be in the community long term.


Garland is a community where a rich mixture of people and resources foster entrepreneurialism and company growth. “Make Your Mark” is our mantra to continue moving forward toward your goals and to do it in your way, on your terms, and in a town that truly supports its business community.




Southlake Town Square
Southlake Town Square

Southlake


City of Southlake


EDC Contact: Daniel Cortez | 817.748.8039 


Population: 31,199


County: Tarrant


Major Businesses: Sabre, Verizon, VariSpace, TD Ameritrade


How has Southlake sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? Southlake has a great outdoor environment for shopper and diners. Companies really like that they can offer this environment to their employees


How does Southlake differentiate itself from other cities in the region? We have all the amenities of a large city but in a suburban setting that is accessible


Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Southlake today? Medical services and corporate offices are interested in Southlake due to excellent shopping, dining, and hotel environment.


In a post-pandemic environment, how Is Southlake reimagining where residents live, work, and play and evolving in an unpredictable climate? We want all our residents, visitors, and businesses to feel comfortable being in Southlake. We are working with many business property owners to ensure they have flexibility to operate in this post-pandemic world.


What are the five most important needs of businesses when choosing a site location, especially now? Accessibility for its employees and customers, visibility, proximity to a major airport, amenities, and talent—all traits Southlake carries.


What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago? Businesses want amenities and convenience for their employees. Traditionally speaking, businesses  would take on the responsibility of providing all amenities for their employees. In today’s world, sharing this cost and all the other amenities a community has to offer is key to attractions.


What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Southlake? Southlake is located in northeast Tarrant County along State Highway 114. It is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth and less than seven minutes from DFW International Airport.


What are some of your predictions for how Dallas-Fort Worth’s economic outlook may change during the next three years? We hope growth continues and more companies continue to relocate and grow here in North Texas. We’re investing now in our community and anticipating future growth.




McLane Headquarters
McLane Headquarters

Temple


Temple Economic Development Corporation


EDC Contact: Adrian Cannady | 254.773.8332


Population: 85,000


County: Bell


Headquarters: Artcobell, DataMars, Fikes, McLane Company, McLane Intelligent Solutions. PDI, Scott & White Health Plan, Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions, Texell Credit Union, Wilsonart


How does Temple differentiate itself from others in the region? In addition to shovel-ready sites, Temple EDC has formed strong relationships with local government and decision makers. These relationships, and the motivation from everyone to bring businesses and jobs to Temple, means that there is less red tape to cut through and processes go much smoother than what people typically experience In other locations. 


Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Temple today? Temple is fortunate to sit at an ideal location on the Texas triangle. We are one hour from Austin, two hours from Dallas or San Antonio, and 2.5 hours from the Houston metro region. Whenever there are large business developments in any of those cities, we quickly see a rush of interest from ancillary businesses, regardless of industry. From that standpoint we’ve seen interest from distribution, food, and beverage, automotive, and building material suppliers. Additionally, Temple is a medical hub and home to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center with a Level 1 Trauma Center, McLane Children’s Hospital, Everest Rehabilitation Hospital, and the largest VA Hospital in the state. With such a strong medical industry we regularly see interest from health and bio-science companies looking to start operations. 


How is technology impacting the needs of businesses moving into the area? Temple Industrial Park is fully served with fiber optic lines, provided by multiple carriers, at every site. Businesses coming in today have a greater need for high-speed technology infrastructure than ever before. By providing this to every site, and by having robust wireless options throughout the city, Temple has been able to prepare and provide to these needs before a project even begins.




Temple Rail Transloading
Temple Rail Transloading

In a post-pandemic environment, how Is your city reimagining where residents live, work, and play and evolving in an unpredictable climate? Temple is experiencing new investments in housing, traditional business districts, and educational campuses. This, alongside fiber and wireless connection options, provides an environment for individuals to easily pivot from in-office to at-home work, and vice versa. Temple is home to many outdoor spaces, and we continue to invest in our park infrastructure and bike trails that provide quality of life for our citizens. 


How has the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s market growth impacted development and offerings in your city during the past three years? Dallas has been the center of business and industrial growth in the U.S. for quite some time. This growth has branched out and has led the business development community to look at Central Texas as their next wave of investment. Temple’s long experience in business growth has made us a natural place for people to reach out to for their Central Texas location.


What does your EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business? We are focused on target manufacturing, business support services, health and life sciences, and logistics and distribution that will significantly increase the overall Income of our local citizens and will increase the tax base of our local governments. 


What are some of your predictions for how Dallas-Fort Worth’s economic outlook may change over the next three years? We expect to see tremendous growth In the south Dallas-Fort Worth area. Being right off I-35 and only two hours south of Dallas means that Temple is perfectly positioned to support this growth as companies look to expand toward the Central Texas region.




Nucor Building Systems
Nucor Building Systems

Terrell


Terrell Economic Development Corporation


EDC Contact: Ray Dunlap | 469.534.2719


Population: 18,000


County: Kaufman


Major Businesses: AutoZone Distribution, Madix, Nucor, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Walmart Distribution 


How is Terrell positioned as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given COVID-19’s impact on the economy and daily work life? Post COVID-19, submarkets are becoming attractive to companies. Terrell is far enough away from Dallas-Fort Worth to still have a small-town feel, and close enough so that all the desired amenities of the big city are only 40 minutes away. Land is more affordable and workforce in East Texas will drive to Terrell for good jobs. When COVID-19 hit, the Kaufman County Judge and Commissioners Court were very practical and moderate in their attitude toward business. They consulted with business and education before making decisions. They did their best to adhere to safety guidelines, while also recognizing if people were not working, we would have far greater problems down the road. To the extent possible, the County allowed local governments and school districts determine what was best for their community. As a result, Terrell has not been hit as hard as some other communities. 


What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago? Today, businesses are looking for good land prices, a reasonable regulatory environment, and a quality workforce.


Many CEOs are seeking a work/live/play environment for their employees as a strategy to attract and retain top talent. How does Terrell’s master plan fit into this strategy, and how has it evolved this year? Terrell updated its master plan a few years ago and voters chose to devote a 1/8 cent sales tax to improving parks and downtown. The City Council appointed a board to lead this work and they are actively working to improve an already good quality of life for residents and visitors. The board, in conjunction with the City Council, is pursuing improvements that will make Terrell more appealing to those seeking good jobs in a great place to live.


What does your EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business? Our EDC looks at the stability and financial health of a company, the total investment they will make, and most importantly, the quality of the pay and benefits they will be offering employees.


How does Terrell differentiate itself from others in the region? Terrell has a diverse economy, which has helped us weather COVID-19 better than some. The City of Terrell, Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Kaufman County, school district, and business community work together to find solutions to issues. We are not a siloed community, but rather a collaborative and inclusive community.




Celina Historic Downtown
Celina Historic Downtown

Celina


EDC Contact: Alexis Jackson | 972-382-3455


Population: 30,000


County: Collin & Denton


Major Businesses: Airmax, Sign Gypsies, Protective Products, Dickerson Construction, Automation Integration, Redi-Mix, Chemtrade 


How has Celina sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past year on the economy and daily work life? During the pandemic, Celina out-paced nearby Frisco as the city issuing the highest number of new building permits. New businesses and new homes are being built at an unprecedented pace, and the trend shows no signs of any correction in the
foreseeable future.


What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago? Technological infrastructure. Celina is the first Gigabit City in Texas. Much of Celina enjoys a pure fiber network with unlimited bandwidth and speeds of 1,000 Mbps.


Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Celina? As the Dallas North Tollway plows through the heart of the City, BIZNOW stated that Celina should prepare ‘for the Tsunami’ as we will soon anchor the top of the Tollway. With the Tollway and Preston Road serving as major north/south thoroughfares and the new Collin County Outer Loop construction connecting the east and west, access to Celina with minimal interruption is simplifying. 




Ardent Mills
Ardent Mills

Saginaw


EDC Contact: Keith C. Rinehart| 817-230-0331


Population: 24,150


Major Businesses: Wholly Guacamole, Trinity Rail, CTI Foods, Miller Milling, Troxell Trailer Mfg., Gavilon Grain, Ardent Mills, Ventura Foods, Bana Box


How does Saginaw differentiate itself from others in the region? Location. Saginaw’s centralized location, proximity to major highways, and access to a workforce of over 1 million, gives it a significant competitive edge. The Saginaw area boasts an excellent school system, abundant housing, more than 100 acres of tranquil parks, lake recreation, and a variety of restaurants and retail shopping all in close proximity to world-class arts and entertainment venues in Dallas-Fort Worth.


Low property tax rates. Saginaw has one of the lowest property tax rates in Tarrant County at $.0479.


Reinvesting in Saginaw. The Building Improvement Grants program provides matching grants to reimburse commercial property owners or business operators for eligible enhancements made to their properties. This is for any commercial business in the City of Saginaw that is looking to enhance its existing site visual, or in ways that increase the viability of the property for business use.


What type of new-build activity are homebuilders experiencing, and what’s next for the sector in the coming months? We currently have three mixed-use developments being constructed. These developments will include restaurants, retail, entertainment and single-family homes, as well as multifamily housing.




Hope Coffee
Hope Coffee

Sunnyvale


Sunnyvale Economic Development Corporation


EDC Contact: Burton K. Barr | 972-203-4154


Population: 7,893


County:  Dallas 


Major Businesses: American Marazzi Tile, Vince Hagan Company, Morley Moss Electrical


What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Sunnyvale? Sunnyvale’s proximity to downtown Dallas and U.S. 80 makes it a desirable choice for entertainment, hospitality, corporate headquarters, destination retail, grocery stores, and industrial development.


What does Sunnyvale’s EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business? Capital investment, sales tax generation, job creation, and targeted industries.


How does Sunnyvale differentiate itself from others in the region? The Town of Sunnyvale is a quiet and family-oriented community a short 15-minute drive from downtown Dallas. Sunnyvale ISD is consistently rated as one of the top school districts in Texas. Sunnyvale residents enjoy the benefits of small town living combined with access to the thriving business, cultural, and social districts of the Dallas-Fort Worth.  


Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Sunnyvale? Light industrial and retail.


How has Dallas-Fort Worth’s market growth impacted commercial development in Sunnyvale? We are seeing tremendous growth as developers look to move east of downtown Dallas.


 

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