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 and its suburbs. Here, local economic development experts reveal why their cities are in demand for corporate and residential development.
Town of Addison
Town of Addison Economic Development & Tourism Department
EDC Contact: Wayne Emerson | 972.450.7034 | [email protected]
Population: 17,000
County: Dallas
Major Businesses: Mary Kay Cosmetics, Hitachi Consulting, Concentra, Bottle Rocket Studios, Wingstop, Cinepolis USA, Supreme Lending, 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 few years on the economy and daily work life?
Strategically located in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, Addison is naturally poised to tap into the expansive talent pool of the region. What amplifies Addison’s allure is the upcoming Addison Circle TOD project, a significant investment that underscores the Town’s forward-thinking approach. The transit-oriented development promises to be a magnet for top talent, blending the benefits of an amenity-rich environment with the convenience of integrated transportation, especially given its anticipated alignment with the DART Silver Line’s 2026 launch.
How does Addison differentiate itself from others in the region?
Addison boasts a unique blend of connectivity and convenience with unparalleled access. The Addison Airport, a significant hub with national reach, stands out as one of Texas’ busiest general aviation airports. The introduction of the DART Silver Line in 2024 promises to strengthen Addison’s ties to the broader region, providing a direct and efficient route to DFW International Airport and reinforcing the Town’s already favorable proximity to an international gateway. Its strategic placement on the Dallas North Tollway, coupled with its close proximity to Interstate 635, further positions Addison as a convenient and accessible point within Dallas-Fort Worth.
What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago?
Today’s businesses are increasingly valuing locations that emphasize functionality and well-being for their employees. Addison addresses these evolving preferences with its diverse amenities—green spaces for relaxation and recreation, an extensive range of dining experiences with more than 200 restaurants, and a variety of accommodation options with its 20 hotels. Walkability is another modern priority, and Addison delivers through spaces like Addison Circle Park and Vitruvian Park. The presence of cultural events, such as Taste Addison and Oktoberfest, enriches the local experience. Collectively, these features position Addison as an attractive and contemporary choice for businesses scouting for new site locations.
Anna
City of Anna Economic Development Corporation
EDC Contact: Joey Grisham | 214.831.5394
Population: 23,960
County: Collin
Major Businesses: Branco Manufacturing, Omnimax USA
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Anna today?
Retail, medical, dining, industrial and multifamily have exhibited the most interest. Recent openings include Chili’s, Chipotle, Home Depot, and Texas Roadhouse. In the past three years, Anna has added more than 80 new businesses and finalized agreements for projects representing over $3 billion in investments. Thirteen multifamily developments will also be under construction by the end of 2023.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Anna attract businesses?
Anna supports business growth through a range of programs and incentives including grants, infrastructure assistance, permit fee waivers/reductions, streamlined permitting process, tax increment reinvestment zones, and public improvement districts.
What does your EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business?
Anna is a city that starts with “yes” and is open to all new business propositions that diversify our offerings for neighbors and support our vision as one of the fastest-growing cities across North Texas.
Bonham
Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO)
EDC Contact: Gayle Cooper, CEcD | 903.335.1557 | [email protected]
Population: 23,393
County: Fannin
Major Businesses: Tongrun International, Clayton Homes, Trans Cable International
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in your area today?
Developers are currently our largest investors. We have developers from both Dallas-Fort Worth and out of state wanting to build planned area developments. Two are currently in the works, with one of them moving forward quickly. They include single- and multi-family residences, with commercial, on 617 acres. Our prime commercial corridor, Highway 121/Sam Rayburn Freeway, is attracting retail, QSRs, and restaurant activity.
How is technology impacting the needs of businesses moving into the area?
There is so much tech expansion in Sherman! This is impacting our need to provide housing. Bonham’s lakes and lifestyle amenities are very attractive to tech workers; they will happily drive the 25 minutes to Sherman and their place of employment.
What are the most important needs of businesses when choosing a site location, especially now?
Businesses today need a solid workforce more than anything else. Today’s workers want a lifestyle, and we can provide that for them. Families are moving out of cities into small towns, fleeing large cities for the slower pace and freedom that a small town offers. Millennials, too, appreciate the ability to walk and connect in low-traffic, pleasurable surroundings.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Bonham attract businesses?
BEDCO offers sales tax incentives and/or infrastructure assistance for high-value businesses. That high value takes many forms—unique restaurants, niche retailers, high sales volume retailers, and smaller supply-side industries for the iconic manufacturers of Sherman. In addition, the City offers 380 agreements for property tax assistance.
What events are occurring that will drive further success for Bonham?
The opening of Bois d’ Arc Lake is already having a huge impact on our economy. Lots around the lake, with a baseline of $250,000, sold out immediately upon offering, with other lots available. Bois d’Arc is going to be the weekend or full-time home for a great number of Dallasites. They will need retailers to keep their homes stocked and restaurants and lifestyle amenities for nights out. We can provide what they want.
The Colony
The Colony Economic Development Corporation
EDC Contact: Keri Samford | 972.624.3127 | [email protected]
Population: 45,000
County: Denton
Major Businesses: Nebraska Furniture Mart, Scheels
How does The Colony differentiate itself from others in the region?
We have unique businesses in The Colony, some of which are the only ones in the state of Texas. We are the home of Grandscape, a true Texas Destination and home to Nebraska Furniture Mart, Scheels, Akira Back, and Windmills, along with more than 50 other entertainment destinations, restaurants, and retailers.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in The Colony today?
Sports entertainment venues and restaurants, such as Pop Stroke, Cosm, Fritz’s Adventure, Fire Side Surf, and World Springs, are all currently under construction in The Colony. In addition, we have one-and-only or first-to-market venues, such as Red Phone Booth, Lava Cantina, Andretti Indoor Karting, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, and Cigars International to name a few.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help The Colony attract businesses?
We can be very competitive in the market with our partnerships for the right businesses. We structure any deal with a win-win attitude and strive to ensure our partners have the tools they need to succeed. Depending on the project, the needs to bridge the gap will differ. We evaluate each project independently and structure our deals accordingly.
Dallas
City of Dallas Office of Economic Development
EDC Contact: Robin Bentley | 214.670.1685 | [email protected]
Population: 1.3 million
County: Dallas
Major Businesses: AT&T, Energy Transfer, HF Sinclair, CBRE Group, Southwest Airlines, Builders FirstSource, Texas Instruments,Tenet Healthcare, Jacobs Solutions, AECOM, EnLink Midstream, AMN Healthcare Services, Primoris Services, Atmos Energy, ATI, Brinker International, Comerica, Copart, Match Group, Matador Resources, Frontier Communications
How has Dallas sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years in the economy and daily work life?
Dallas remains an attractive option for companies looking for new or expanded locations due to its urban core and dynamic business environment. Dallas has long been focused on sustainability and livability through smart city innovation, public transportation, mixed-use development to create walkable neighborhoods, and cultural and recreational opportunities, including our great parks system and the Dallas Arts District. As businesses have adjusted their work models, maintaining Dallas as a great place to live and work ensures we have the talent for existing and future companies. We continue to be a hub for corporate headquarters and expansions and are excited by the growth in biotech and life sciences, anchored by the Medical District and Pegasus Park.
How does Dallas differentiate itself from others in the region?
Dallas is the only urban choice in North Texas—a welcoming community where density, diversity, and innovation intersect. Dallas has 340 square miles of new and historic neighborhoods; 150 million square feet of office space; 1.3 million residents; a comprehensive transportation network, including five interstates, three airports and DART; world-class arts, museums and parks; and a diverse economy. During the past two fiscal years, the City has committed almost $235 million for incentives, which leveraged commitments for $1.7 billion in new capital investment and will lead to
the creation or retention of 8,814 jobs.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Dallas attract businesses?
Dallas has long had 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, and Opportunity Zones. In January 2023, our new Economic Development Incentive Policy was approved to encourage development in southern Dallas and other areas that historically have experienced under-investment. It establishes additional tools to spur additional development in target areas (census block groups with a poverty rate of 20% or greater), including a new as-of-right-now tax abatement program, a Chapter 373/community development program, the Infrastructure Investment Fund, and a predevelopment loan fund.
Finally, the recently established Dallas Economic Development Corporation will help us market and attract businesses to Dallas.
Farmers Branch
EDC Contact: Allison Cook | 972.919.2507 | [email protected]
Population: 40,000
County: Dallas
Major Businesses: Brinks, TD Industries, Trinity Industries, Scout & Cellar, Tenet Healthcare, Interstate Batteries, Freeman Company
How has Farmers Branch sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years in the economy and daily work life?
The city reinvests in our infrastructure, public parks, and redevelopment initiatives. We also reach out to businesses to learn about their needs and how we can help.
How does your city differentiate itself from others in the region?
Our location in the region includes Dallas North Tollway, Interstate 35E, and LBJ Freeway which helps with transportation logistics for distribution companies. We are also built out, so redevelopment initiatives and catalyst public private partnerships are the main focus, given our geography.
What are the five most important needs of businesses when choosing a site location, especially now?
Real estate is always first. If the asset doesn’t work for the company, you cannot overcome it with incentives. Transportation corridors, low response time for police/fire impacting insurance costs, reasonable tax rates for real and personal property, commute to majority of workforce, and proximity to vendors or competition in trade area are a few of the needs for our area.
What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Farmers Branch?
The commercial real estate sector includes Valwood Industrial Park as well as the east side of town for retrofit of existing older light industrial. In addition to light industrial, Class A buildings are primarily located along the tollway, providing options for industries as diverse as manufacturing to financial services.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Farmers Branch attract businesses?
Farmers Branch offers the triple net freeport exemption, which helps companies reduce their business personal tax obligation. We created the Commercial Façade Grant Program to incentivize owners to reinvest in their assets. At times, we offer property or sales tax rebates depending upon the return on investment.
What does the Farmers Branch EDC evaluate when looking to attract a new business?
We look at the whole picture in regard to direct and indirect revenue to the city.
What are some of your predictions for how the region’s economic outlook may change during the next three years?
Our diversity of industry allowed our city to manage the financial pandemic impacts. My prediction would be to expect the unexpected and remain fiscally conservative to manage the next potential crisis.
Fort Worth
City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department
EDC Contact: Robert Sturns
Population: 956,709
County: Tarrant
Major Businesses: Alcon, American Airlines, BNSF, Bell, Flight, Clevon, Eosera, GKN Aerospace, Linear Labs, Lockheed Martin, Sinclair Digital, TimelyCare
How does Fort Worth differentiate itself from others in the region?
While it may be the 13th largest city in the U.S. and the fastest-growing large city in the nation, Fort Worth is still being built-out, with plenty of developable land available. Mega-sites at Walsh and Veale Ranches in west Fort Worth offer opportunities for large projects, but there’s also great potential in the central city. More than $2.5 billion in planned development is slated for downtown Fort Worth in the near future, including the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus and the expansion of both the Fort Worth Convention Center and Omni Hotel.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth continues to see significant interest from businesses in the city’s established industries, including aerospace/defense and advanced manufacturing. The city’s emerging industries are also picking up momentum; companies like MP Materials and Sinclair Digital are leading the charge on sustainable energy, while others like Clevon and Volvo Autonomous Solutions are pioneering the future of self-driving vehicles and new forms of mobility innovation.
What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into your city (by use type)?
Fort Worth is home to DFW International Airport, and the city’s global logistics hub at Alliance is one of the world’s premier inland ports, thanks to a multi-modal transportation network that includes interstate, rail and air, making the city perfect for companies with people and products on the move. The nearby Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ) continues to be the staging ground for significant advances in last-mile delivery, and the city’s growing Medical Innovation District offers opportunities for collaboration with local hospitals and Fort Worth’s robust community of entrepreneurs in the life sciences industry.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Fort Worth attract businesses?
Fort Worth has several tools to attract businesses, including Chapter 380 grants and tax abatements, opportunity zones, foreign trade zones, property assessment clean energy financing, neighborhood empowerment zones, and enterprise zones. Fort Worth also utilizes tax increment finance districts and public improvement districts, and offers local tax credits for ongoing research and development projects that take place within the city.
Garland
City of Garland Economic Development Department
EDC Contact: Ayako Schuster | 972.205.3800 | [email protected]
Population: 240,854
County: Dallas
How has Garland’s Economic Development Department sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations?
We take a collaborative approach to facilitate economic development projects. Appreciating that each project and company is unique, we assess the challenges facing each project and explore innovative solutions. Garland Economic Development works closely with City departments and other stakeholders to ensure a responsive and coordinated development process, including zoning considerations and permitting.
What does Garland’s Economic Development Department evaluate when looking to attract a new business?
We model traditional quantitative metrics, such as new tax value, job creation, and payroll, as well as target industry. We also consider projects comprehensively, focusing on destination-oriented developments that foster a sense of place. This is a strategy underscored by the successful redevelopment of Garland’s Downtown Square. The City is committed to development that offers unique retail experiences to both residents and visitors, while enriching the community.
What’s next for Garland?
Garland is excited to have recently adopted a new economic development strategic plan, which emphasizes a balanced approach to expanding the City’s tax base. The plan calls for standard redevelopment and industrial expansions, as well as growing sales tax through destination-oriented developments and increased density in many underutilized spaces. We’re looking forward to partnering with developers on upcoming projects that focus on in-fill opportunities and revitalization of the city through redevelopment opportunities. Since Garland is nearly built-out and developing available sites can be challenging, our department is always seeking creative solutions with private partners.
How is technology impacting the needs of businesses moving into the area?
The evolving landscape of cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI is significantly influencing the requirements of businesses, particularly within the data center industry. Garland has seen substantial growth in its data centers, with Dallas-Fort Worth becoming a hub for the sector. Garland is exceptionally well positioned for this sector, with robust infrastructure capabilities, a skilled workforce and accessibility to clients.
Grapevine
Grapevine Economic Development
EDC Contact: Garin Giacomarro | 817.410.3105 | [email protected]
Population: 52,017
County: Tarrant
Major Businesses: Paycom, Kubota, GameStop, Southland Holdings, DFW International Airport
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Grapevine today?
Grapevine is a premier destination for hospitality, dining, and entertainment. Our geographic location and reputation for family-friendly attractions makes this city the logical first choice for businesses that generate foot traffic, with cutting-edge users, like Meow Wolf leading the pack.
What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago?
The what hasn’t changed as much as the how. In the information age, accessibility means more than basic infrastructure; companies need strong supply lines, a ready supply of talent, and access to the digital economy. Grapevine is proud to offer city-wide connections to high-speed internet, public transportation in every form, and direct access to one of the world’s busiest cargo and passenger airports.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Grapevine attract businesses?
We believe in partnerships. As such, Grapevine offers sales tax revenue sharing, tax increment financing, and grant funding for qualifying projects.
Mansfield
Mansfield Economic Development Corporation
EDC Contact: Jason Moore | 817.728.3651 | [email protected]
Population: 75,000
Counties: Tarrant, Johnson, and Ellis
Major Businesses: Mouser Electronics, Hoffman Cabinets, Sellmark
How has Mansfield sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years on the economy and daily work life?
Mansfield, Texas, has sustained interest as an attractive option for companies by offering a resilient business environment. Despite the challenges of the past few years, the City has invested in infrastructure, workforce development, and quality of life initiatives to support businesses. Additionally, the city’s strategic location in Dallas-Fort Worth provides access to a large consumer market and transportation networks.
How does Mansfield differentiate itself from others in the region?
Mansfield differentiates itself from other cities in the region through a combination of factors, including a strong education system, a family-friendly community, and a diverse economy. The City emphasizes its commitment to balanced growth, which preserves its small-town charm while embracing innovation, advanced manufacturing and commercial development.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in Mansfield today?
Mansfield has seen interest from various industries, including healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Dallas-Fort Worth’s diverse economy has attracted businesses across sectors.
How is technology impacting the needs of businesses moving into the area?
Technology is impacting the needs of businesses moving into the area by driving demand for skilled tech talent and modern office spaces. Mansfield is adapting to these needs by bringing an innovation district to the market that will include class A office and be an attractive new home for incoming tech, bio manufacturing, advanced manufacturing companies.
How has the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s market growth impacted development and offerings in Mansfield during the past three years?
The Dallas-Fort Worth region’s market growth has positively impacted Mansfield by driving commercial and residential development. The city has experienced increased demand for housing, retail, and services due to the growing population in the region.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help Mansfield attract businesses?
Mansfield EDC offers various financial incentives and programs to attract businesses, including tax incentives, grants, and workforce training assistance. MEDC has recently introduced a new incentives policy, significantly broadening the range of incentives now available.
McKinney
ECD Contact: Michael Kowski | [email protected]
Population: 211,397
County: Collin
Major Businesses: Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Globe Life, Independent Financial, Encore Wire, Dynacraft – a PACCAR Company, Amazon, LifePath Systems, Simpson StrongTie, Blount Fine Foods, SRS Distribution, Inc.
How has McKinney sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years on the economy and daily work life?
In the economic landscape of the past few years, McKinney has emerged as a beacon for companies seeking stability, growth, and innovation. Flexible Incentive Programs—recognizing the financial challenges many business have faced, the EDC revamped its incentive programs. Tax breaks, streamlined permit processes, and subsidies have been tailored to attract businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. The City has fostered partnerships between local universities, vocational training centers, and businesses to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers tailored to industries’ evolving needs and create a diverse talent pool.
How does McKinney differentiate itself from others in the region?
McKinney uniquely blends historical charm with contemporary conveniences, prioritizing green initiatives and sustainability. McKinney’s community-centric ethos, underscored by regular events and a tight-knit vibe, complements its dedication to educational excellence. Our proactive EDC tailors strategies to current industry trends and remains committed to inclusive growth, promoting diversity of companies and workforce.
Which industries are demonstrating the most interest in McKinney today?
Technology and Innovation. McKinney’s proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth has made it an attractive hub for tech startups and established IT enterprises alike. The McKinney National Business Park and several co-working spaces across the city area testament to the area’s commitment to fostering the tech ecosystem.
What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand to McKinney?
McKinney is the largest land mass city in Collin County, and we are only one-third developed. There will be new pockets of development opportunity popping up all over McKinney as the 380 Bypass gets built, and further as the Collin County outer loop is expanded. Twenty to 30 years from now, we believe that McKinney will just be hitting the stride of its full development potential.
How has the region’s market growth impacted development and offerings in McKinney during the past three years?
During the past three years, the rapid market growth in Dallas-Fort Worth has significantly influenced McKinney’s landscape. The city has witnessed a surge in both residential and commercial real estate developments to accommodate the expanding population and businesses. Additionally, McKinney has seen an enrichment in its cultural and recreational amenities, an expansion in educational institutions, and a growth in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Plano
EDC Contact: Doug McDonald | 972.208.8300 | [email protected]
Population: 292,000
Counties: Collin, and Denton
Major Businesses: JPMorgan Chase, Toyota Motor North America, Liberty Mutual, Capital One
How has Plano sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years regarding the economy and daily work life?
The post-pandemic “flight-to-quality” has increased the demand for walkable amenities for companies to offer their employees a more positive experience as they return to the office. Our business parks have a distinct corporate address with amenities that combine office with residential, shopping, and dining, creating a vibrant working environment that is highly sought after. There are few places in Texas that offer the amenities of Legacy West, Granite Park, or the Shops at Legacy, which is one of the many reasons why there has been a sustained interest for a Plano address.
How does Plano differentiate itself from others in the region?
Plano has the No. 1 park system in Texas, well-developed roads and infrastructure, lowest effective tax rate in Dallas-Fort Worth, access to mass transit, pro-business initiatives, and a quality of life that is unmatched with superior housing, schools, public safety, and four major hospitals. Our focus remains on the corporate tenant, which is why Plano continues to attract major global brands with an impressive roster today of 65 Forbes Global companies. Plano is also taking a proactive approach to redevelopment and reinvestment. Assembly Park and Collin Creek are two large-scale examples of successful partnerships to transform former shopping malls into mixed-use destinations. Plano is also reinvesting in its core infrastructure with more than $530 million in active capital projects.
What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Plano by use type?
Plano continues to have a strong reputation for office/corporate operations and new economic development tools, and workforce programs have been recently developed for companies looking to relocate or expand. We also have one of the hottest tech/R&D districts in the region with the Research/Technology Crossroads, which will soon have access to the DART Silver Line and will connect our research/R&D jobs directly to the innovative students at UT Dallas and DFW International Airport.
Rockwall
ECD Contact: Phil Wagner | 972.772.0025
Population: 51,461
County: Rockwall
Major Businesses: Channell Commercial, Pegasus Foods, SPR Packaging, Whitmore Manufacturing, KE Andrews, Special Products & Mfg, Interstate Wire, L3Harris, Karat Packaging, Pratt Industries, Bimbo Bakeries
What are the five most important needs of businesses when choosing a site location, and how does Rockwall stack up?
Available labor. Rockwall benefits from more than 2.8 million workers in a 45-minute drive time, with more than 200,000 employed in various manufacturing disciplines. While the region has a strong pipeline for assemblers, machinists, and other production workers, Rockwall residents are employed in architecture and engineering, legal, management, and finance at concentrations above the national average.
Land and infrastructure. The Rockwall Technology Park is a light industrial business park, equipped with roadways, water, sewer, drainage, and multiple options for both electricity delivery and natural gas supply. Additionally, many sites are served with regional detention that allows for more vertical development on less acreage. The Technology Park is preparing to open an additional 210 acres of shovel-ready property in late 2023, with contiguous sites as large as 70 acres.
Quality of life. Rockwall boasts a unique quality of life, stemming from the peacefulness of being located on the shores and hills overlooking the beautiful 23,000-acre Lake Ray Hubbard. Rockwall schools have been given an “A” rating by the TEA for several years running, and community crime rates are a fraction of both state and national averages. In addition, Rockwall housing is considered to be roughly 15% lower in costs than comparable properties in Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant counties.
Logistics and access. Rockwall is located off Interstate 30, where TxDOT is currently investing more than $800 million to add up to eight new lanes. The community will benefit from another $1.7 billion in anticipated funding for other state roadway projects. Rockwall is conveniently positioned near five rail transload facilities within a 30-minute drive time, as well as multiple airports, including DFW Airport and Love Field, within 45 minutes.
Taxes and incentives. Rockwall has one of the lowest consolidated tax rates in the state, with a new rate of $1.565445 per $100 valuation for tax year 2023. The REDC offers robust financial incentives via cash grants or when applicable, significant discounts on land prices.
Sachse
City of Sachse Economic Development
EDC Contact: Jerod Potts | 469.429.4764 | [email protected]
Population: 31,388
Counties: Collin and Dallas
Major Businesses: Evolve Biologics, Applied Energy Company
How has Sachse sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations?
The last few years have shown that the suburbs represent an attractive and economically productive investment by businesses and retailers.
The City of Sachse will continue to marshal the strength of the Dallas-Fort Worth region and our community’s unique offerings to ensure we are top of mind for site selectors, developers, homebuyers, and everyone in-between.
What type of opportunities exist for businesses looking to relocate or expand into Sachse?
Sachse offers a number of economic incentives for businesses seeking to expand in our community, specifically those meeting one of our target industries. Some of the target industries in Sachse include life sciences, technology, health and wellness, niche and specialty retail, and destination retail.
How does Sachse differentiate itself from others in the region?
Sachse is a development-friendly community. The City wants those investing in our community to succeed. City staff mobilizes quickly to provide support and resources to anyone looking to start a project in Sachse. The philosophy in Sachse is that all City staff play an important role in economic development.
Wilmer
City of Wilmer/ Dallas County Inland Port
EDC Contact: Rona Stringfellow | 972.441.6373 | [email protected]
Population: 7,180
County: Dallas
Major Businesses: Ace, Proctor and Gamble, Whirlpool, Unilever, Yokohama, Smuckers, Amazon, Sprouts, CarMaxx, TriColor, Stream Data Center, Nike, Ryder, Crate & Barrel, Trina Solar
How has Wilmer sustained interest as an attractive option for companies seeking new alternatives and locations, given the challenges of the past few years on the economy and daily work life?
The City of Wilmer is one of the last cities in southern Dallas County with available land area. Wilmer is currently 12.5 square miles with the ability to grow up to 22 square miles. Wilmer is affordable, with a staff that understands the speed of business. Although there is a large amount of development, the staff is still able to get reviews done in a timely fashion.
How does Wilmer differentiate itself from others in the region?
Location to the major interstates with proximity to an Intermodal facility. Available talent and labor with multiple transportation networks. It is still relatively rural but within 15 minutes of downtown Dallas. Wilmer’s abundant, affordable acreage in five industrial parks along with a workforce of two million, make Wilmer even more attractive. And, as Wilmer grows, so does the need for more retail, restaurants, hotels, and a grocery store.
What are businesses looking for in a site location today that they weren’t looking for a few years ago?
Connectivity of fiber as well as redundancy; ability to work with a knowledgeable staff; electric reliability; water and sewer availability; rural proximity as well as proximity to the arts and culture of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington; a willingness to explore creative financing opportunities, and the ability to adjust to changes in the development climate. After Union Pacific (UP) chose Wilmer for its global intermodal facility, the City attracted Fortune 500 companies like Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Whirlpool, Ace Hardware, and Medline. It was recently announced that Trina Solar plans to build a more than one-million-square-foot facility to manufacture photovoltaic modules, specifically large power output Vertex modules, in Wilmer. This will be the first of its kind in the western hemisphere.
What financial, tax incentives, or other programs have been created to help your city attract businesses?
Wilmer’s low tax rates, along with generous incentives, are moving opportunity forward! For qualifying companies, the City of Wilmer offers tax abatements for real and business personal property, including abatements on qualified leasing arrangements. And, as Wilmer continues to grow, so does the need for more retail, restaurants, hotels, and a grocery store. The infrastructure plan for southern Dallas County is equally important to support continued growth.
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