Texas Rising
Fall 2012
Susan Combs Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Partnering with local governments to solve important issues
Fall 2012
Susan Combs Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Partnering with local governments to solve important issues
West Texas Provides Fertile Climate for Greenhouses Read More >
Texas is growing fast, but our population growth is far from uniform. For decades, many of the state’s urban areas have boomed while its rural areas have gotten lonelier. However, some rural counties are exceptions due to some competitive advantage… more »
The decision to become either a Type A or a Type B economic development corporation (EDC) determines what kind of projects a community’s sales taxes can be used for when targeting ways to improve business climate and quality of life.
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A small community’s major businesses and industry are its lifeblood. And when one fails or moves, the impact can have wide repercussions. For economic development leaders in Cuero, tools are there to help do the job of growing and continually revitalizing their community. more »
Businesses and industries are expanding their operations and building facilities. Here is a sampling of recently announced East Texas expansions. more »
The Comptroller’s office offers a resource for rural communities looking to improve their economic development programs.
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Advances in technology, wireless Internet and teamwork have changed the game for school districts in West Texas. more »
State and local governments spend tax dollars wisely and generate rebates on expenditures that stretch dollars even further. more »
Meet John Villarreal, Research Analyst. more »
A Message from the Comptroller
Adding five million residents in the past decade placed Texas at the top for state population growth.
Understandably, it is Texas’ urban areas and neighboring suburban communities that have drawn most new residents — both new to our state and transplants from other parts of Texas — attracted by the economic and educational opportunities among others.
So while some rural areas are seeing declining populations, there is clearly much to be optimistic about in every part of Texas. Since the early days, Texans been driven by the need to do things our way and be as self-sufficient as possible in the process. In Texas Rising we showcase people, programs and projects that are bringing technology and industry to rural Texas by leveraging economic development tools and the resources at hand.
Much of our state has the resources and infrastructure to accommodate hundreds of thousands or even millions of residents. Other areas are better suited to a few dozen or hundred who ranch, source energy and fuel, or provide support services for those who earn their living from remote and rugged Texas. These areas also draw visitors who come to admire enjoy the varied and beautiful landscapes, wildlife and fauna and support the rural economy, too.
Read in Texas Rising about how West Texas school districts have accessed broadband wirelessly, and how greenhouses have brought tomato farming to an oil and gas town. From there, check out the Texas Ahead economic development website and see the wide range of tools communities are using to help Texas continue to grow successfully.