In This Issue
Small Cities, Big Business
TEXpansion: Caterpillar inches toward Seguin
Tyler partnership seeks cleaner air
Oil town diversifies economy, adds jobs
Partnering for Impact: Funding options for cash-strapped local governments
Texas economy surpasses nation’s
Web Exclusive
From Comptroller Susan Combs
As local governments across the state tighten their budgets, the dollars they can devote to economic development are increasingly scarce. Strategic spending of these funds to maximize the return on investment becomes even more crucial.
As your strategic partner for local government management, the Comptroller’s office is pleased to present this issue of Texas Rising, which shows how economic development dollars, along with tools such as sales tax options and tax abatements, can make an impact.
In this issue, we visit Sherman-Denison, two cities that have capitalized on aggressive incentives, abundant utilities and a skilled work force to land companies such as Panda Energy, Tyson Fresh Meats, Texas Instruments and the Texoma Medical Center.
We travel to Tyler, where a partnership between university researchers and community leaders has spawned a research institute that has created jobs and will help improve air quality in this East Texas city.
Next we spotlight Andrews, an oil town that has used tax abatements, job training programs and its half-cent sales tax to diversify its economy and develop a state-of-the-art business park. Andrews’ economy now includes industries such as plastics and waste disposal.
In our Partnering for Impact section, we share how cash-strapped cities can tap sales tax options to pay for needed programs and services.
We are also pleased to announce our
Texas Transparency Check-Up, a new listing of financial transparency efforts by local governments around the state. Find out who is leading the charge in transparency by visiting www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/. In our next issue, we will begin spotlighting local governments that are making transparency work. If you are a local government that is using technology or tools to give taxpayers a transparent look at expenses, budgets or books, send us your story at
texas.rising@cpa.state.tx.us.
When it comes to economic development, creating jobs and generating new levels of prosperity, local governments in Texas are focused on rising to the occasion every time.
Susan Combs
Tell Us Your Story!
E-mail us at texas.rising@cpa.state.tx.us.
We want to hear about your town’s economic development accomplishments. Whether you’ve landed a new employer or you’ve partnered with a university to train tomorrow’s work force, please tell us the unique solutions you’re using to create success in your community every day.