Expertise is a goal we all hope to attain. Hard work, initiative and smart decision-making can help each of us along the way.

In this issue of Texas Rising, read how economic developers and local governments are honing their expertise, developing their employees’ skills and bringing great ideas to fruition.

County governments are taking advantage of a shared service that’s bringing transparency to their operations at little or no cost; the County Information Resources Agency hosts websites for more than 180 counties and some municipalities, too, and helps them manage their online presence.

Big ideas are taking shape in a growing North Texas community where a defunct, foreclosed quarry was acquired by Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation and a plan to create a part business, part recreational site is being executed. Read how Endeavor Bridgeport has welcomed its first ventures — T Top Manufacturing and Northwest OHV, a park for drivers to have fun off-road.

Find out, too, how Central Texas utility companies are using in-house training and a collaboration with Austin Community College to make sure they don’t run short of skilled line workers. And learn about factors governments should consider when planning investments that require borrowing.

If you like what you find in Texas Rising and want to find out more about the Comptroller’s economic development programs or read past issues, visit Texas Ahead. Please subscribe to our email list, or the Comptroller’s Twitter feed to receive new content notifications, as we continue to partner with you to tell success stories and inform you about the news that could affect or benefit your community.