HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 25-0105INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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The Economic Development Department continues its efforts towards the goals and outcomes
outlined in the 2022 Economic Development Strategic Plan Update. This Informal Report is to
provide highlights of the third quarter projects and initiatives for FY25.
Business Attraction/Retention and Redevelopment Efforts
The third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 was exceptionally strong with major project wins and deal
closings that featured combined commitments of over $5.3 billion in new capital investment and
more than 2,400 new and retained jobs.
• Through the first three quarters of FY25, the City of Fort Worth secured project
commitments totaling more than $6.2 billion in new capital investment and more than
4,000 new and retained jobs, marking the strongest year in more than a decade across
those measures.
• A major highlight for Q3 FY25 was the finalization and approval of deal terms for the
$61 million Evans & Rosedale mixed -use development in Fort Worth's Historic
Southside.
• Joint efforts of the City of Fort Worth Property Management Department and Economic
Development Department helped to secure a proposed $620 million expansion of the MTU
maintenance facility at Perot Field which is expected to bring approximately 1,200 new
high -paying jobs to the community.
• Microelectronics manufacturer Wistron chose Fort Worth for two new facilities that will
bring more than $650 million in new capital investment and nearly 900 new jobs.
• ACS, a Madrid -based company that is a global leader in infrastructure development, will
build a new $2 billion data center on industrial property near Hicks Field Road.
• Two downtown projects secured in Q3 through support by the Lancaster TIF feature the
preservation and adaptive reuse of the Oncor building and former Binyon O'Keefe
warehouse from Class-B office to 430 new apartments, with 130 affordable units.
• In June, the City established the new Near West Side TIF (TIF No. 17) district to support
the preservation of Farrington Field and to promote new development through
infrastructure improvements, particularly stormwater infrastructure, that will help the
growing area.
• Also in June, the authorization of a public -private partnership makes possible the
development of Westside Village, a $1.7 billion mixed -use district that features the largest
delivery of new Class -A office space in Fort Worth in the past 40 years.
• Staff continued their support of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership in
business attraction efforts, collaborating not just on specific project opportunities, but also
on long-term promotional efforts and joint initiatives between the two organizations.
As of the date on which this informational report was prepared, the department has 74 open and
active projects, including business recruitment/development and community redevelopment
projects. The following charts provide an overview of the current pipeline of business
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 2 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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development and community development projects as well as a look at project wins to this point
in the fiscal year.
Projects Won FY 2025 To -Date
Note: FY25 figures do not include projects that are in process of near -term approval as of the date of IR preparation
Number of Projects Won
Total Capital Investment Commitments
$7,000
0
$8,217
16
$6,000
15
14
13
$5,000
$4,000
10
rl
$3,000
5
d
5
$2,000
$1,542
$1,000
$892
$202
=
�
$0
FY 2022
FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 YTD
FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 YTD
Total Job Commitments Average Salary Commitments
4,500 4,030 $120,000
4,000 195.312 $101,419
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500 330
FY 2022
3,285
2,053 0 1
FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 YTD
$100,000
$80,000 $69,242 $69,609
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
FY 2022 FY 2023
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
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11973
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
September 9, 2025
Page 3 of 11
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
Project Pipeline
Note: Project Pipeline only represents a snapshot in time. It does not include project leads and closed projects (including projects
won or those considered / evaluated but subsequently declined or lost within the year), nor does it include the 81 City and TIF
projects that are currently in active review for compliance.
All Open Business Recruitment Community & Real
Projects & Expansion Estate Development
74
Prospecting
Opportunity
Project
Imminent
Pending Contract
Announced n
New Leads This FY
Inbound Business Development Leads Only
34
Total New Project Leads: 163 Total Mega Projects:12 Total Capex: $45.013
# of Leads
Leads Pursued •
Leads Declined (by Reason)
Insufficient Capital Investment
Insufficient Wages
Lack of Available Sites / Sites Not Suitable
Not in Target Industry ! Unaligned with Strategy r>
Negative Impact or Byproduct
Other
40
Total New Jobs: 49,982
of New Leads Received by RFP:
65%
of Inbound or RFP Leads Declined:
62%
Note: Total Business Development Leads declined by the City in FY2025 have increased both in number and percentage versus FY2024.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 4 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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New Leads This FY by Industry
Business Development Leads Only
Total New Project Leads: 163 Total Mega Projects:12 Total Capex: $45.013 Total New Jobs: 49,982
FF. r.. ,
(TI) Aerospace & Defense — Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
(TI) Aerospace & Defense — Other
(TI) Anchors & innovators — Biopharmaceutical Products and Medical Technologies
(TI) Anchors & Innovators — Computer and Information Services
(Ti) Anchors & Innovators — Corporate Headquarters
(TI)Anchors & Innovators —Finanaal Services 0 %ofNew Leads inaTarget Industry:
all Anchors & Innovators — Other Professional Services 0
fTl)Energy — Alternative Energy Equipment is ���/0
6 M) Energy— Alternative Energy Generation
16 3 (TI) Energy — Energy Storage and Distribution III,
(TI) Energy — Other ,M
(TI) Energy— Smart Building Systems
(TI) Mobility— Vehicle Technologies
(TI) Mobility — Automotive & Transportation Manufacturing
) (TI) Mobility — Logistics Technologies and Management
(TI) Mobility — Other
(TI)Mobility — TransportationSennces �
Agriculture
Chemicals
Construction
Data Center
Distribution & Warehousing
Electronics
Food & Beverage
Manufacturing
New Projects This FY by Industry
Total New Projects:58 Total Mega Projects: 10 TotalCapex: $12.2 B
(TO Aerospace & Defense — Aerospace Manufactunng and Design •
(TI) Anchors & Innovators — Biopharmaceutical Products and Medical Technologies
(Tt) Anchors & Innovators — Colleges and Universities ID
(TI) Anchors & Innovators — Computer and Information Services
(TI) Anchors & innovators —Corporate Headquarters
(TI) Anchors & Innovators — Engineenng Services 0
(TI)Anchors & Innovators— Hospitals
(TI) Culture— Hospitality & Tourism
58 (TI) Energy -- Other
(T) Energy — Smart Building Systems
(TI) Mobility — Automotive & Transportation Manufacturing
(TI) Motrtity — Vehicle Technologies •
Data Center
Distribution & Warehousing
Food & Beverage
Govemment
Manufacturing
Other
Public Improvements 0
Real Estate Development
Total New Jobs: 4,980
b/o of New Projects in a Target Industry:
59%
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 5 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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All Open Projects by Industry
Total Open Projects: 74
Total Mega Projects: 18 Total Capex: $16.7 B
Total New Jobs: 6,968
(TI) Aerospace & Defense - Aerospace Manufacturing and Design •
(TI) Aerospace & Defense - Other •
(TI) Anchors & Innovators - Biopharmaceutical Products and Medical Technologies •
x4j�(TI)
Ilk
Anchors & Innovators- Colleges and Universities •
(TI) Anchors & Innovators - Computer and Information Services •
jlI Anchors & Innovators - Corporate Headquarters •
`t
74
(TI) Anchors & Innovators - Engineering Services •
(TI)Culture - Film •
Win Open Projects in a Target Industry:
(Tl) Culture - Other 0
(TI) Energy - Other
66 %
(TI) Energy- Smart Building Systems
(TI) Mobility - Automotive & Transportation Manufacturing •
(TI) Mobility - Other •
(TI)Mobdlty - TransportationServices •
(TI) Motility - Vehicle Technologies •
Data Center
Distribution & Warehousing
Food & Beverage
Govemment
Manufacturing
Other
Public Improvements
Real Estate Development •
Recreation
Retail
All Open Projects by Target Area
Fort worth Target Area
Industry Growth Center - Bonds Ranch 1287 Corridor
Industry Growth Center- DFW Airport
Industry Growth Center - 1-35 Comdor South
Industry Growth Center - Meacham
Industry Grovdh Center - Southeast 287
industry Grovdh Center - Western Ranches
Innovation Distnct - Near Southside Medical Innov Dist. •
Innovation District- Alliance Mobility Innov. Zone •
None/Unknown
RTA - Altamesa and McCart •
RTA - East Berry •
RTA - Historic Handley •
RTA - Historic Southside •
RTA - Near Nouhside •
RTA-Woodhaven •
Strategic Dev Area - DDwntovmlCBD •
Strategic Dev. Area - Near West Side
Strategic Dev. Area - Panther Island •
Strategic Dev. Area - Stockyards •
Strategic Dev. Area - Trinity River and Lakes •
% Open Projects in a Target Area:
89%
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 6 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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Communitv Revitalization
• Evans & Rosedale: In April and May, the City Council, Near Southside TIF 4, and Fort
Worth Local Development Corporation (FWLDC) approved Royal Capital to acquire and
develop the seven acres of City -owned land in the Evans and Rosedale Urban Village for a
mixed -use development. The developer will seek to close on the properties and break
ground in 2026. Currently, the City and the Developer have signed Purchase and Sales
Agreements and are finalizing other contract negotiations while continuing active
engagement with the community.
• Fort Worth Main Street Program: The FWLDC launched the Fort Worth Main Street Pilot
Program nearly three years ago to build the capacity for community quarterback
organizations to revitalize our historic, commercial corridors as economic and community
vitality hubs. In June, the FWLDC approved the continuance of the following two corridors
to receive additional funding and training for the next two years.
Historic Northside District: From April to June, the Historic Northside District continued
making strong strides in revitalization through active governance, community engagement,
and small business support. This quarter's accomplishments included, but were not
limited to:
• Held 9 committee meetings including sessions focused on design, promotions,
economic vitality, and business safety.
• Kicked off Annual Sonidos Del Summer Concert Series to activate the park and district,
foster community connectivity, and support home based and local small businesses
through vendor opportunities.
• Held 11 Small Business & Stakeholder Consultations offering support on zoning,
permitting, marketing, business planning, and access to capital.
• Graduated 3 Northside businesses from the FWHCC's FastTrac Business Assistance
Co-hort.
• Selection of a Northside business as a finalist and the winner at the 2025 Fort Worth
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Pitch Competition.
• Hosted a Small Business Anti -Displacement Workshop in partnership with the National
Small Business Anti -Displacement Network, Main Street America, and the Economic
Development Department.
• Provided 3 new property owners with technical assistance support (zoning, permitting,
etc.).
Polvtechnic Heights District: In June, the FWLDC approved the transfer of the Polytechnic
Heights Main Street Program to Texas Wesleyan University (TWU). The Economic
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 7 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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Development Department worked alongside TWU to provide support for the transition,
such as establishing a formal Main Street Board, which will include representation from the
local business community and members drawn from the Texas Wesleyan President's
Advisory Council to ensure strong institutional and community alignment and preparing an
initial workplan and schedule. The Department also hosted a well -attended workshop with
Small Business Anti -Displacement Network, TWU, and Main Street America to explore
tactics and strategies to preserve and assist businesses along the corridor. Findings
pointed to the need for a place -based management organization, like what the Main Street
Program seeks to establish, more tools to assist property owners in the district with
landlord and property improvement issues, and the need for expanded entrepreneurial
technical assistance and support to help stabilize and help businesses increase
profitability.
• Woodhaven Conservation Plan: Since the completion of the Woodhaven Neighborhood
Conservation Plan in March 2025, City staff and partners continued to work together to
advance the strategies outlined within each goal area. Implementation efforts are ongoing
and coordinated across departments and stakeholders to ensure measurable progress.
This includes exploring opportunities for catalytic investments, aligning policies with plan
priorities, and engaging residents and local organizations in the work.
• CDFI Friendly Fort Worth: During Q3 of FY25, CDFI Friendly Fort Worth closed on 25
loans for a total of $16.3 million provided from community development financial
institutions (CDFIs). For the months of May and June, the Interest Buy -Down program,
partnered with LiftFund, approved 7 loans totaling $457,415.
• Berry/Stalcup Redevelopment: After receiving FWLDC and City Council approvals in
August of 2024, the City continued to work with Berry Stalcup Redevelopment Partners,
LLC, on a site plan for the property which includes a proposal for the development of 34
townhouse units and up to 11 live/work units. The design and overall scope of the project
will create a catalytic mixed -use environment and provide for open space amenities in the
neighborhood. Staff anticipates the developers will break ground by early 2026.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 8 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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Community Development Projects by Revitalization Target Area (RTA)
Total Projects: 20
�7
29
Small Business
Total Capex: $257.6M
• RTA- Altames, 30d McCort
RTA- East Berry
■ RTA. Historic Handley
- RTA- Hisso,South side
. RTA- NearNorthside
. RTA- P of yte ch n i c H eights
• RTA • Woodhaven
The Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center (BAC) is a comprehensive resource hub that
is dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs with the essential skills and tools they need to start,
grow, or operate a business. The BAC offers a range of services including training, technical
assistance, access to capital, and business support. Over the course of the quarter, Economic
Development staff organized and/or facilitated over 30 entrepreneurial events and community
initiatives to support a diverse group of early -stage businesses, growth -focused business, and
community stakeholders.
This quarter's programming and partnership events primarily focused on three areas:
Access to Capital and Business Readiness: Through strategic partnerships with
institutions like Impact Ventures, Prosperity Bank, and the Center for Transforming Lives,
the BAC served as the launch point for several cohort -based training series and pitch
preparation workshops. These activities help entrepreneurs build the skills and confidence
needed to access capital. The entrepreneurs who take part in these programs are then
well prepared to compete in the City's Fort Worth Business Plan Competition, which is a
combined business plan and pitch competition that awards $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000 to
the first, second, and third place winners, respectively. This annual competition launched
in May, and the Top 20 were selected and began classes. The Top 8 finalists will
participate and compete in the finale, a "pitch night" before a panel of judges, on Tuesday,
October 14 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 9 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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2. Entrepreneurial Education & Technical Support: The quarter included a series of
targeted workshops on pressing business topics such as cybersecurity, workforce
development, and digital marketing. These sessions were designed to meet business
owners where they are - whether launching their first venture or scaling an existing
enterprise.
3. Networking & Startup Community Connectivity: Recurring events like Cowtown Leads
Exchange, 1 Million Cups Fort Worth, and Guinn Campus Partner Coffees are touchpoints
that offer entrepreneurs opportunities to meet mentors, access resources, and engage with
the broader business community all within the BAC campus environment. This quarter we
partnered with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to co -host Grounds for
Connection networking event for Fort Worth contractors and the Fort Worth Chamber to
conduct a Small Business Appreciation Walk during National Small Business Week.
Several hundred volunteers helped to visit over 600 small businesses across Fort Worth.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I)
Fort Worth's entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) ecosystem continues to grow through high -
impact collaborations, community -led programs, and purpose-built spaces. CreateFW recently
opened its new location, offering an event space, a dedicated training room, and expanded
meeting areas designed to better support Fort Worth's thriving entrepreneurial network.
AccelerateFW regularly hosts 1 Million Cups, a Wednesday morning meetup where
entrepreneurs pitch ideas, gather feedback, and sharpen their messaging in a supportive
environment. The Center for Transforming Lives also expanded its footprint with a new space at
3001 S. Riverside Drive, offering economic mobility services, coworking, a makerspace, and a
commercial kitchen tailored for early -stage entrepreneurs.
The Medical Innovation District (MID) is rapidly solidifying its role as a center of life sciences
innovation in Fort Worth, marked by a wave of significant institutional investment and renewed
collaboration. Recent and ongoing expansions by major hospitals —Cook Children's, JPS Health
Network, Medical City Fort Worth, Texas Health Resources, and UT Southwestern —have
reinforced the district's momentum. Alongside the establishment of TCU's Burnett School of
Medicine, these developments present a unique opportunity to strengthen Fort Worth's legacy of
inter -institutional collaboration. In response, the City and key stakeholders are actively re-
engaging in strategic dialogue to shape the district's near- and long-term governance and align
efforts around business attraction, biomedical research, and entrepreneurial growth. The MID
stands as a powerful platform to showcase Fort Worth's ability to coordinate across sectors and
scale high -impact, innovation -driven initiatives.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 10 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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Economic Development Marketinq/Messaginq
• Collaboration with Quinn PR: The Quinn team continued working with department staff,
the Mayor's Office, and the Fort Worth EDP to strategically place stories in national outlets
and capitalize on broadcast opportunities to support Fort Worth's economic development
efforts. In Q3 of FY25, Quinn PR secured a podcast interview with Fort Worth Film
Commissioner Taylor Hardy on Fort Worth's growing film sector and an interview with
Mayor Parker through the New York Stock Exchange's media platform to discuss Fort
Worth's broader economic growth.
• BAC Marketing and Promotion: Build -out of several new tools promoting classes and
programs at the Business Assistance Center (BAC) is almost complete. These new tools
include:
o A new informational TV display that showcases the day's meetings and locations,
while also highlighting BAC partners and upcoming campus events.
o A new online calendar built into the City's main website calendar that showcases
upcoming campus activities and programs. (fortworthtexas.gov/bac-events)
o A new email newsletter through the City's GovDelivery platform promoting campus
and partner programs for small businesses.
o Continued integration with the BAC social media channels on Facebook and
Linkedln.
• Department Marketing and PR:
o Worked on and/or secured 105+ placements in local and regional media so far this FY.
o Continued building the department's social media presence:
o Linkedln
■ Growth: 560 new followers in Q3
■ Average engagement rate: 5.7% (Industry average: 3.6%)
o Facebook
■ Growth: 137 new followers in Q3
■ Average engagement rate: 2.57% (Industry average: 2%)
Workforce Development
This quarter's accomplishments include:
• Co -hosted a Skills for Small Business Workshop in partnership with the Workforce
Solutions for Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, and the Texas Workforce
Commission to educate small businesses on workforce training programs.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 25-0105
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 9, 2025
Page 11 of 11
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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTER 3 FY2025 UPDATE
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• Contacted 22 new companies within the target industries through direct outreach for talent
and Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) support (Linkedln, phone calls, and email).
• Hosted 2 company talent site visits, both of which are in the process of going through
workforce training programs with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Texas Workforce
Commission, and Tarrant County College.
o Ex: Skills Development Fund, Skills for Small Business, and Adult Education
Literacy
The above highlighted projects and initiatives are an overview of the collective and collaborative
work that the staff of the Economic Development Department are doing to address the goals and
outcomes outlined in the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Kevin Gunn, Interim
Economic Development Director at kevin.gunn@fortworthtexas.gov.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS