Fort Worth achieved $6.7 billion in new capital investment during fiscal year 2025, marking its strongest economic performance in over a decade according to Dr. Brandon Chicotsky, associate professor at Texas Christian University. The growth spans aerospace, technology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing sectors, with companies actively recruiting from TCU's top-ranked programs like the TCU Sales Center where graduates often earn over $100,000 in their first year.
Chicotsky, who appeared on The Building Texas Show, emphasized that Fort Worth's success stems from what he calls "sensible government" focused on outcomes rather than political performance. "We operationalize government—like mixed-use urban infill in Westside Village—while other major cities get stuck in virtue signaling," he explained. This approach has facilitated collaborations with prominent developers like John Goff and Ross Perot Jr., along with academic expansions including UTA West and Texas A&M's new downtown law school.
The city's structured approach to economic incentives represents a key differentiator according to Chicotsky. Fort Worth utilizes Chapter 312 tax abatements and Chapter 380 "pay-as-you-go" agreements to attract projects that expand the tax base without patching budget shortfalls. "We use incentives to grow, not to fill gaps," Chicotsky stated, contrasting Fort Worth's approach with what he described as "stuck cities" like Chicago or San Francisco. With 66,000 undeveloped acres available, the city is positioned for quality growth that outpaces infrastructure costs.
Beyond traditional economic metrics, Chicotsky connected Fort Worth's strategy with cultural identity, noting the city's unique blend of history and modernity. From its origins as a frontier fort to today's "Western chic" culture, the city leverages its heritage alongside contemporary developments like the Paramount-backed production campus led by Taylor Sheridan. Tourism generated significant economic impact with 11.5 million visitors in 2024 contributing over $3.5 billion to the local economy.
The full interview offers deeper insights into Fort Worth's growth model and can be viewed on the Building Texas Show website. For those interested in the academic partnerships driving this growth, more information is available through the TCU Neeley School of Business. The city's development strategy represents a case study in how municipalities can balance heritage with innovation while maintaining fiscal responsibility through structured incentive programs.
