Page 17 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Business Plan

The Arlington Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) and Economic Development Services
(EDS) work together to support the growth of Arlington’s existing businesses and recruit new businesses that are consistent
with the City’s adopted Economic Development Strategy (the Strategy). The primary goal of the Strategy is to attract businesses
that increase City revenue, provide high-quality local jobs, and contribute to the overall prestige, appeal, and future growth of
the City of Arlington. The primary goals of the Strategy are positioning Arlington as a vibrant, globally connected, and business-
friendly city. With unmatched access to talent, transportation, research, and markets, Arlington continues to attract high-impact
investment.

AEDC is a Type B Corporation created by the state’s Development
Corporation Act and funded by a voter-approved quarter-cent sales
tax, while EDS is a city department funded through Arlington’s general
fund. Both entities have complimentary yet different capabilities and
restrictions, creating a “double barrel” asset for economic
development. Recent wins include Mozee’s new 64,000 sq. ft.
autonomous vehicle headquarters, Texas Trust Credit Union’s $15
million headquarters expansion creating 175 new jobs, and Salcomp’s
U.S. headquarters with a $15 million investment and 660 new jobs and
downtown continues to grow with new businesses like Sutton Cary
Frost and fresh dining options, like Rodeo Goat, Cafe Americana, and
Bonchon.

With tools like Chapter 380 grants, tax abatement and incentives, development funding capability, and Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funding, EDS and AEDC are driving local and international business growth while fueling a talent pipeline
from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and Tarrant County Community College Southeast (TCCSE). EDS and AEDC
track key metrics on sales tax growth, foreign direct investment, development of industrial parks, continued integration of
downtown with UTA and the Entertainment District, as well as the utilization of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) areas
and leveraging the Viridian Corridor, which help measure Arlington’s economic growth. Together, they and their local and
regional economic development partners are building Arlington’s future as a premier destination for business and innovation.

EDS also manages the Code Compliance and the Clean Corridor Program.
A clean, safe, and well-maintained environment is essential to achieving
Arlington’s priorities. With Code Compliance and Clean Team, EDS
educates property and business owners to ensure compliance with city
maintenance, sanitation, and safety ordinances.

Code Compliance helps keep Arlington safe and well-maintained by
educating property owners and enforcing ordinances related to property
upkeep and safety. In FY 2024, a new Homeless Encampment Coordinator
was added, conducting over 1,400 inspections and helping clear 8
encampments, in coordination with the Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART) to connect individuals to
resources. The award-winning Tool Sharing Program expanded with a second trailer and staff support, offering free delivery of
200+ tools. From February to May 2025, over 1,620 tool reservations helped residents fix more than 1,800 code violations. Code
Compliance also tackles graffiti and illegal signs, supporting City Council’s goal to Strengthen Our Communities.

FY 2026 Proposed Budget and Business Plan 11 City of Arlington, Texas