As part of the city’s economic development master plan, Mayor John Huffman said the council has made a goal “to be intentional about recruiting new businesses” moving forward. The task force, which will focus on seven target industries, will comprise local businesses owners who will collaborate with city staff to identify and meet prospects as well as working on communication and recruitment marketing efforts.
Daniel Cortez, director of economic development and tourism for the city of Southlake, said the general exodus of companies to Texas—especially North Texas—has made now the prime time to bring in new businesses to the city that will support Southlake’s economic development master plan.
“This task force was really formed to really achieve [economic prosperity] and help sustain and support a lot of our existing retail and restaurants and other businesses that we have here in town,” he said.
According to a staff presentation, the targeted industries include niche retail, corporate offices, the medical and health care industry, the finance and insurance industry, information technology and media, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
“Southlake is largely built out, so we really need to be conscientious about what ultimately still gets filled, particularly on our [SH] 114 corridor,” Cortez said.
This initiative is in line with the city’s latest economic development master plan addendum, passed in March to address “both the short-term and long-term economic challenges of the pandemic.”
Appointments, made by City Council, will be for one-year terms unless members are reappointed or resign. A total of six members—who must either be residents or business representatives of the community—will make up the task force.
