Representatives from The Woodlands Township, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North spoke to growth in the area during the Economic Outlook Conference presented by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 21.
The conditions
As part of the annual conference, Brad Bailey, chair of The Woodlands board of directors; Shenandoah Mayor John Escoto; and Sarah McClure, director of economic development for Oak Ridge North, discussed what the next year holds for each of the areas.
The key priorities shared by leaders included:
- Mobility improvements
- New business development
- Aging infrastructure
- Public safety
Diving in deeper
While sharing a region, each official spoke to the unique initiatives underway within their boundaries.
The Woodlands Township
Bailey said the biggest focus for the township in 2025 will be bringing more corporate headquarters to the area.
“We have to be aggressive in recruiting corporate headquarters and new businesses to our community. We need to be microtargeting these businesses that we want to come here,” he said
To reach that goal, Bailey said the board is already working through increasing “curb appeal” in the township by leading improvements to main entry points into The Woodlands such as intersection improvements at Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill including the installation of a statue commemorating the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands. The board is also planning to focus on moving forward on the prospect of a performing arts center to bring additional tourism and amenities to the area.
Shenandoah
Escoto said Shenandoah is also facing buildout, and it will be shifting to focus on redevelopment of business in older portions of the city, as well as continuing to bring utilities and amenities to the Tamina area.
“Shenandoah has kept its small town quality of life," Escoto said. "Even though we are surrounded by an increasing amount of growth, we have no spaces available in Shenandoah [and] we have grown straight into our city limits."
Oak Ridge North
McClure said construction on Robinson Road is expected to be complete in 2025, paving the way for the city to focus on economic development and creating a new plaza district in the city.
“It's an area that's meant to be a gathering space, a hub for the community, and to really be our authentic character and show that hometown feel that we have so long touted,” said
The big takeaway
Each city and the township spoke to focus on working together as well as with Montgomery County officials to bolster economic development in the area.
“The Woodlands area is a vibrant collection of communities comprising businesses, small to large, that provide the foundation for all the citizens in our area to thrive with The Woodlands Township complimented by our partners in Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North,” Aaron Cox, president and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce said. “We have a rich mix of employers, from health care to retail life science to oil and gas utilities to world class hospitality to restaurants, hospitals and other attractions.”
