Carol McCutcheon, Mayor, City of Sugar Land
In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Carol McCutcheon outlined Sugar Land’s economic priorities, focusing on major redevelopment efforts like Town Square and the Imperial Historic District to attract businesses and enhance quality of life. She emphasized the city’s strategic use of limited land and infrastructure reinvestment, noting, “We are maximizing limited developable land by reinvesting in existing infrastructure.”
What are your initial priorities for economic growth and business support?
My initial focus is on strengthening Sugar Land’s economic foundation by advancing key redevelopment and quality-of-life projects that attract and retain both businesses and residents. We are moving forward with the revitalization of Town Square, the key redevelopment of a major former corporate campus at Lake Pointe Green, and the preservation and transformation of the iconic Imperial Historic District. These projects will not only boost our local economy but also create vibrant destinations for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. I am also committed to expanding programs like the Retail Refresh Grant, which empowers not only large property owners, but also individual businesses, to improve their infrastructure — enhancing offerings for our residents and supporting long-term economic success.
What gives Sugar Land a competitive edge for business growth?
Sugar Land offers a distinctive balance of economic opportunity, connectivity, and exceptional quality of life. Strategically positioned within the Houston region, the city provides convenient access to major markets, while the Sugar Land Regional Airport delivers a key competitive advantage for corporate travel and logistics. What truly sets Sugar Land apart is its forward-thinking approach to growth. We are maximizing limited developable land by reinvesting in existing infrastructure and maintaining the outstanding quality of life that makes the community so desirable. The result is a city where businesses prosper alongside vibrant neighborhoods, top-tier schools, and an actively engaged community.
How do major redevelopment projects align with your long-term vision?
These projects represent our long-term vision to honor Sugar Land’s heritage while shaping vibrant, experience-driven destinations that fuel economic growth. The Town Square renovations will reimagine office spaces and tenant amenities to create a more desirable environment for businesses and employees, helping attract and retain top employers and jobs, while the Imperial Historic District will connect our past to our future through thoughtful, adaptive reuse. Together, they reinforce Sugar Land’s reputation as a city of innovation, beauty, and community pride.
How is Sugar Land aligning infrastructure and workforce investments with employer needs?
We are investing strategically in infrastructure and people to ensure our community and employers continue to thrive. Through our Transportation & Mobility Innovation Division, we’re improving how people and goods move throughout the city by expanding safe, connected, and accessible transportation options. These mobility upgrades not only enhance quality of life but also strengthen our local economy by ensuring businesses and workers stay connected. Equally important is our investment in workforce development and public safety. Training not only keeps our public safe, but also protects the men and women who serve on the front lines. Our new Public Safety Training Complex reflects that commitment and is an investment in our people, our community, and the future of public safety in Sugar Land.
How are you ensuring the $350 million bond program is implemented responsibly?
Fiscal responsibility is one of Sugar Land’s core values. We are approaching the bond program strategically, prioritizing projects that deliver the greatest community and economic impact while maintaining our strong financial position. Each investment is carefully evaluated to ensure it enhances infrastructure, safety, and quality of life, all while delivering measurable returns to our residents and businesses over the long term.
How will the 2026 FIFA World Cup designation benefit Sugar Land?
The FIFA World Cup partnership offers an incredible opportunity to showcase Sugar Land on a global stage. We plan to leverage that visibility to strengthen our tourism presence, attract new business partnerships, and promote the city as a destination for visitors and investors. Beyond the exposure gained through the sponsorship itself, the event presents an opportunity to host key business development prospects from target industries, offering them firsthand experience of Sugar Land’s dynamic economy, welcoming community, and exceptional quality of life. It is also a chance to celebrate our diverse community and highlight the world-class amenities and experiences that make Sugar Land stand out within the greater Houston region.
What are your top economic development priorities over the next two to three years?
In the coming years, our focus will be on attracting businesses in industries that align with Sugar Land’s strengths and offer high-quality jobs, while making efficient use of our remaining developable land. Target sectors include bioscience and advanced manufacturing. To support this, our economic development and redevelopment divisions are working in close partnership to strategically invest in updating existing infrastructure to meet the needs of these key industries. This includes advancing major redevelopment projects such as Town Square, Lake Pointe Green, and the Imperial Historic District; expanding business support initiatives like the Retail Refresh Grant; and continuing improvements at the Sugar Land Regional Airport. Together, these efforts will strengthen our local economy, diversify our business base, and ensure that Sugar Land remains a premier community for investment, innovation, and quality of life.
