Gus Garcia, Economic Development Director, City of Arlington

In an interview with Invest:, Gus Garcia, director of economic development for Arlington, emphasized the city’s strategic location and partnership with UT Arlington to drive job growth, and highlighted the lasting economic impact anticipated from hosting nine World Cup games in Arlington’s entertainment district.

What are your strategic initiatives to drive economic development in Arlington?

Our strategy is centered on leveraging Arlington’s prime location within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Arlington is well-positioned with 8,000 acres of industrial space, and the Great Southwest Industrial District serves as a central hub between Dallas and Fort Worth and is the largest Industrial district for large, medium and small enterprises in North Texas, with easy access to both DFW Airport and Arlington’s own national airport. This strategic location, combined with strong transportation and energy infrastructure, makes Arlington ideal for small, medium, and multinational companies looking to locate, manufacture, and create jobs here.

We’re also taking a joint approach by uniting the city’s Office of Economic Development and the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC). This partnership allows us to pursue opportunities across sectors like manufacturing, tech, life sciences, and retail. Arlington has a “we can-we do” spirit—we’re large enough to handle significant projects yet agile enough to work at the speed of business. By utilizing the tools provided by the state of Texas, from grants to incentives, and focusing on emerging fields like Space Communications, Internet of Things (IoT), Life Sciences, Bio-Tech, AI, machine learning, and soft tech, we’re well-equipped to attract investment and drive innovation.

What makes Arlington an ideal location for business expansion and relocation, and how does the city support or streamline processes?

One of Arlington’s standout features is its partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a Carnegie R1 research institution. This partnership directly supports innovation and workforce development through grants and specialized programs, creating a highly skilled pipeline of talent that companies look for. UTA is the second-largest university in the UT system with 42,000 students, including 10,000 in engineering disciplines like AI, machine learning, and computer science—key areas for high-demand, skilled jobs.

We’re also centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it easy to draw from a diverse labor pool across the metroplex, with strong transport connectivity and energy infrastructure. Our industrial parks, particularly the Great Southwest Industrial District, provide companies with easy access to DFW International Airport and quick transit options. Additionally, we partner with the Texas Workforce Commission to strengthen our local labor force and support both local professionals and high performers relocating to Arlington.

One additional point is the strength of our power and energy infrastructure. As we move further into the innovation age, having a reliable grid and power availability is crucial for new businesses, especially in tech, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. In our industrial district, we’re fully equipped to support redevelopment, demolition, and new construction to meet future demands. Arlington has the infrastructure and resources needed to welcome a range of industries, ensuring they have the power and support systems they need to thrive.

All these factors create a powerful combination for companies considering relocation. Arlington’s resources, central location, and access to a skilled workforce make it an ideal location within the DFW Metroplex for business expansion.

How does the city of Arlington support small businesses?

We’re committed to helping small businesses thrive. Through a partnership with the EDC and LiftFund, we recently launched a program to provide up to $100,000 in interest-free loans to small businesses. There’s also a strong focus on supporting minority- and women-owned enterprises with an aspirational goal to allocate 30% of city contracts to these businesses. We collaborate with organizations like the Small Business Association, Small Business Development Centers, the University Center for Entrepreneurship, and various chambers, including the Black Chamber of Commerce, to ensure small businesses have access to resources and support.

The Office of Economic Development works closely with Arlington EDC, leveraging Arlington’s substantial funding resources to fuel business growth. Additionally, the tourism boom and major projects bring steady foot traffic to local businesses, creating opportunities for new restaurants, shops, and services that our residents and visitors alike can enjoy.

What impact do you anticipate with the 2026 World Cup coming to Arlington?

The World Cup will be transformative for Arlington. Just one game can generate the impact of three or four Super Bowls, and with nine games scheduled, we’re preparing for an unprecedented influx of visitors. This will be a case study in managing tourism on a massive scale, bringing together city and regional teams to coordinate transportation, hospitality, and sustainability efforts. The city is collaborating closely with the Council of Governments, city of Dallas, city of Fort Worth, Sports Commission, and neighboring communities to handle everything from logistics to green initiatives, ensuring we’re ready to host these global visitors.

Our entertainment district, which already holds major attractions like Six Flags, Choctaw Stadium, Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium, INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, and the upcoming U.S. Medal of Honor Museum welcomes 16 million tourists each year. The museum alone is projected to attract 600,000 visitors annually, adding to Arlington’s appeal as a top destination for both sports and cultural tourism. With over 350 events a year, the district is a hub of activity, and with the World Cup, we anticipate a boost that will have lasting effects on local businesses and the city’s economy.

What is the city doing to ensure housing remains accessible?

Housing is a top priority, and we understand that a range of housing options is essential for a balanced community. Businesses need everything from workforce housing for service workers to executive and middle-income housing. Diversity in housing options is key—it’s vital that all employees, from service staff to C-suite executives, have accessible housing options. Arlington, as one of Texas’s most diverse cities, aims to provide options across the board without gentrifying or pricing out any groups. This balanced housing approach makes our city more sustainable and welcoming to a broad workforce, which is a big advantage for businesses considering a move to Arlington.