Kelly Violette, Executive Director, Tomball Economic Development Corporation

In an interview with Invest:, Kelly Violette, executive director of the Tomball Economic Development Corporation (EDC), outlined how Tomball is navigating explosive regional growth while staying true to the community values and quality of life that make it distinctive within the greater Houston area. “There’s a concerted effort not to just chase growth, but to build a balanced and resilient local economy,” Violette said.

How would you describe the pace of growth in Tomball, and what stands out most in your current pipeline?

Our growth has been explosive over the past 10 years, mirroring what we’re seeing across the Houston region — from residential to commercial and industrial, we have seen growth like we’ve never seen before. What’s interesting is that we’re in a unique position within the greater Houston region. We’re experiencing this explosive growth, but we still have the ability to shape it in a way that supports both our business community and our quality of life.

A big part of what I do is make sure we’re prepared — whether that’s through infrastructure investments, land use planning, or working directly with prospects and developers — so that we’re set up to help guide that growth in a way that makes sense for our community.

What industries are currently driving activity in Tomball, and what does that say about where the local economy is heading?

Our strongest and most thriving industry sectors include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and distribution, retail and hospitality, and professional services. Our position near major highways and the broader Houston market makes Tomball a pretty ideal location for both new and established employers, as well as expanding companies looking for long-term opportunity in a business-friendly community. We see these sectors continuing to anchor our economic base as more companies recognize what the northwest Houston corridor has to offer.

Beyond connectivity, what sets Tomball apart for companies and talent considering a move to the area?

Tomball is a complementary partner in the region. We’re not trying to compete with Houston — we’re here to help absorb and support regional growth. We offer opportunities that are sometimes harder to find in larger urban areas, like available land, a streamlined development process, and a highly responsive local government. We are also deeply connected to the Houston economy through our workforce, transportation networks, and industry alignment. When Houston wins and the region wins, we win, and vice versa. That interconnectedness is one of our greatest strengths, and it’s something we actively cultivate through our regional partnerships.

Where do you see the strongest opportunities for growth over the next few years, and how are you focusing your efforts?

We’re seeing tremendous growth in light industrial and logistics, service-based industries, and healthcare and professional services. A lot of that is driven by our location in the northwest corridor and access to major transportation networks, including Highway 249 and the Grand Parkway. But we’re also being intentional about how we target businesses — companies that bring quality jobs and align with our long-term vision. There’s a concerted effort not to just chase growth, but to build a balanced and resilient local economy. It’s an intentional growth that we try to achieve, and that focus is what keeps us from throwing out a net and taking whatever comes.

How are you balancing the influx of new companies and jobs with the residential growth, retail, and mixed-use development that residents expect?

It all comes down to a few key things: location, the responsiveness of local government, and quality of life. We have our own development process, our own utilities, and our own infrastructure, and we’re working hard to make sure those are prepared to handle the growth that is coming. One of the things that sets Tomball apart is that you have access to decision-makers. We are a small community, and you can reach the mayor, the council, and the city manager.

That matters enormously to businesses looking to locate here — they want consistency, they want to understand the rules, and they want to know who to call. When a community is business-friendly and focused on attracting the right partners, it helps build your brand. Our goal is to make sure Tomball offers the highest level of quality of life and livability for both our employers and our residents.

What specific infrastructure investments is the EDC prioritizing to keep pace with growth?

Infrastructure is a huge focus. We work closely with the city and are actively investing in major projects to support both current business needs and long-term growth. That includes roadway expansions in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), utility enhancements, and major drainage channel improvements to address flooding concerns. Additionally, we have helped fund major capital projects, including the expansion of our Southside Sewer Treatment Plant, which is necessary to continue growing. These efforts are strengthening our foundation for development and providing businesses with the reliable connectivity and services they need to operate and grow successfully here.

How are you strengthening Tomball’s talent pipeline to meet employer demand?

Workforce readiness is one of the most important factors for businesses today, and Tomball is well-positioned to attract a highly skilled labor force through our partnerships with Tomball ISD, Lone Star College Tomball, and workforce training organizations that support career pathways aligned with industry needs. Two years ago, we launched the Summer Youth Employment Program, an internship program that has grown substantially.

We’re connecting young talent with local industry and making sure they know there’s opportunity here in their hometown. This year, we have 89 internship opportunities — a significant jump from where we started. We help align interns with industries and make the hiring process smooth for businesses and interns alike. Programs like this show employers that Tomball has a strong and reliable talent pool.

What are your top priorities, and what would success look like for Tomball over the next two to three years?

Our goal is to continue growing in a way that’s both strategic and sustainable. We want to expand our economic base, bring in quality employers, and continue improving infrastructure, but we really want to preserve what makes Tomball unique: the quality of life and the character of the community.

That includes investing in our key corridors, supporting redevelopment where it makes sense, and ensuring we’re aligned with regional growth. We focus a lot on our downtown, which is a unique asset that is the heart of our community and an area we see continuing to grow and attract a new generation of entrepreneurs. Ultimately, our goal is to be known as a community that’s easy to work with, forward-thinking, and a strong regional partner and player.