Kristin Edwards, Economic Development Director, Texas City

In an interview with Invest:, Kristin Edwards, economic development director of Texas City, discussed industrial expansion, workforce development, residential growth, and the city’s long-term priorities. “One of the biggest strengths Texas City has is its industrial complex, which continues to grow and evolve, especially with new energy technologies. Our program has remained dedicated to supporting expansions and new projects,” Edwards said.

What changes over the past year have impacted Texas City’s economic development strategy?

Over the last few years, Texas City has welcomed 15 residential developments into our engineering and planning pipeline. That incoming residential population helps diversify our tax base beyond our long-standing industrial complex. New housing generates property tax and sales tax as more people spend money in the community.

That growth has also created a renewed push for retail development. Retail follows rooftops, but it is important to ensure the retail coming in aligns with the community’s goals and gap analyses. My staff and I have attended ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and retail events throughout the Houston area to encourage niche restaurants, boutiques, and music-related businesses to come to Texas City.

What role does Texas City play within the greater region?

Tourism is a critical element of economic development because it adds to the quality-of-life information we can offer potential investors. We are located between Houston and Galveston, close to Space Center Houston, Kemah, the Longhorn Museum, and Tanger Outlets.

Our tourism assets allow people to better understand who we are as a strong industrial community. When you go to lunch downtown, you see employees from companies like Marathon, Valero, Dow, and Vopak participating in the community. That shows potential investors that industry is active here and supported locally.

From an economic development perspective, our location near I-45, major thoroughfares, and two airports gives companies a strategic advantage. Texas City is also home to the Texas City Terminal Railway, which provides rail access many locations cannot offer.

What projects or sectors do you expect to evolve over the next several years?

One of the biggest strengths Texas City has is its industrial complex, which continues to grow and evolve, especially with new energy technologies. Our program has remained dedicated to supporting expansions and new projects.

We have projects planned for Shoal Point, an island off the industrial complex. One of those is Galveston LNG Bunker Port, which will provide LNG fuel for cruise ships operating out of Galveston. The city has worked for decades to get industrial projects on Shoal Point, and we are closer to realizing that goal than ever before.

We also have a multi-billion-dollar fractionation project under construction in our industrial complex. As that project develops and exports increase through the Port of Texas City, the industrial market here will continue evolving. We look forward to supporting companies through incentives, community support, and strategic manufacturing recruitment. We want to be as intentional as possible when bringing in manufacturing so that we’re providing the greatest service we can to these critical industry partners.

How is Texas City approaching workforce development and talent attraction?

One of the partnerships the Economic Development Corporation helped create is called the Pipelines Initiative. The EDC partnered with the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, local school districts, business leaders, nonprofits, and the Texas Workforce Commission to better communicate career and technical education opportunities.

With the Davie Defense shipbuilding project coming to Galveston, we wanted middle school and high school students to understand what classes could lead directly into careers tied to that industry. We also wanted to publicize community college offerings for people looking to upskill.

For example, someone who graduated high school, served in the military, and returned home may not know what path to take. College of the Mainland offers programs that prepare people for industrial trades and help them build better careers right here in Texas City.

Texas City ISD’s Industrial Trades Center already houses teachers and public safety representatives with decades of experience teaching welding, safety procedures, and career growth opportunities. We even have fire department personnel teaching students interested in becoming firefighters. The center has been heavily supported by industry partners, which illustrates the willingness of major community leaders to invest back into the workforce pipeline.

What trends are you watching most closely across economic development and growth in the region?

I am paying close attention to the possibility of bringing a desalination plant to Texas City at Dickinson Bayou. Water shortages have become a major concern across Texas, so having another water source that could support both public and private partners would be extremely valuable.

We also welcomed Again, a company from Denmark that converts carbon waste into usable byproducts for industry partners. The fact that we are thinking not only about power and water needs but also about environmental improvements shows how innovative the Texas City complex is becoming.

Aerospace is another important trend affecting the entire region. We work closely with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to stay informed on aerospace manufacturing and related opportunities. Manufacturing was identified as one of our target industries in the EDC’s most recent strategic plan, so we continue pursuing opportunities that support that sector.

What are some of the biggest challenges Texas City is addressing as it grows?

Texas City is fortunate because our infrastructure is in good shape. Previous city commissions made it a priority to invest before systems became outdated.

One major focus is public safety. As the population increases, we will need additional fire and police stations. We already have plans for fire station No. 5 near Mainland City Centre, and more expansion will come alongside future residential developments.

That growth also creates opportunities for more multifamily housing. Additional apartments and condominiums could serve industry workers and retirees while expanding housing options throughout the community.

How are you balancing industrial growth with long-term livability?

Our Parks and Recreation Department maintains roughly 100 acres of park space along with the Texas City Dike, which serves residents and visitors for fishing, hiking, and recreation.

The EDC also funded a $7 million community plaza downtown, which opened in September 2025 and immediately attracted strong attendance. Downtown has always been a historic gathering place for Texas City, so our goal is to revitalize the area with new restaurants, businesses, and community activity.

We also established the Phoenix Business Accelerator on Sixth Street, which functions as a business incubator downtown. We have already welcomed eight clients and expect continued growth through memberships and educational opportunities.

We want to support entrepreneurs through business education, marketing assistance, and operational guidance. Ideally, we want those businesses to stay in Texas City and thrive here.

Looking ahead three to five years, what are your top priorities and goals?

Within the next three to five years, Lago Mar and Beacon Point along I-45 will be completed or near completion. I hope that those developments will attract retail that serves residents while also drawing travelers off I-45 to spend more time in Texas City.

Retail growth on both sides of the city will remain important. We want newer developments and the original Texas City alike to have access to restaurants, shopping, groceries, and family services.

Another area of focus will be residential and commercial redevelopment. Texas City has opportunities to modernize retail complexes and improve visual appeal throughout the community. 

Residential redevelopment will remain a priority. Through federal grants and city funding, we hope to improve quality of life for existing residents. My goal is to create a coordinated effort among economic development, community development, Habitat for Humanity, and other housing organizations so that existing residents are cared for alongside new residents, businesses, and visitors.