Marty Wieder, Executive Director, Arlington Economic Development Corporation

In an interview with Invest:, Marty Wieder, executive director of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the city’s focus on fostering innovation and equitable growth. With preparations underway for global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Arlington is solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and economic opportunity.

Since your appointment in February 2024, how are you addressing the city’s economic development goals?

As a relatively young organization with dedicated funding, our initial focus has been on building capacity. This includes fully staffing our team and transitioning into permanent office space, which we expect to complete by the end of the year.

At the same time, we’ve prioritized raising awareness about the Economic Development Corporation’s role and resources. Although the EDC has existed since 2015, it only gained a designated funding source in November 2020 with the approval of a quarter-cent sales tax. This funding has allowed us to make a meaningful impact, but many in the region remain unfamiliar with our efforts. Marketing and outreach have therefore been key to ensuring the community understands the value we bring to Arlington’s economic growth.

Our broader vision for Arlington is guided by the Economic Development Strategic Plan. It focuses on positioning Arlington as a premier destination for globally connected companies, fostering innovation through partnerships with institutions like The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and transforming key areas into vibrant economic hubs. At the same time, we prioritize equitable growth by addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities, ensuring development benefits all residents. By enhancing regional competitiveness, supporting redevelopment, and creating world-class amenities, Arlington is solidifying its role as a major activity center in North Texas.

Which sectors and businesses are the primary drivers of the local economy?

The 2022 strategic plan, developed with guidance from TIP Strategies, focuses on key industries like aviation and aerospace, automotive, healthcare, biohealth (including medical equipment and supplies), and business services.

In aerospace, Arlington has seen remarkable progress. E-space will establish its manufacturing operations and headquarters at Arlington Municipal Airport in a 270,000-square-foot facility, with construction starting in 2025. This project will create 400 high-paying jobs and further Arlington’s role in advanced aerospace technologies. Additionally, the city recently celebrated the opening of Bell’s new Weapons Systems Integration Lab for the next-generation Blackhawk helicopter replacement, reinforcing Arlington’s leadership in defense technology.

In the automotive sector, Arlington celebrated the 70th anniversary of the General Motors Assembly Plant, a cornerstone of the city’s economic legacy. Building on this foundation, the city has attracted innovative companies like Wallbox USA, a manufacturer of EV chargers, and Mozee, which specializes in 3D-printed vehicle components and autonomous driving technology. Mozee’s work, including partnerships like the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, underscores Arlington’s growing reputation as a hub for next-generation automotive innovation.

How is Arlington addressing workforce development and meeting employers’ needs for skilled workers?

Workforce development is central to Arlington’s strategy. The city works closely with institutions like Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, UTA, Tarrant County College (TCC), and the Dan Dipert Career and Technology Center to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled talent. TCC’s specialized programs in manufacturing and technical skills, along with UTA’s Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, are key resources that support high-tech industries.

These partnerships have been instrumental in attracting businesses. For example, one company cited its proximity to UTA, TCC, and the Dan Dipert Center as a deciding factor in selecting Arlington for its operations. This ecosystem of education and workforce training ensures Arlington remains a hub for innovation and economic opportunity.

What initiatives are in place to support entrepreneurs, small, and minority-owned businesses?

Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs is a top priority. Arlington has earned recognition as an excellent place to start a business, and the city is building on that momentum by ensuring small business owners have access to resources like mentorship, training, and funding.

Through its partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SCORE program, Arlington has created a cohort of small business owners who receive ongoing mentorship. The city also collaborates with LiftFund, offering interest-free loans, and the University of Texas at Arlington, which houses an entrepreneurship center led by one of the EDC board members.

Additionally, cutting-edge programs like The Founders Arena—a wealth-tech and fintech accelerator—provide mentorship and resources to entrepreneurs, with many participants choosing to establish their operations in Arlington. To further enhance these efforts, the EDC hired Kay Brown-Patrick as assistant executive director, also overseeing Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Enterprise Development. Her leadership is helping to create a thriving ecosystem for small businesses, and the city is excited to build on this strong foundation.

How does the EDC balance corporate developments with maintaining a high quality of life for Arlington’s residents?

Arlington has an excellent quality of life, and while Texas state law limits some activities EDCs can fund, the Type B designation under the Texas Development Act allows the city to support infrastructure improvements and placemaking efforts that enhance existing areas.

For instance, Arlington has played a role in revitalizing aging shopping centers like the Town North Shopping Center through assisting with infrastructure upgrades.. In some cases, the city has taken a more direct approach by acquiring properties for redevelopment, demolishing outdated structures, and preparing sites for new use. Recently, Arlington facilitated business expansion along a major corridor, creating opportunities for redevelopment that benefit both businesses and residents. These initiatives drive economic growth while improving quality of life.

How does the EDC work with local, state, and regional entities to advance mutual interests?

Collaboration is essential to economic development. As Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton often says, it’s a team sport. The EDC works closely with city departments like Strategic Initiatives, Public Works, Planning, and Economic Development to ensure efforts are aligned.

At the regional level, Arlington partners with organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. At the state level, the city coordinates with Texas Economic Development & Tourism, in the Office of the Governor, and the Texas Economic Development Corporation. The numerous regional and local chambers of commerce (including the Dallas Regional, Greater Arlington, and Arlington Black), and the North Texas Commission also work to attract and retain businesses. This collaborative approach strengthens not just Arlington but the entire region.

Arlington is well-known for its tourism and entertainment. How are you leveraging these assets to drive economic growth?

Tourism and entertainment are vital to Arlington’s economy and identity. The city works closely with the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and key partners like Six Flags Over Texas, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Cowboys to create synergies that benefit the entire community.

One highlight is the upcoming opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, which will draw visitors from across the country. The city is also collaborating with attractions like REV Entertainment and Legends Hospitality to coordinate events and network with potential investors.

The entertainment district continues to grow, with Loews recently opening its second hotel in the area and a third under development. These investments not only elevate Arlington as a premier destination but also create jobs and generate significant economic activity.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years, and how do you see Arlington evolving?

Priorities remain focused on fostering innovation, advancing redevelopment, and preparing for transformative opportunities. The EDC is finalizing new office space and hiring additional staff, including a Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to oversee programs like SCORE and LiftFund while collaborating with local partners to drive business growth.

Industrial development and biohealth are also priorities. UTA is leading the way with Texas’s first bio-manufacturing degree program, and Arlington is exploring opportunities to attract biohealth companies to key locations like the Collins and I-30 corridor.

In addition, Arlington is preparing for major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix. These events will bring international attention to the city and showcase its potential as a center for investment and innovation. With these initiatives, Arlington is well-positioned for a future of inclusive and transformative growth.