Spotlight On: Gerard Hudspeth, Mayor, City of Denton
January 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth emphasized the city’s strategic location, diverse industries, and recent company relocations like STULZ. He highlighted workforce development partnerships with local universities and support for small businesses through grants and incubators, positioning Denton for strong growth.
What makes Denton stand out as a unique city in North Texas?
Denton’s unique appeal lies in its balanced mix of industries and its strategic location on the I-35 corridor. We have two major universities and a junior college, providing strong educational resources, and a variety of high impact industries, from Peterbilt manufacturing and Tetra Pak to blockchain and high-speed computing. This range of sectors gives Denton a well-rounded economic base that provides access to exceptional talent, transportation networks, and a business-friendly community.
One unique asset of Denton is our college sports presence, which gives us a national audience. Both universities field highly competitive teams that bring an exciting buzz to the city. UNT’s men’s basketball team won the NIT championship, and UNT football games, like their recent matchup against Army on ESPN2, bring exposure to our slice of North Texas. Last year, Texas Woman’s University’s basketball team made the Division II National Championship game for the first time in program history. Sports bring new audiences to Denton and showcase our city’s vibrant college community on a larger stage.
What are some of Denton’s most significant economic achievements over this past year?
A major recent win is the announcement from STULZ, a company that is building its third U.S. location here in Denton. Additionally, Southwire, which acquired United Copper Industries, has expanded its operations, and Peterbilt is increasing its footprint, along with some of its suppliers. Another exciting achievement is the presence of Core Scientific, a blockchain mining company located near our energy center, which brings significant value to the area. We are driven by a vision that values both large corporations and the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses.
How are efforts to revitalize the downtown area supporting the city’s growth?
Our downtown revitalization is key to Denton’s growth. We’re investing in infrastructure improvements, like lifting certain areas out of the floodplain, and adding more entertainment options to attract conferences and events. Many visitors come for a conference or a football game, explore downtown, and get to know Denton better, which often leads to return visits and a stronger connection to the city. Once you step foot in our downtown, you are met with an immersive arts and culture scene, and exceptional quality of life.
What specific assets does Denton offer to businesses looking to relocate or expand?
Denton’s strategic transportation access is a major advantage. Located at the intersection of I-35W and I-35E, we’re well-positioned for seamless shipping to and from Dallas and Fort Worth. We also have rail access, which adds flexibility, and our own municipal airport, which we’re expanding to support more corporate travel and potentially serve as a freight hub in the future. This range of transport options is a significant asset for businesses compared to cities deeper in the metroplex. Additionally, businesses appreciate Denton’s quality of life as a competitive edge. We have created an environment where businesses and residents can flourish together, making Denton a desirable place to work, live, and invest.
With Denton’s ongoing growth, how is the city ensuring a high quality of life for residents while maintaining strong services?
We’re committed to a balanced approach that includes green spaces, recreational facilities, and services for all ages. Denton has a robust tree and green space code, plus a growing trail network to support outdoor activities. We’ve invested in parks and sports facilities, and we’re doubling the size of our active adult center and our new library. Denton’s emphasis on quality of life means that residents can enjoy amenities while businesses benefit from a supportive community.
Additionally, we actively engage visitors to boost the local economy. For example, our 31 Days of Halloween event drew visitors from all 50 states and internationally, creating excitement and energy that local businesses can leverage.
How does the city partner with educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce?
Denton has a comprehensive approach, working with educational institutions at every level. Our high schools offer trade programs for skills like welding, computer science, and public safety. North Central Texas College also has a campus here focused on workforce development, allowing businesses to collaborate on specific training curriculums. Texas Woman’s University offers a unique commercial flight school where students can earn a degree and a commercial pilot’s license. Meanwhile, the University of North Texas, with around 47,000 students, excels in areas like music, engineering, and innovation, preparing graduates who are ready to contribute to the workforce immediately. This coordinated effort ensures we have both the numbers and the expertise to support new and expanding businesses. Collectively, we prepare a pipeline of skilled workers that meet the demands of high-growth industries and support the unique needs of small businesses.
What strategies has your administration implemented to support small and minority-owned businesses?
We have implemented innovative incentives tailored to small businesses, including grants, tax incentives, and resources aimed at reducing startup costs and operational challenges. We prioritize ongoing engagement for small and minority-owned businesses. For example, we offer business grants and partner with “Stoke,” our business incubator, to help entrepreneurs get started. We also run entrepreneurial competitions and awards to recognize achievements and foster a strong startup culture. Additionally, we hold classes for entrepreneurs and offer a youth entrepreneur program through our Parks Department, where young people can sell their products at local events. This infrastructure supports businesses of all stages, from aspiring youth entrepreneurs to adults ready to launch their ventures. Our goal is to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorships, affordable commercial spaces, and networking opportunities to boost local business success.
What steps is Denton taking to address affordable housing?
Denton is taking a balanced approach. We’ve created a Public Finance Corporation for the city, which allows us a seat at the table on affordable housing projects to negotiate terms and provide incentives for developers to build affordable units. Additionally, I appoint members to the Housing Authority Board, ensuring community involvement in affordable housing decisions. We conducted a comprehensive affordable housing study to identify strategies, like incentivizing density and preserving green spaces. Since Denton is a college town, creating affordable housing options for students and residents alike is essential for supporting the community.
How is Denton engaging residents in decision-making processes?
We prioritize transparency and accessibility. Our city council meetings are open to the public, with opportunities for residents to speak on any topic. Furthermore, our community master plans include comprehensive engagement strategies for community centric growth. For project notices, we extend notifications beyond the required 200 feet to 500 feet, reaching more residents. Departments like Parks and Recreation also attend local events to connect with residents directly. At our State of the City event, we set up booths from all departments to engage residents in meaningful conversations. Additionally, events like our 31 Days of Halloween bring in new audiences, whom we follow up with through digital tools to gather feedback and build long-term connections.
How does Denton collaborate with neighboring cities, the county, and the state to advance regional interests?
Collaboration is key, especially for infrastructure and utilities. Locally, we connect through mayor-to-mayor meetings at conferences, events, or through informal gatherings. At the county level, North Texas mayors hold regular meetings organized by the county, and I serve as president of the Metroplex Mayors Association, giving me monthly opportunities to engage with peers. At the state level, we benefit from meetings hosted by local state representatives, where mayors and council members can discuss state-level issues impacting our cities. This multilevel engagement keeps us aligned and working effectively on regional initiatives.
What excites you most about Denton’s potential, and what are your top priorities for the next two to three years?
Denton’s growth potential is incredibly exciting. Hillwood’s development on both sides of I-35 will bring hundreds of homes, along with commercial spaces, to the west side of Denton, a huge opportunity for growth. We also have Texas Woman’s University’s new commercial flight school, which just received a grant from the U.S. Air Force to help train pilots. This is an amazing addition to our airport’s activity and regional exposure.
Another significant focus is Core Scientific, a major player in blockchain and high-speed computing that is now shifting toward AI and machine learning. They’re a high-consumption electricity customer, which supports Denton’s municipal electric system and brings attention to our region. This combination of tech, residential, and educational development on the west side positions Denton well for future growth with established, experienced partners. We are focused on a Denton rooted in four strategic growth areas – connectivity, creativity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
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