Spotlight On: Scott Livingston, Director of Economic Development, League City
February 2025 — Invest: had the opportunity to speak with League City’s Director of Economic Development, Scott Livingston, to discover the major developments and plans in place for League City, and the city’s recently adopted Strategic Plan will revolutionize the city’s infrastructure as well as set up League City for continued prosperity in the coming decades.
What have been some of the most significant milestones for League City over the past year?
First, our Development Services Department recently completed a new strategic plan that covers key aspects of planning, zoning, development, building, code enforcement, and stormwater drainage. The plan’s primary focus is on streamlining processes to facilitate business development and investment.
When discussing development, timing, approvals and clear expectations are critical. This plan was developed with significant stakeholder input and collaboration with the development community to ensure a more efficient process. Currently, 40% of League City’s land is still available for development, particularly along the future Grand Parkway, so making our development approvals process easier, clearer, and more efficient to support development will be essential.
Second, the community spent much of the past year creating the Western League City Regional Master Plan, which outlines how future development of about 5,000 acres of undeveloped land along the future Grand Parkway will occur in the future. This plan, which is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the City Council in April 2025, will also address critical areas such as mobility, stormwater drainage, infrastructure, land use, zoning, and branding to ensure a well-structured and sustainable expansion.
How will the new strategic plan streamline processes to benefit both businesses and residents?
As a result of new development services strategic plan, five strategic directives were identified: the need to create and support a stronger Culture of Caring; the need for enhanced Communication and Inclusion; the ongoing opportunity to continually scrutinize, streamline, and improve our Processes, Policies, and Practices; the need to Empower City Employees to Excellence; and the need to communicate our enthusiasm to Encourage Investment, Growth, and Development. Strategic Initiatives and Expected Outcomes were subsequently developed to address each Strategic Directive. As a result of this initiative, developers and stakeholders have expressed a greater sense of satisfaction with our Development Services Department’s attitude toward its customers and quality of services.
What makes League City’s geographic location an ideal location for businesses looking to relocate or expand?
League City’s strategic location is one of its biggest assets, making it an attractive place for families, employees, companies, retirees and tourists. The community is also at the nexus of multiple industry sectors: petrochemical/energy, medical/life sciences, aerospace, logistics, and tourism.
We also have excellent connectivity with easy access to highways and major transportation routes. League City has reduced property taxes each year for the past 10 years, making it appealing for businesses and families to locate and live here. Our school districts are top-rated, and Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD and Santa Fe ISD attract families seeking quality education.
The NASA Johnson Space Center and Houston Spaceport are just 15-20 minutes away, and the community sits between two large petrochemical clusters and within 26 miles of three major ports With respect to medical/life sciences, institutions like UTMB Galveston, Houston Methodist-Clear Lake, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Hermann Memorial have expanded into League City, bringing new healthcare opportunities and investment. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Hobby Airport, just 25 minutes away, connects it to major U.S. and Latin American markets, enhancing its appeal for tourism and business.
Higher education opportunities are also abundant, with institutions such as Texas A&M at Galveston, the College of the Mainland and the University of Houston supporting workforce development. With 87% of League City residents currently commuting outside the city for work, the goal is to attract more jobs locally by leveraging the industry clusters nearby.
Could you share a few initiatives for small business development that also benefit League City’s residents?
League City is proud of its unique culture and philosophy, which ensures equal opportunities for businesses and families. Several key initiatives support local, small businesses, such as the community’s partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) under the leadership of award-winning director, Amy Reid, and collaboration with the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Although League City will consider providing tax rebates to businesses to support economic development, its primary tool to support economic development is by creating an attractive environment with an affordable cost of living, high quality of life and balanced growth that benefits everyone and provides an equal opportunity for all shareholders to succeed. The city is experiencing steady growth of 3%-4% annually, with increasing demand for housing and services.
Can you describe your vision for League City’s economic landscape over the next few years?
League City will continue to leverage and promote its quality of life assets to attract and manage high quality residential and commercial growth with a keen focus on infrastructure, zoning, mobility and accessibility, and sustainable development practices. Prior to the beginning of
construction of the Grand Parkway in 2027, the community will continue to prepare for development of this additional 5,000 acres of land by updating its economic development strategic plan through consultation with stakeholders, landowners, citizens, and elected officials to shape the city’s future over the next 30 years.
Can you describe your long-term goals for League City moving forward?
My long-term goals for League City are to: (1) attract family-oriented entertainment, high-end residential and commercial developments, corporate and/or regional headquarters, and advanced and clean manufacturing projects in petrochemical/energy, medical/life sciences, aerospace, and logistics; (2) create more high quality local jobs to reduce outbound commuting; (3) capitalize upon opportunities resulting from construction of the future Grand Parkway; and (4) create an economically resilient and financially sustainable community that provides a superior quality of life.
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