Pearland Economic Development Corporation, Texas
Economic Development Strategic Plan
The Challenge
TIP was engaged by the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) to assist them in the preparation of an economic development strategic plan. The purpose of the plan was to leverage the work of the PEDC to obtain the maximum advantage from the many alternatives available to the community. Pearland’s location in the Houston metropolitan area, as well as its proximity to Texas Medical Center, Hobby Airport and the dynamic 288 Corridor, positions the city to take advantage of expansion in the region. Current planned developments—specifically the Spectrum and Shadow Creek projects—represent an opportunity to define Pearland in the minds of businesses and residents throughout the region. These projects may also challenge the identity of the community as Houston expands south.
The Approach
To fully understand the development opportunities in Pearland, the team conducted an economic assessment of the area. The purpose of the assessment was to gain an understanding of Pearland’s strengths and to identify the most pressing challenges. As part of this assessment, the consulting team held three workshops in Pearland—a project kick-off meeting, a visioning session, and a strategy development workshop—and received input from key stakeholders during focus group meetings organized around the following topics: education, local business/chamber members, emerging industries (focused on biomedical), manufacturers, and interested developers. The community was also compared to four other suburban Texas communities at various stages of development—Frisco, Plano, Round Rock, and Sugar Land. Input received from the workshops and focus groups was combined with the consulting team’s quantitative analysis, benchmarking, and experience to develop strategic recommendations.
The Outcome
Capitalizing on the opportunities presented by The Spectrum at Clear Creek—a 1,000 acre master-planned community that includes a 200-acre development dedicated to biotech and technology-based businesses—will be key to Pearland’s future. This public/private partnership (modeled after the Texas Medical Center) is may ultimately occupy 1 million square feet of building and office areas, 3 million square feet of scientific and laboratory space, and more than 1 million square feet for manufacturing/distribution facilities. Other recommendations include developing a retail strategy, launching a public relations initiative, and supporting the development of a town center.
Fred Welch Executive Director Pearland EDC 3519 Liberty, Ste. 251 Pearland, TX 77581 281.652.1629 Fax 281.652.1704 fwelch@ci.pearland.tx.us
