Development Corporation of Richmond (TX) – Bridge to Success

Challenge

As one of the earliest communities settled by the Old Three Hundred under the direction of Stephen F. Austin, Richmond holds a pivotal place in Texas history. Located in Fort Bend County, one of the state’s fastest growing and most diverse counties, Richmond is also well positioned for the future. Its relatively low cost of living, highly-rated schools, and family friendly atmosphere make it a desirable location within the Houston metropolitan area. The community’s historic downtown, weekly farmers market, and events draw residents and visitors alike. However, as the seat of county government, Richmond has an above-average share of untaxable, publicly owned property. With most available sites located in its extraterritorial jurisdiction and slated for master-planned communities, the city’s opportunities for generating tax revenues are further constrained. Other challenges that threaten to hamper Richmond’s future vitality include vacancies in the downtown and vulnerabilities to flooding.

Response

In July 2024, the Development Corporation of Richmond (DCR) engaged TIP Strategies to prepare a comprehensive strategy to guide the organization’s activities over a five-year planning horizon (2025–2029). Using its three-phase planning model—discovery, opportunity, implementation—TIP worked with the DCR to gain an understanding of current economic conditions and identify projects to spur future growth. Working closely with the DCR, a framework for the plan emerged that would help position Richmond to capture its share of the region’s growth and attract desirable commercial, industrial, and quality of life projects. Bridge to Success was organized under three goal areas: supporting existing and prospective businesses, identifying and implementing transformational projects, and enhancing the community’s quality of place. These three goals were then built out using a five-by-five framework, meaning that each goal encompassed five strategies with five action items. A fourth area of consideration focused on the DCR’s organizational values, including establishing data-driven priorities and ensuring the transparent and effective use of resources in support of the three goals. Armed with this guide for future action, Richmond has the tools to respond to the identified opportunities and challenges within the DRC’s current resource and staffing levels.