Economic Development: Retail/Commercial/Industrial

Rowlett: the place to live, work, and play.
We've seen that branding on city literature, letterhead, and logoware. 

For a very long time, our city was basically a bedroom community: a good place to live - but falling short on the "work and play" part. Not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's what the citizens want their city to be. 

Recent indications, though, are that most of our residents today would prefer to have more amenities closer to home. The pandemic changed the workforce environment for many who now work from home all or part of the time. Increasingly congested roadways throughout the DFW metroplex makes us less amenable to traveling to surrounding cities to shop, have dinner, or engage in leisure activities. 

I frequently hear complaints about the lack of a real steakhouse or seafood place, the desire for clothing stores that aren't small boutiques, big box or discount stores, and more grocery shopping options, along with the wish for "more things to do." 

First, I have to point out that we already have some very good restaurants: Greek/Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, several good breakfast/lunch diners, and a plethora of Mexican food joints, to name a few. We've added several over the past two years. We're still missing an upscale dining venue, though. We have a brewery but no winery. For anniversaries and other special celebrations, many of us still drive to Rockwall, Plano, or Addison.

Ross Dress-for-Less has some amazing deals, but finding the right top or dress there in the right size is a hit-or-miss proposition. Our downtown boutiques have some unique and beautiful styles, but the inventory is limited. We often end up going to Garland or Dallas in search of the perfect outfit.

Walmart has low prices on packaged foods, Tom Thumb has quality produce and meat, and Aldi's and Sprouts cater to those looking for certain hard-to-find items, but many still head out of town for the best choices in fish, bakery-fresh breads, and coffee beans. 

Would I love to have a Macy's, a Capital Grille, and a Central Market in Rowlett? Heck, yes. I'd even be thrilled with a J.C. Penny, a Longhorn Steakhouse, or a Super Kroger. But the sad truth is: city councils don't have the power to force the companies they want to come to the city. 

The good news: that doesn't mean we're completely powerless over which stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues we get. There are things that cities can do to lure potential businesses in:

• Make regulations and policies simpler, less burdensome, and less complex and confusing.
• Make processes (planning, permitting, approvals) more user-friendly. 
• Create an environment to attract a skilled and talented workforce. 
• Have the infrastructure in place and in good condition. 
• Offer financial incentives (low taxes, real estate affordability, fee waivers or reductions, grants).
• Develop a strong positive identity and reputation as a city. 
• Tell the story: actively seek out businesses according to a plan and sell them on the city.

These are steps that I believe we need to follow - not just talking the talk but walking the walk - in order to see Rowlett thrive, and that I would work to see implemented as mayor.