Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations who provided input and feedback throughout the 2022-2027 CEDS update process:

TCOG Governing Board Members

• President: Honorable Jeff Whitmire, Precinct 1 Commissioner, Grayson County
• Vice President: Honorable Randy Moore, County Judge, Fannin County
• Secretary/Treasurer: Honorable Ken Keeler, Ward 4 Councilmember, City of Gainesville
• Honorable Adam Arendt, Precinct 3 Commissioner, Cooke County
• Honorable Nathan Caldwell, Mayor, City of Callisburg
• Honorable H.L. Compton, Mayor, City of Bonham
• Honorable Juston Dobbs, Council at Large, City of Sherman
• Honorable Daniel Harrison, Mayor, City of Tom Bean
• Honorable Edwina Lane, Community Representative, Fannin County
• Ms. Karla Metzler, College Representative, North Central Texas College
• Honorable Scott Neu, Community Representative, Cooke County
• Honorable James Thorne, Council Place 2, City of Denison
• Mr. Bryan E. Wilson, Community Representative, Grayson County

CEDS Strategy Committee

• Audrey Schroyer, Gainesville Economic Development Corporation
• Lewanda Diaz, Grayson College
• Marsha Lindsey, Workforce Solutions Texoma
• Stephen Filipowicz, Bonham Economic Development Corporation
• Karen Stidham, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Grayson College

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This Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy was prepared by:

Texoma Council of Governments Staff

• Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director
• Planning Staff: Molly Guard, MA, NCRI, GIS & Planning Program Manager
• Catherine Krantz, MPA, Program Planner
• Mailinh Nguyen, MPL, Regional Services Coordinator

Summary

This report measures outcomes and identifies current benchmarks to help set new goals for the future. An evaluate of priorities to enhance the lives of community. The priorities and outcome indicators include: Retaining and Attracting New Residents, Providing Economic Opportunities Maximizing Affordability, Building a Culture of Health and Safety, and Educating for a More Prosperous Future

Summary

Quality housing remains inaccessible to millions of people due to a lack of affordable options. Low-income people with chronic health conditions need to live are uncoordinated or non-existent. This report built an initial assessment of affordability methodology to help municipalities build thriving communities. The report shows the number of households that are cost-burdened, which happens when owners and renters have to spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs, usually in the form of high rent. The cost burden can be the result of low-density zoning, high development costs, informal housing arrangements, and a lack of subsidized housing supply.

Summary

Understanding workforce conditions is a critical step to building a skilled workforce that spurs business competitiveness and economic growth. Labor market information guides community leaders as they strengthen career pathways and guide skill attainment for good jobs, economic opportunities, and career growth. A focus on workforce solutions can position a community to attract businesses, retain companies already located in the community, and expand their economy. The purpose of this report is to understand (1) What key indicators for workforce and labor market conditions in the community, (2) What the labor market looks like in the community, and (3) What defines a community labor force and how it relates to jobs. Key insights into the workforce and labor market in the community include: Labor force in relation to jobs, Top industries and occupations, Employee wages, Educational attainment, and slack in the workforce.

Summary

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on residents and employment in local and regional areas. The closure of non-essential businesses due to the coronavirus has had unprecedented effects on the economy, leaving many workers unemployed without notice and a number of businesses closing their doors for good as the pandemic continues. This report is designed to provide info about the current state of unemployment in the Texoma area, which occupations were most impacted, and where populations may be most affected.

Summary

Opportunity Zones are a new federal economic development tool designed to spur development in economically distressed neighborhoods. Every opportunity Zone has a story and attracting positive, effective investment will hinge on the City’s ability to tell it well. This report is designed to help understand and communicate both the needs and strengths of the community Opportunity Zones. To find more info about the community Zones, to the US Dept. of the Treasury.

Summary

Digital connectivity is necessary for students, parents, residents, business owners, and the general public to access the resources needed for schooling, social services, work, and business development. However, not everyone has equal access to digital technology and services and can afford those expenses. The purpose of this report is to show the gaps in how children and adults access, learn, and utilize digital technology in their lives. This report explores digital inclusion helping answer 3 questions: (1) Where is the digital divide? (2) What factors impact the digital divide? and (3) Who are most negatively impacted?