The Arlington Economic Development Corporation Announces 2022 Economic Development Week

By Economic Development Corporation

Posted on May 09, 2022, May 09, 2022

The City of Arlington recognizes the week of May 9 to May 13, 2022, as Economic Development Week which highlights local efforts to increase the quality of life in every community. During this week, communities across America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.

Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

"Economic developers play essential roles in promoting the economic health and vitality of their communities — a fact that has only been proven further by the events of the past two years," says IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The 2022 Economic Development Week will serve to recognize, honor and celebrate the ingenuity and leadership practitioners have shown in working to create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”

Arlington’s Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recruit business and industry, help local companies grow and generate quality job opportunities throughout the Arlington metro area. AEDC aids new businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment, helping the City of Arlington become more competitive in the world of business recruitment. AEDC also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing Arlington industries.

“When done effectively, economic development helps create an environment for investment, encouraging job growth and contributing to a positive impact on the community at large," says Broderick Green, Executive Director of the AEDC. "The Arlington Economic Development Corporation joins our colleagues around the world in celebrating the contributions of practitioners who work tirelessly every day to improve their communities.”

Arlington's Economic Development Highlights

• Arlington delivers unparalleled access from coast to coast, and across the globe. Offering an innovative transportation network that includes regional airports and multiple major highways and railways—here, businesses are positioned to thrive.
• Rapid population and job growth have helped Arlington become a powerhouse of diverse creativity and entrepreneurship. As a result, it’s now ranked among the “nation’s fastest growing areas” and is flourishing in real estate development, retail, services, tech, distribution, and beyond.
• With access to 33 top universities in the area, Arlingtonians are leaders, visionaries, and innovators. We’re diversely educated, and we work on the forefront, driving an annual economic impact of $22.2 billion from UT-Arlington and Alumni to the State of Texas.
• Vibrant, affordable, welcoming, and easy—life in Arlington is truly a pleasure. Dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of Texas” and boasting effortless access to everything from ball games and shopping to esports, dining, green spaces, and more, it’s a place where “the good life” and “good for business” go hand in hand.
• From business-friendly tax rates and incentives to a government infrastructure built for rapid development, Arlington is committed to bringing big ideas to life. As part of one of the largest metropolitan economies in the US, we blend small-town convenience with big-city industry and are home to some of the world’s most innovative companies.
• Arlington is the top entertainment destination in Texas and is home to theme parks, music venues and three professional sports teams: the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Wings. The City is also home to the largest Esports Stadium in the nation.

"Known as the 'American Dream City,' our residents and diverse workforce have an undeniable can-do spirit. Whether it’s convincing GM to build an assembly plant or recruiting an MLB team to Arlington, we are the place where big ideas become a reality." says Jim Ross, Mayor, City of Arlington.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. www.iedcONLINE.org.