Economic Development Plan Puts Tyler on Fast Track By DANNY MOGLE, Assistant Managing Editor   |   Nov 23, 2008

Business leaders have given VISION 2010 a new focus.

Adopted three years ago by Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Economic Development Council, VISION 2010 identified strategies and projects that would improve the local business climate. A task force of more than 100 looked at five areas: economy, education, infrastructure, leadership and quality of life. Now, three years later, the steering committee has updated the document.

“A lot has already happened,” Mike Thomas, task force chairman, said of the original initiatives.

Since then Tyler ISD has passed two bond elections, Loop 49 is progressing, developers have launched a major project on the north side of town; growth off west Loop 323 is booming; downtown redevelopment is under way and several major retailers have located here.

“None of us are involved in all of these areas, Thomas said. “This (update) keeps us all informed. We are trying to keep this out in the forefront.”

Tom Mullins, TEDC and chamber president, said VISION 21 is an evolving strategy taking into account many efforts progressing at different rates.

“A lot of momentum has taken place since VISION 21 first passed,” he said. “I think it is important to go back to the document and what we want to accomplish and bring it back in front of the community.” The update offers a report of progress since 2005.

BIOTECH INITATIVES

• The University of Texas at Tyler developed the Texas Allergy, Indoor Environment and Energy (TxAIRE) Institute using a $3.75 million grant received in 2007 from the Governor’s Emerging Technology Fund.
• UT Tyler and The University of Texas at Dallas are involved with research exploring uses of electronic textiles.

HISPANIC INCORPORATION

• Hispanic Education Alliance is working to reduce drop-out rates among Hispanic students.
• In 2007 the chamber created the Hispanic Business Services Office which is working with banks through a partnership with AccionTexas to offer micro loans to help start businesses.

RETAIL DESTINATION

• Tyler Planning and Zoning approved or is considering mixed-use developments at Cumberland Park, Bellwood, Grande Commons, North Chase and Oak Developments.
• Tyler development services streamlined the building permit approval process in 2005.
• This year the chamber created a Retail Task Force to develop strategies for marketing Tyler. It hired a consulting firm to promote Tyler to retailers and create a resource guide.

TAX STRATEGY

• In 2006 representatives of city of Tyler, Tyler ISD, Tyler Junior College and Smith County met to review tax levels and project needs. The forum, organized by the Tyler Morning Telegraph, provided the public an opportunity to hear what tax rates will be needed to pay for services.

Projects such as relieving traffic congestion, upgrading schools and building a new county jail were identified as priorities.

EDUCATIONAL DESTINATION

• In 2007 Texas College received a $580,000 federal grant to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
• The UT Tyler College of Nursing became the school’s first doctoral program in 2007.
• The year the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board awarded Tyler a $50,000 grant to be matched by $10,000 in local grants.
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board accredited the UT Tyler Department of Human Resource PhD program in March.
• Tyler Junior College is working with 23 schools to provide dual-credit courses. They also deliver technical instruction on site and at the Skills Training Center for five independent school districts.
• Approximately 1,100 students transfer from TJC to UT Tyler each year making TJC the largest provider of transfer students.
• TJC and UT Tyler have teamed on a grant from Texas Education Agency to help high schools in science, technology, engineering and math. The goal is to increase engineering majors and teachers with skills in math, science, and technology.
• Local automotive dealers provide funding and equipment for the TJC Skills Center Automotive Technology program that has averaged 142 students over the past three years.
• Last year TXU Electric created Luminant Training Academy in partnership with TJC’s Skills Development Center. The Academy brings 300 trainees annually to Tyler.
• GE Healthcare donated an ultrasound system to TJC’s Allied Health and Nursing programs last year.
• Last year TJC partnered with Goodyear and USW Local 746 to train employees departing the Tyler plant as Goodyear ended tire production.
• The Adult Literacy Council at the TJC West Campus helped 2,522 in 2007. About 400 students per year earn GEDs through the program.

EXEMPLARY SCHOOLS

• In 2004 Tyler ISD passed a $96 million bond to build a new school and replace six schools. All are now open. The package was Phase One of a 4-Phase strategy to meet facilities needs. A $125 million Phase 2 bond passed last month to replace five more schools.
• Carrier has “adopted” Boulter Middle School and donates about $12,000 annually.
• The chamber’s Job Shadowing Day pairs high school students with professionals.
• TISD Foundation spent $124,655 this year to fund 26 teaching projects.
• This year two TISD Schools are rated exemplary and nine recognized. None one are rated unacceptable by Texas Education Agency.
• In TISD Fiscal Year 2006-07, 425 educators earned $11,063 in performance incentive pay.

ARENA CONVENTION CENTER

• In 2002, a study commissioned by the chamber and TEDC recommended the Lake Bellwood area as the best site for a special events center. The East Texas State Fair’s master plan to develop a 230-acre
site in this general area includes plans for such a center center.
• A Vision 2010 task force has met with Global Entertainment in Phoenix, toured a successful arena project in Arizona and developed possible funding options.
LOOP 49

• Texas Transportation Commission in 2006 designated Loop 49 from Interstate 20 south and east to Texas Highway 110 as a toll project. It estimated bonding capacity based on anticipated toll revenue. North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority established funding scenarios that could accelerate development. Discussions are continuing between TxDOT and NET RMA.
• Last year Toll 49’s second segment, a two-mile section from U.S. Highway 69 South to FM 756, was dedicated.
• After being formed by Smith and Gregg counties in 2004, Cherokee, Harrison, Rusk, Upshur, Bowie, Cass, Panola, Titus, Van Zandt and Wood counties joined NET RMA.
• TxDOT plans to partner with NET RMA and governmental agencies on the East Texas Hour Glass, a project to extend Toll 49 east from Texas Highway 110 to Interstate 20 at the Smith/Gregg county line.
• Another spur of Toll 49 will be constructed east of Loop 323 and intersect with Texas Highway 155 near the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler.

SMITH COUNTY MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Although a master plan has not been developed, major projects will impact future economic growth.
• The Cascades, Mansions and Stretford projects near Lake Bellwood are part of 500 acre high-end residential golf course development that will generate an estimated $800 million in new tax base for the city of Tyler and other taxing entities.
• East Texas State Fair purchased 230 acres between Texas highway 31 and 64 west of Loop 323 and is planning venues that will attract events and visitors.
• New Sunnybrook Drive will extend as a four-lane street from Texas Highway 155 west to Loop 323. This will open undeveloped properties for investment and growth.
• TEDC plans to expand the business park around TJC West Campus for business and technology development.
• Last year an investment group purchased 500 acres outside Loop 323 (across from TJC West Campus) for office, retail and residential development.
• Lindale has one of the fastest growing economies in the county. Infrastructure projects by the city of Lindale will encourage more development.
• TxDOT expanded East Loop 323 from four to six lanes in January. This will encourage development on the east side of Tyler and Smith County.
• The University of Texas at Tyler is the fastest growing campus in the UT System. The campus will stimulate growth in southeast Tyler and Smith County.
• Planning and Zoning approved a conference center hotel near the University of Texas at Tyler in January.

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

• The city incorporated a downtown master plan in its Tyler 21 plan. It includes designation of an arts and culture district and identifying redevelopment priorities.
• City of Tyler purchased Liberty Theater for East Texas Symphony Orchestra and property of former car dealerships along Erwin Street for future development.
• Taxing entities approved creating a downtown TIF district to fund development.
• The city leased space on the square for a downtown visitor center and Heart of Tyler offices.