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Podcast 160: From Cowtown to Boomtown with Robert Sturns

Team-driven economic development success in Fort Worth Texas with Robert Sturns

Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson
2 min read
Podcast 160: From Cowtown to Boomtown with Robert Sturns

Table of Contents

Episode 160 of the Econ Dev Show Podcast is out.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for Fort Worth Texas, discusses how the city is transforming from "Cowtown to Boomtown" while preserving its authentic character.

Today's episode is brought to you by Sitehunt.

With over 25 years of experience in municipal government, commercial real estate, and banking operations, Sturns details Fort Worth's success in securing major investments, including recent wins with Bell and Embraer, while balancing business recruitment with community development initiatives like Evans & Rosedale and the Panther Island project.

Sturns also discusses his journey in the profession, including his 20+ year career serving both Fort Worth and Arlington. He offers insights into managing regional relationships, particularly addressing the challenge of establishing Fort Worth's identity distinct from Dallas, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and partnerships in economic development success.

Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Balance large-scale development with community needs and cultural preservation
  2. Focus on building relationships before transactions in deal-making
  3. Leverage existing cultural assets (like the Stockyards) for economic growth
  4. Develop strategic plans for transformational projects like Panther Island
  5. Create mixed-use developments that honor local heritage while embracing progress
  6. Build strong partnerships with educational institutions for workforce development
  7. Maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders and the community
  8. Use existing success stories (like Bell and Embraer) to attract similar industries
  9. Implement creative financing solutions for major development projects
  10. Balance business retention efforts with new business recruitment strategies

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Robert's Favorite Books

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Founder/Host of Econ Dev Show. Also: Sitehunt CEO and economic development consultant in Greater Houston, Texas.


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