A mid-year report from the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership to robust activity and significant results.
Robert Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership attributed the organization’s success to a deliberate strategy aimed at targeting major corporations looking to invest and grow.
“Fort Worth’s economic momentum is real, and it’s accelerating. We are seeing major employers and global brands choose Fort Worth for long-term investment because they recognize the strength of our workforce, our business climate, our culture, and our strategic location,” Allen stated.
A former Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Greg Abbott, as well as president and CEO of the Austin- based Texas Economic Development Corporation, Allen was chosen to lead the Fort Worth Economic Development Corporation when it was formed in 2023. The partnership was an outgrowth of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce with the mission of recruiting and bringing new businesses to the city.
Under Allen’s leadership, Fort Worth has been successful in expanding the city’s project pipeline and building the city’s desirability for relocation across various industries. “In the last two years, we have seen companies ranging from MTU Maintenance to MP Materials to Embraer all announce plans to either move here or expand their presence here. As a result, we have generated more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 11,000 new jobs. And we are just getting started, Allen stated.
Another win for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership is recognition of its success with back-to-back wins of the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in 2025 and 2026.
The Conway Award honoring H. McKinley “Mac” Conway, a leader in economic development achievements, is presented by Site Selection magazine to economic development organizations based on job creation, capital investment date and other criteria.
Fort Worth’s wins were based on the major achievements, including more than $700 million investment by Wistron to build AI facilities at AllianceTexas; a more than $600 million investment by Bell Textron Inc. to build a new factory to manufacture advanced long-range assault aircraft. Other economic development wins for Fort Worth include an investment by Siemen’s of nearly $200 million to build a new manufacturing facility and boot and apparel manufacture Ariat International’s $72 million expansion of its facilities.
Fort Worth’s strong manufacturing environment, geographic location and large workforce are the drivers for economic development investment and expansion growth, according to the partnership’s mid-year economic report.
As efforts continue to expand the project pipeline, several notable projects have already secured three significant economic development wins. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has chosen to locate its national headquarters in North Fort Worth.
Weir Minerals, a global mining technology business is expanding its footprint with its decision to invest in a divisional headquarters in downtown Fort Worth. The decision is a win for manufacturing and industrial growth as well as for office and headquarters investment, according to the economic development report.
The partnership’s third major economic development achievement this year is the decision by Celestica, a Canadian manufacturer of products that support the electronic and energy sectors, will invest nearly $1 billion in a sprawling manufacturing plant of one million square feet, across two Alliance Center North locations in North Fort Worth.
Also, during the spring, the partnership launched a targeted marketing campaign directed at showcasing Fort Worth strengths and assets to corporate decision-makers. Combined with efforts to close deals with companies already seeking to relocate, the new marketing campaign targets corporate decision-makers to make the case for Fort Worth, should expansion or relocation be on the table. In the first six months of 2026, the partnership’s pipeline worked about 125 leads, inquiries, and projects. Of those, about 80 percent were new opportunities. Approximately 30 percent of 2026 inquiries came from the electronics manufacturing, or aerospace and defense companies. Both industries have lengthy relationships with Fort Worth’s legacy industries and economic strengths.
Nevertheless, Fort Worth’s industrial and manufacturing are not the only business sectors experiencing growth. Inquires also come from consultants and companies evaluating headquarters and office-based relocations to the city. While several of these projects originate from companies in the manufacturing and products sector, they represent a wide range of industries— that tells you our talent base is winning.
Allen indicated that the economic development successes of the first six months of the year will be followed by equally strong accomplishments in the second half of the year.
“In my opinion, the segment of active projects we are working on right now is one of the strongest I have seen in my time here: high-scoring projects with great job creation and investment figures in target industries that will really move the ball for Fort Worth,” Allen stated. “Top drivers of projects continue to be real estate and talent availability, and with one of the strongest metro talent bases in the country,” he added. “The strength of interest in Fort Worth is promising, and the on-the-ground operation to continue that momentum is in full force. “
Another factor contributing to Fort Worth’s success in attracting new businesses and economic development opportunities is population growth. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Fort Worth’s population grew to 1,028,117, elevating Cowtown to the rank of the 10th largest city in the United States, according to the latest population data from the Census Bureau.
With the addition of 19,512 Fort Worth experienced the second largest population increase between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025. Only Charlotte, N.C. Fort Worth surpassed the population of previously 10th-ranked Jacksonville, Fla., by more than 10,000 people. Following Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, Fort Worth is the fourth-largest city in Texas. The population of Fort Worth trails ninth-ranked Dallas by 300,000 people.
“Fort Worth is booming for the right reasons,” Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement. “As we celebrate our top 10 ranking, it’s more important than ever that we continue to lead with smart policies, smart investments and smart planning to ensure the city we love thrives long into the future.”
Celina, a suburban city north of Dallas, was the fastest-growing city in the nation, with a population surge of 24.6 percent.
U.S. cities with the largest population remain unchanged, led by New York City, which is home to more than 8.5 million people; followed by Los Angeles, with 3.8 million people; Chicago with 2.7 million people and Houston with 2.3 million people.
