The city of Grapevine’s strategic approach to economic development has guided this suburban community into a top destination for new businesses as well as a magnet for throngs of visitors who are drawn to its many festivals and events as well as shopping and dining, especially in the city’s historic downtown, as well entertainment options. Located smack in the middle of Dallas-Fort Worth area and minutes away from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, make it an easy commute for local visitors as well out-of-town guests. As a result, Grapevine draws millions of visitors every year, with the biggest crowds turning out to experience 40 days and 1,400 holiday events in the officially-designated Christmas Capital of Texas.
“Grapevine is a visitor economy by design,” stated Grapevine Economic Development Director Garin Giacomarro. “Economic Development’s top focus if sales tax generation. Our visitors pay 83 cents out of every $1 in sales tax we collect.” As a result, city taxpayers benefit from steady or even lower property taxes, he said.
Grapevine’s economic development achievements cannot be understated. Since the department was created in 2014, the department has help shepherd the creation of more than $2 billion in total investment, among the highest rates in the the DFW area, according to city data. Giacomarro attributes Grapevine’s economic development success to the city’s leadership. “We have been guided by a very consistent and long-serving City Council,” he said. “Businesses love a predictable and unchanging government process.”
Also, the city prioritizes being developer friendly, business friendly, and visitor friendly. “That potent combination generated a unique tourist hub that’s resulted in nearly 6,000 hotel rooms, with more on the way, and an entertainment sector that is the envy of North Texas,” he said. Grapevine’s geographic location, as well as highway, commuter rail and easy airport access, are also important advantages for economic development, he said.
In 2025, Grapevine’s most notable economic development achievements included ground-breaking for the expansion of the Hotel Vin in downtown Grapevine. The addition of the Hotel Vin Reserve will double the size of the 121-room boutique hotel and will add a spa, pool and event space. The project is expected to be complete in 2027.
Coming soon is Dig World, a construction-themed amusement park intended to draw children and corporate events. This will be the second location of this attraction concept. Bubble Planet, a new attraction offering an immersive and interactive experience opened in Grapevine Mills Mall. Grapevine’s economic development priorities in 2026 include preparing for and capitalizing on FIFA World Cup visitation this summer. Other top projects include development of a The 185, a city-owned property in north Grapevine, and the launch of a facade improvement initiative in downtown Grapevine, Giacomarro said.
Despite Grapevine’s many achievements, economic development officials are preparing to refocus its strategies as available land is becoming scarcer. “Redevelopment is absolutely part of the solution,” Giacomarro stated. “There’s less than 100 acres available in the entire city, half of which are city-owned. We are transitioning from business attraction to more business retention and expansion efforts. “We also see different industrial areas that could be converted into higher and better uses,” he stated.
