Arlington Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted 3-17-2015 | Page 90
As the market changes, these goals will Transformational Redevelopment
be evaluated and revised accordingly.
As with many cities in the North Texas
area, the City of Arlington is facing
Competitive Positioning
build-out. In addition to the challenges
North Texas is one of the most dynamic created by a city approaching buildout, a large share of Arlington’s
economies in the country. Arlington’s
existing hardscape was also built
position in the metropolitan area
affords it a wealth of opportunities for during periods of rapid growth in
the 1970s and 1980s. As a result,
business recruitment and expansion.
much of the city’s development and
For the most part, existing prospects
related infrastructure is aging and
represent the manufacturing
in need of improvement. Successful
sector, with some healthcare, retail,
redevelopment will require a strong
hospitality, and housing projects.
public sector role. Identifying
Those typically not included are
desired outcomes and defining clear
professional ser vices and other office
guidelines for city involvement will
uses. Due to the mix of prospects, the
allow key economic centers to become
patterns of employment growth in
vibrant destinations. As part of the
the near future will likely follow the
same trends, indicating that Arlington’s economic development program,
several target areas were identified
future economy will look similar to
given their potential to rejuvenate and
how it looks now — more growth in
low-wage sectors related to hospitality transform the community.
and food services and less growth
in higher-wage sectors. Capturing a
larger share of regional and national
high-wage growth will require a
deliberate and dynamic approach
towards economic development.
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