Episode 165

Leveraging Location and Infrastructure with Gus Garcia

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March 17th, 2025

35 mins 18 secs

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dual certification economic growth infrastructure leverage community transformation civic leadership public-private collaboration arlington texas strategic planning agustin gus garcia economic development econdev eco devo

About this Episode

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson welcomes Gus Garcia, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Arlington, Texas. Gus, a dual-certified economic developer with over 19 years of experience, shares his journey through various roles in both the public and private sectors. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, leveraging infrastructure, and fostering collaboration to achieve economic growth. Highlighting his work in Arlington and previous initiatives in cities like Edinburg and Duncanville, Gus provides listeners with a wealth of knowledge on implementing impactful economic development projects and aligning them with a city's long-term vision.

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Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Adopt strategic planning to keep your economic development initiatives aligned with long-term community goals.
  2. Leverage your community's location and infrastructure to attract businesses and investments.
  3. Cultivate both public and private sector partnerships to drive comprehensive economic growth.
  4. Draw upon your previous experiences to create adaptable solutions in new roles.
  5. Engage with local educational institutions to foster an environment conducive to economic advancement.
  6. Encourage civic leadership and active community involvement in economic decision-making.
  7. Recognize the importance of family support and personal interests in maintaining professional balance.
  8. Utilize certifications and continuous learning to enhance your skills and credibility.
  9. Balance immediate economic needs with long-term transformation strategies.
  10. Treat every stakeholder with dignity and respect, adhering to the golden rule in all interactions.

Gus' Recommended Book

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded - it sets the tone for an organization's direction. In Economic development, we have to have a plan and follow it. It is easy to get sidetracked in many different directions.

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