Gus Garcia

Agustin G. Garcia, CEcD, EDFP
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – CITY OF ARLINGTON, TEXAS
Agustin (Gus) Garcia, a dual-certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the National Development Council (NDC), brings over 19 years of experience in economic development, civic leadership, and strategic planning. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and diplomas in Public Administration from Georgetown University and the IEDC Institute of Economic Development at the University of Oklahoma.
Gus currently serves as the Director of Economic Development for the Arlington Office of Economic Development, where he leads efforts to implement the city’s strategic plan, focusing on fostering new developments, relocations, and business expansions. His role emphasizes leveraging Arlington’s strengths, including its strategic location and infrastructure, to drive economic growth and align with the city’s long-term vision. Prior to his current role, Gus was the Managing Director of Development Services for the City of Duncanville, where he oversaw Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Building and Health Inspections, Code Enforcement, HOT fund administration, and Legislative Affairs.
Gus’s career began in the private sector, working as an accountant for two Fortune 500 companies in Dallas, Texas. He later transitioned to the Rio Grande Valley, where he became a healthcare facility and development administrator, overseeing projects such as the construction of a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital for the Dallas-based Lifecare hospital system. This role evolved into a leadership position as a regional Vice President of real estate development, where Gus spearheaded the creation of mixed-use developments in medical office, retail, commercial, and residential sectors.
His passion for community development led him to the public sector, where he served as the Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Edinburg, obtaining his professional certifications and driving transformative projects. Gus’s experience also includes eight years in elected office as a City Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Edinburg, during which he worked collaboratively on initiatives benefiting economic development, education, and infrastructure. He was elected to three terms, serving uncontested in his final two, and was twice appointed Mayor Pro Tempore by his peers.
Throughout his career, Gus has held numerous board and leadership positions, including serving on the Best Southwest Partnership Board, the North Central Texas Economic Development District Board, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council of Governments (COG), and the UTRGV Athletics Board. His extensive experience in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of private and public sector collaboration, uniquely positions him to drive impactful economic development initiatives.
Gus is married to Tonya Garcia, his wife of 25 years, who is a Career and Technical Education instructor specializing in forensic science and criminal justice for the Duncanville Independent School District. Tonya previously served as a federal law enforcement agent with Homeland Security for 10 years. Together, they have four children: Soledad (23), a recent graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station; Halle (20), a soccer scholarship recipient at Texas State University in San Marcos; Gus III (18); and Pilar (16), both students at Duncanville High School.