growth.” Central to the city’s development efforts is the revitalization of the downtown area, a project that aims to transform the heart of Hitchcock into a vibrant, mixed-use district. The Economic Development Corporation has already acquired two buildings and eight lots in the downtown district, positioning these sites for future development. These efforts align with current urban planning best practices, which prioritize creating walkable, diverse downtowns that foster sustainable economic growth. Hitchcock’s downtown revitalization also includes improvements to streetscapes and landscaping, enhancing the pedestrian experience and making the city center more inviting for both residents and visitors. Hitchcock is pursuing a targeted approach to its economic development efforts.The city is particularly focused on light industrial sectors that complement the surrounding regions’ strengths, such as chemical, oil and gas industries, and aerospace. LaCour highlights the strategic advantages of Hitchcock’s location in relation to these industries, particularly its proximity to aerospace centers, including NASA. “We have aerospace and aviation companies already established here,” LaCour notes. “Being so close to NASA creates opportunities for aerospace and parts manufacturing businesses to thrive in Hitchcock.” The city is also actively pursuing targeted incentives to attract businesses in these sectors, including a small business grant program for downtown building renovations. Workforce development plays a critical role in Hitchcock’s growth strategy, particularly in addressing the regional labor shortage in skilled trades. Gelles highlights the strong partnerships between the city, the Hitchcock Independent School District, and higher education institutions, such as the College of the Mainland. The school district has implemented high school career technology programs in fields such as robotics, welding, maritime, and culinary arts, preparing students for careers in the local industries. In addition, Hitchcock has supported the Hitchcock Promise Fund, a program that allows local graduates to attend College of the Mainland tuition114 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04
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