years ago, some people wanted to chase all 150 Samsung suppliers,” White says. “But I don’t believe in putting all our eggs in one basket.” The city’s first Economic Development Strategic Plan—completed under White’s direction—lays out a clear vision for diversification. In addition to attracting semiconductor suppliers,Taylor is pursuing opportunities in defense and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, rail-served industries, and downstream chemical production. “Our goal is to make Taylor a hub for multiple sectors,” White says. “If one sector slows, others keep the economy strong. And we’re the only city in Central Texas with a rail park, which gives us a major logistical advantage.” HOUSING FOR EVERY RESIDENT Growth brings housing challenges, and Taylor’s leadership is tackling those head-on. New singlefamily homes, apartments, and mixed developments are already under construction inside the city limits and beyond the ETJ, but the goal is balance. “We use the term workforce housing rather than ‘affordable housing,’” White explains. “We’re talking about the teachers, nurses, police officers, and paramedics who keep the community running. We want them to live here, not commute from elsewhere.” At the same time, the city is pursuing executive-level housing and amenities to attract company leaders to put down roots in Taylor.“When executives live in the community, they become part of it,” White says. “They join boards, volunteer, and run for council.They become the fabric of Taylor.” To that end, the TEDC is exploring a hotel and conference center project with an 18-hole golf course and surrounding executive housing—a development that would diversify both the housing market and the local economy. THE FERGUSON CONDOS • LIVE/WORK • RETAIL INVESTING IN TAYLOR’S FUTURE WITH 34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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