With nearly 40,000 residents today, Cibolo continues to evolve, blending its country roots with modern conveniences.‘We are a small town with a countrystyle way of life but with many city-life perks,’ says Isabella Ellis, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Cibolo. As the city grows, it remains committed to preserving its close-knit community while embracing new economic opportunities. ATTRACTING NATIONAL BRANDS Cibolo’s approach to economic development has been comprehensive, targeting both business retention and attraction. Ellis notes that the city has implemented several key initiatives to support its local businesses.“We have a program for business retention and expansion, where we offer everything from one-on-one consultations to marketing assistance and even grants,” she says. This program is designed to ensure that businesses survive and thrive, fostering a vibrant local economy. One standout initiative is Cibolo’s annual Shop Local program, called “Open Rewards,” in collaboration with Bludot, which encourages locals and visitors to explore the city’s small businesses by offering a 5% cash-back incentive on purchases made at participating establishments. “It encourages the community to support our local businesses, particularly during the holiday season,” Ellis explains. In recent years, significant development has occurred from a business attraction standpoint. The Buffalo Heights Shopping Center is one of the city’s most notable commercial projects, a 12-acre development featuring 60,000 square feet of multi-tenant space. New businesses like Chick-fil-A, P. Terry’s, Tiff’s Treats, and Jersey Mike’s have recently opened, highlighting the area’s appeal to national brands. Quickly evolving into a dining, retail, and services hub, Cibolo draws in residents and visitors alike. Large employers also play an important role in Cibolo’s economic landscape. One major employer, Aisin Texas Corporation, recently expanded significantly, adding nearly 300,000 square feet to its facility and creating over a thousand jobs. “They manufacture transmissions for Toyota, and their growth here has been fantastic for the local economy,” Ellis shares. Another notable employer, 45 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 CIBOLO, TX
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