ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES Crandall currently operates as a classic bedroom community, with most residents commuting to Dallas for employment. The Crandall Independent School District serves as the city’s largest employer by a significant margin, highlighting the need for job diversification. “Our school district right now is our largest employer in Crandall and it is by some margin, and most of our citizens work outside of the city,” Mayor Lindsey acknowledges. “When you ask what students will do when they graduate; what opportunities will they have here in Crandall today? Not as many as we would like, but we are working to change that.” The city collaborates closely with its Economic Development Corporation to attract businesses that provide employment rather than just retail sales tax revenue. Professional services represent a primary target, with several prospects examining office space opportunities. “There are several interested parties looking at Crandall that would open up office space facilities that would bring in professional space, office space, things that we really need right now in Crandall to try to attract, whether it’s a doctor’s office, an attorney, a CPA,” Mayor Lindsey explains. Warehouse and flex space developments offer additional employment potential for residents seeking local work options. The long-term vision involves creating opportunities for graduates who want to remain in their hometown. “Between the city and the EDC, we do have a focus on trying to get businesses in here that will provide jobs, not just somewhere to eat, somewhere to shop, but one day we hope if you grow up here and want to raise a family here, we hope to provide opportunities for you to work here if that’s what you would like to do,” Mayor Lindsey says. PUBLIC SAFETY, TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS, AND THE NEXT TWO YEARS Public safety funding receives priority attention as Crandall’s population expands rapidly. The city has implemented a $375 emergency service fee on all building permits to support police and fire services. Mayor Lindsey describes recent efforts to retain officers: “One thing we’ve tried to do over the last several years is aggressively raise the pay for our police officers and we’ve done that. We’ve also implemented a step program with the idea of trying to have as minimal turnover in our police department as we can.” The strategy has reduced chronic understaffing that previously plagued the department. Traffic congestion represents Crandall’s most immediate challenge, but major relief arrives soon. A new bypass connecting Highway 175 to FM 148 will allow commuters to avoid downtown entirely. 100 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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