Positioned to Succeed

Strategically located and successfully transforming

Hitchcock, Texas, a community nestled between the dynamic urban pulse of Houston and the coastal allure of Galveston, is on the cusp of a significant transformation. With a rich history, abundant land, and strategic positioning, Hitchcock stands poised to carve out its own identity in the Gulf Coast region. The city boasts a remarkable 10,000 acres of developable land, making it an attractive location for businesses and residents seeking space to grow. As it steps into its future, Hitchcock offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vast economic development opportunities, presenting an ideal environment for businesses looking to expand and thrive.

According to Marie Gelles, who has served as the City Manager for the past six years, Hitchcock’s potential is undeniable. “This is a wonderful community with a lot of potential,” Gelles says. “We have a small-town feel and a lot of economic development opportunities. We’re moving in the right direction.” Hitchcock benefits from its prime location, situated between Houston and Galveston, and offers easy access to major transportation hubs such as Houston’s Hobby Airport, the Port of Houston, and the Port of Galveston. This geographic advantage positions the city well to attract both businesses and residents, combining the convenience of urban access with the quality of life associated with smaller communities.

Lance LaCour, Executive Director of the Hitchcock Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), emphasizes that the city’s vast land holdings give it a competitive edge in the regional market. “We have large land tracts available for development, including available buildings of up to 35,000 square feet, and a designated industrial area with ample additional land,” LaCour explains. The availability of large, affordable parcels of land is becoming increasingly rare in the Houston metropolitan area, making Hitchcock an attractive option for businesses looking to expand. Local businessman Jack Click, President of the HEDC and a Hitchcock native, adds a personal perspective to the city’s growth strategy.

Hitchcock’s growth is being guided by a comprehensive vision. In 2020, the city finalized a detailed comprehensive plan after extensive consultation with residents. This plan, which reflects the community’s input, outlines Hitchcock’s goals for the future. “The comprehensive plan was approved by the city council after we had a large turnout from the community, where residents expressed their hopes for Hitchcock’s future,” Gelles notes. “From linear parks to the need for a grocery store, and more dining and retail businesses, the citizens or residents made it clear that we were ready for 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 tuition-free, further strengthening the city’s workforce development efforts.

Infrastructure improvements are also a key component of Hitchcock’s growth strategy. The city has made substantial investments in its utility systems, including water and sewer infrastructure, to support both the current population and future development. “We just increased our water supply from the Gulf Coast Water Authority to 2 million gallons per day, which is a significant boost over our previous capacity,” Gelles explains. These investments are crucial for meeting the demands of new businesses and residents, ensuring Hitchcock is well-equipped to handle growth. Over the past several years, the city has been awarded more than $12 million in grants for water, sewer, and drainage projects, all of which are currently underway.

Residential development in Hitchcock is also on the rise, with several new housing projects planned to meet growing demand. Gelles notes that the city has authorized the creation of a public improvement district (PID) for the construction of 706 new homes, with additional projects such as a K.B. Home development that will add another 112 homes to the city’s housing stock. These projects represent a significant increase in residential construction, reflecting the renewed interest in Hitchcock as a desirable place to live. The city is also responding to evolving buyer preferences, with a focus on smaller lot sizes and diverse housing options, including patio homes and town homes. This approach is designed to attract a range of potential buyers, including young professionals and empty nesters seeking smaller, more affordable homes.

Hitchcock’s natural assets are an increasingly important part of the city’s development strategy. The city is working to enhance its park system and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly along the Highland Bayou and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. “We just acquired the Good Ole Days grounds, a 17-acre property in the heart of town, which we plan to develop into our central park,” Click explains. The city is also exploring opportunities to develop kayaking and canoeing access along the Highland Bayou, capitalizing on growing interest in ecotourism and outdoor recreation. Hitchcock is in the process of applying for certification as a tourism-friendly city in Texas, a move that will help bolster local tourism and attract visitors to the area.

The city’s leadership is united in its vision for the future. As Gelles points out, Hitchcock’s success hinges on strong collaboration between local organizations. “We work very closely with the Hitchcock EDC, the HISD school district, and the Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce. We meet regularly to ensure that our efforts are aligned and that we’re moving the city forward together,” she says. LaCour further emphasizes the importance of regional partnerships, noting the city’s close ties with organizations such as the Greater Houston Partnership and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. These collaborations help Hitchcock expand its reach and enhance its economic development initiatives.

In conclusion, Hitchcock is embracing a future marked by strategic growth, sustainable development, and community-driven initiatives. With its strategic location, abundant land, and unified leadership, the city is well-positioned to attract new businesses, foster workforce development, and provide an improved quality of life for its residents. Hitchcock’s coordinated approach to development, combined with its commitment to enhancing infrastructure, housing, and community spaces, ensures that the city will continue to thrive in the years to come.

AT A GLANCE

Who: City of Hitchcock
What: A small city with 10,000 acres of developable land implementing strategic plans for economic and residential growth
Where: Texas
Website: www.cityofhitchcock.org