Fort Worth Business Insights

The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5), key infrastructure funding, property tax relief, and a boost to Texas community colleges to more adequately prepare the state’s workforce. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up on the list: enhanced film incentives.

 July 21, 2023  The Fort Worth Chamber will celebrate the grand opening of its newest member, Dogtopia, on Wednesday, August 9.  Navigating the permitting process can be a complex task for any business, and Dogtopia was no exception. In a stroke of good fortune, the Fort Worth Chamber stepped in to lend a helping hand.  […]

The Texas Legislature has reached a long-awaited solution to deliver $18 billion of tax relief to Texans. After several rounds of negotiations from the regular session and two different special sessions, the Texas House and Senate have agreed on a tax relief package that now sits on Governor Abbott’s desk for approval. The Governor has […]

In the wake of the recent shooting incident in the Fort Worth Como area on July 3rd, the West Area Board members of the Fort Worth Chamber extended their support to local businesses affected by the tragedy.

The Fort Worth Chamber (FWC) and Southeast Fort Worth Inc. recently joined forces to conduct a business walk in Southeast Fort Worth in support of efforts towards the Fort Worth Main Street  Program, a local program that partners with a national organization, Main Street America whose aim is to support local organizations & neighborhood stakeholders […]

At the conclusion of the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature, missing from a list of other pro-business policy wins was a resolution on property tax relief. With a record budget surplus, state leaders all agreed that delivering meaningful relief to taxpayers was a top priority. However, agreeing on the delivery mechanism for that relief proved to be more complicated.

This endeavor, made possible by a lead from FWC’s BRE committee member David Campbell, aims to improve traffic safety for trucks entering Renfro's Salsa loading zone.

The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5) and a boost to Texas community colleges to more adequately prepare the state’s workforce. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up is a review of the variety of infrastructure bills that have been signed into law.

The Fort Worth Chamber (FWC) is actively engaged in business retention and expansion efforts, more recently, with a focus on the manufacturing industry. In its business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts, the Fort Worth Chamber conducted comprehensive business interviews and research over the last several years. Findings revealed that the manufacturing industry held the greatest potential for expansion within the region.

The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5) which was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 8. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up is House Bill 8, which will enhance opportunity at Texas community colleges.

The Fort Worth Chamber (FWC) recently hosted a crucial meeting aimed at developing an effective onboarding process for companies relocating to the vibrant city. The transition from being considered a prospective member of the Fort Worth business community to a fully engaged local business is a critical step in the relocation process. The group, convened and lead by co-chairs Ben Robertson, Chair of FWC’s East Area Board and member of the FWC’s Business Retention and Expansion Committee, and Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for the City of Fort Worth, will seek to fill the current gap in relocation stewardship. 

The regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature concluded, and the first special session began immediately afterwards. Amidst the attention on the special session(s), several pro-business bills were passed during the regular session, including an economic development incentive bill, a junior college finance program, and infrastructure-related funding.

The passage of House Bill 5, also known as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, with widespread bipartisan support, aims to create new high-paying jobs, encourage economic development, attract business investment, and promote energy and water infrastructure development in Texas. The bill provides incentives such as property tax abatements and job creation requirements, and it is expected to keep Texas competitive and maintain its economic prosperity, known as the "Texas Miracle," by attracting businesses and ensuring continued investment and job growth.

The end of the Texas legislative session is rapidly approaching May 29. Several important bills that will impact Texas’ economic prosperity are moving through the legislative process ahead of key deadlines. HB 5 – the Fort Worth Chamber’s top priority – passed the Texas House and was heard by the Senate Business & Commerce Committee […]

One of the Fort Worth Chamber’s top legislative priorities this session cleared an important hurdle last week. On Thursday, May 4, HB 5 passed with widespread bipartisan support by a vote of 120-24. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce.