Fulshear Shows the Power of Strategic Growth Through Master Planning

Fulshear is a rapidly growing community in Fort Bend County, Texas. It currently has a population of 44,747, with more people moving to the area. Fulshear strikes a healthy balance between access to the Houston Metro Area and safe communities, green space, and plenty of amenities.

“Residents are drawn to Fulshear by strong schools, modern, master-planned communities, and exceptional public services that support families and professionals,” says Annel Guadalupe, Director of Economic Development in Fulshear. “The City has prioritized the expansion of parks, trails, and public spaces, especially in the downtown corridor, to enhance recreation and community identity.”

This walkability and safety are the direct results of master planning. The City of Fulshear has worked to create parks, add baseball fields, and create events that bring people together. Since the soccer fields at Eagle Landing Park opened earlier this year, there have been an average of 52 rentals per month.

Fulshear is preparing for even more growth in the coming years. Through entrepreneur support and community involvement, the economic development team will continue to craft a city that residents are proud of.  

Fulshear is Creating a Downtown Area for Events and Businesses

At present, one of the Fulshear economic development team’s priorities is investing in infrastructure projects to support commercial development. Improving drainage and walkability can bring people to Fulshear’s downtown streets more often, fostering a greater sense of community and increasing foot traffic for businesses.

“We would like Harris Street to be the main promenade, with the ability to close off 3rd to 5th streets for events,” says Haden Farr, EDC Manager. “With all of our rapid growth, we’re placing an emphasis on infrastructure but know that creating and maintaining an identity through placemaking is imperative." 

Commercial Development Reflects the City’s Goals

The City of Fulshear Economic Development Corporation has focused on various ways to expand and diversify the tax base. Recently, it launched a Small Business Grant to support the existing local businesses with façade improvements. Additionally, the City has adopted an Incentive Policy, PID policy, and formalized the Business Retention and Expansion program.  

“Our commercial attraction is different from most Fort Bend County communities that place a large emphasis on industrial projects,” says Farr. “Most of our attraction is retail development due to the nature of our city's layout. So we’re intentionally working to identify and develop  retail corridors  as well as working with regional  companies to place locations in Fulshear.”

To foster entrepreneurship and small-business development, the EDC has also focused on a variety of programs to provide resources for residents at any stage of business, from ideas to creations, expansion, and beyond. Programming is diverse and consistent so that everyone has an opportunity to participate. The agendas and topics for each program vary based on the feedback we receive from our business community.  

The EDC also hosts a resource fair where entrepreneurs can meet with experts in a single morning. They can connect with the Fulshear Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, marketing professionals, accountants, and receive headshots and product photography all in one place.

All of these efforts create a sense of community for entrepreneurs and help them identify actionable steps to turn their ideas into businesses.

The City Has a Strong Relationship With the County

While Fulshear continues to support residents while fostering local business growth, it remains a valuable partner in Fort Bend County. The EDC works with other economic development directors, sharing ideas and resources to help the entire region grow.

“Fort Bend County has been very inclusive, ” says Guadalupe. “All of the surrounding cities work together to ensure that we present the County in a unified way that highlights the uniqueness of each City within it.”

Many people who move to Fort Bend County want the same thing – access to a safe community without having to move far from the City of Houston. Fulshear is an excellent example of a town that focuses on residents' quality of life and responds to their needs. It can help the county grow by sharing its best practices and new ideas it tries. 

Learn More About Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County is expected to have nearly 2 million residents by 2050 and will be one of the most diverse counties in the United States. Now is the time to settle Greater Houston’s new favorite frontier. Learn more about the communities that comprise this region and the target industries that thrive here. Watch your business grow in the area alongside other companies that are just as excited to be here.

Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect fit for you in Fort Bend County.