The top goal of economic development is to improve the economic wellbeing of a community and its residents. The main factors for economic development are viable community, business and local governments. Local governments are the catalyst and responsible for creating opportunities to enhance economic development and businesses are a backbone of Economic Development. According to the Texas Economic Development Council CEOs named Texas Best State for Business Eleven Years in a Row; Area Development Gold Shovel Award Winner (Gold Shovel: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2008 and Silver Shovel: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007); Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2005, 2004; Top State for Infrastructure, Exports, Natural Gas Production, Renewable Energy; CNBC America’s Top State for Infrastructure, 2nd Best State for Business; and Forbes.com Best State for Future Job Growth.
However, there is a dichotomy with the data shown in the United States Census Data; the average median income in the State of Texas is $52,576 and the average median income for Houston is $46,728. Coupled with this data is the poverty level in Texas which is 17.2% and the poverty rate in Houston is 22.9%. Whereas, in the United States the average median income is $53,482 with a poverty rate of 14.8%. The highest median income in the United States is the State of Maryland $70,004 and the lowest median income is the State of Mississippi $36,919.
The above data reveals a disparity between the claims of the Texas Economic Development Agency and the actual numbers presented in the U.S. Census Data. Thus, this begs the question, the effectiveness of the state economic development program and its impact on the well-being of the citizens of the State of Texas, as well as, the local government agencies.
The purpose of this paper is first, to explore the local government economic development initiative to enhance economic development in the State of Texas for their specific areas. Second, to identify the coordination effort between local, regional and state economic development program. Third, to explore the types of programs offered by local governments.
