A Peak Behind the Curtain of the Denton Economic Development Partnership

Let’s take a look at the latest news and insights from within DEDP (Denton Economic Development Partnership). This organization is tasked to develop strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, educate key stakeholders on the value of economic development, and engage in strategic marketing efforts on behalf of Denton, Texas. Its mission is to promote Denton and encourage commercial and industrial growth by expanding the tax base, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for the community.

The people behind these initiatives are:

• Jamie Adams, Denton Economic Development Partnership Director of Strategic Partnerships
• Erin Carter, President of the Denton Chamber of Commerce
• Pam Marrufo, Vice President of Operations of the Denton Chamber of Commerce
• Travis Veselka, Director of Marketing & Communications of the Denton Chamber of Commerce

The relationship between the DEDP and area investors

Nine of the top 10 largest employers are DEDP investors. In fact, the investors that participate in DEDP come from universities, the industrial sector, real estate development, banking, small business, along with individuals from the community.

Why should a business consider investing in Denton?

Denton is the 20th-most populous city in Texas, and the 12th-most populous city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its current population is nearly 161,000 and has increased 13% over the 2020 census.

The city’s population is young with 52% belonging to the Millennial and Gen Z categories; that’s higher than the national average of 46%. And the average age of Denton’s residents is 32.4 – lower than the national average of 39.

Denton also has a notable workforce pool to choose from as it’s home to three major post secondary schools:

• University of North Texas (UNT), designated under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 doctoral institution, and featuring a center for logistics and supply chain management
• Texas Woman’s University, the first female focused university in the U.S., which graduates more new healthcare professionals than any other Texas university
• North Central Texas College Denton campus, offering 60 technical college programs

Collectively, these learning institutions have a total enrollment of nearly 60,000 students.

Denton boasts a highly educated workforce with 43.8% having a bachelor’s degree or higher, and nearly 95% are high school graduates.

Ideally geographically situated, Denton is located along major distribution and transportation routes, including I-35, a NAFTA superhighway, and easy access to major DFW airports and railways.

The educational services, health and social services, manufacturing, and general retail sectors in Denton employ over 20,000 people. Peterbilt, the truck manufacturer, and Jostens, a major jewelry producer, are based in the city.

The types of businesses that tend to do well in Denton, include:

• Educational instruction
• Healthcare
• Management
• Office and administrative support
• Production 
• Sales and related occupations
• Transportation and moving

Denton attracts tourists with culture and events too

Beyond its economic development advantages, Denton blends hip culture with historic charm, The city boasts a robust artistic and cultural vibe. In fact, it’s an incubator for talent with a number of famous musicians, artists, and writers having studied at UNT, including:

• Eagles’ Don Henley
• Roy Orbison
• Meatloaf
• Norah Jones
• Maren Morris
• Anne Rice
• Thomas Haden Church
• Peter Weller
• Pat Boone
• Phyllis George
• Joan Bondell 
• Ann Sheridan

The city is home to several events that cater to both residents and attract tourists, including the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, which brings in over 150,000 people during its nine-day run, and the Day of the Dead Festival, with its world famous coffin races. Other festivals and events include:

• Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
• Denton Black Film Festival
• Denton Blues Festival
• Fiesta on the Square
• Redbud Festival
• Texas Storytelling Festival
• Thin Line Festival

With 4,000 acres of open space, unique dining and shopping experiences, and a lively downtown, Denton is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city currently houses the Denton County Brewing Company and Union Bear Brewing and anticipates being the home of five breweries by 2025.

Denton also features the Shiloh Field Community Garden, the largest community garden in the U.S, covering 14.5 acres. There’s over 350 horse farms within its vicinity, making it one of the largest concentrations of horse farms in Texas and the U.S. Nature lovers take advantage of the abundance of outdoor recreation activities available with Denton’s proximity to a number of lakes and hiking trails, including:

• Clear Lake
• Grapevine Lake
• Lake Lewisville
• Natural Heritage Center
• Ray Roberts Lake State Park

The future looks bright for companies ready to make a move

With low mill rates, triple freeport tax breaks and affordable blue-collar housing, there’s plenty of opportunity for new businesses to be up and running quickly. Landmark by Hillwood, a 3,200-acre Perot development is poised to become a new destination for people to live, work, play, and learn in southern Denton. The development is a “game changer” with 6,000 new homes and five million square feet of mixed use commercial space and multifamily. Central to its development plan is a 300-acre park and entertainment district offering retail, restaurant, office, hospitality, and outdoor activities.

The DEDP endeavors to make Denton one of the best places to live and work in Texas. It advocates for businesses that exist in Denton and are contemplating migrating to the area. Size doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you have an ally willing to help you get here and succeed. Learn more here.