Dr. Brandon Chicotsky, an associate professor at Texas Christian University (TCU), private equity advisor, and founder of God Bless Retirement, recently appeared on The Building Texas Show to analyze the factors driving Fort Worth's record-breaking economic expansion. The discussion revealed a comprehensive growth strategy that has positioned Fort Worth as a model for sustainable urban development.
Fort Worth achieved $6.7 billion in new capital investment during fiscal year 2025, marking its strongest performance in over a decade. Chicotsky attributed this momentum to strategic investments in aerospace, technology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing sectors. He noted that companies are actively recruiting from TCU's top-ranked programs, including the TCU Sales Center where graduates frequently earn over $100,000 in their first year. This academic-industry connection demonstrates how educational institutions contribute directly to regional economic vitality.
The professor emphasized that Fort Worth's success stems from what he termed "sensible government" focused on practical outcomes rather than political performance. "We operationalize government—like mixed-use urban infill in Westside Village—while other major cities get stuck in virtue signaling," Chicotsky explained. He highlighted collaborations with prominent developers and academic expansions including UTA West and Texas A&M's new downtown law school as evidence of the city's investable climate.
Fort Worth's structured approach to economic incentives represents a key component of its growth strategy. The city utilizes Chapter 312 tax abatements and Chapter 380 "pay-as-you-go" agreements to attract projects that expand the tax base without patching budget shortfalls. "We use incentives to grow, not to fill gaps," Chicotsky stated, contrasting this approach with what he described as "stuck cities" like Chicago or San Francisco. With 66,000 undeveloped acres available, Fort Worth is positioned for quality growth that outpaces infrastructure costs, creating a sustainable development model.
Chicotsky connected economic strategy with cultural identity, noting Fort Worth's unique blend of history and modernity—from its origins as a frontier fort to today's "Western chic" culture. The city's thriving stockyards and Paramount-backed production campus led by Taylor Sheridan contribute to a distinctive brand that attracts both investment and tourism. "Tourism isn't fluff," Chicotsky noted, pointing to 11.5 million visitors in 2024 who generated over $3.5 billion in economic impact.
The full interview offers deeper insights into Fort Worth's growth model and can be viewed on the Building Texas Show on YouTube. This analysis matters because it demonstrates how cities can achieve sustainable growth through coordinated strategies involving academia, sensible governance, targeted incentives, and cultural identity. As urban centers nationwide grapple with economic challenges, Fort Worth's approach provides a case study in balancing growth with fiscal responsibility and community character.
