Our Vision for a VIBRANT ECONOMY
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WE ENVISION a vibrant economy for the Coastal Bend that builds on a diverse mix of industry and thriving small and local businesses to provide an abundance of family wage jobs and employment opportunities for young people. The Coastal Bend is open to growth, promoting a unified direction for the ongoing economic development of our region. Governments, businesses and higher educational institutions collaborate to provide incentives and opportunities that support local entrepreneurship, corporate recruitment and the creation of jobs, including those in high technology and green industry. The region has developed a skilled and highly educated workforce while a more diversified employment market provides job opportunities for residents of all education and skill levels. The Coastal Bend has a unique “brand” identity that promotes our region as both a world-class tourist destination and a great place to live, work and play.

Economy and Economic Development

1 Growing, Thriving Economy. The Coastal Bend has a thriving, growing economy that provides economic and job opportunities for all while building and sustaining an appropriate population base.

2 Economic Diversity. We have a diverse economy built on existing and emerging industries, including high-tech, research and development, port-related industries, healthcare, agriculture, military and related services, retail and tourism, with a balance of local businesses and services providing stability and resiliency.

3 Entrepreneurship. The Coastal Bend is forward thinking and open to growth, fostering local entrepreneurship and developing infrastructure that facilitates business growth.

4 Leadership for Economic Development. Government, business and community leaders cooperate to implement a shared vision for economic development.
5 Regional Economic Cooperation. Coastal Bend communities are connected through regional economic development and cooperation, taking a long-term regional view for the common regional good that addresses major economic trends and forces.

Business and Industry

6 Corporate Recruitment. Corporations are enticed to move to the Coastal Bend by our business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources.

7 Business-Friendly Development Services. Coastal Bend governments provide more business-friendly development services to promote growth and development in the region.

8 Retention/Expansion of Business and Industry. The Coastal Bend continues to support the retention and expansion of its existing businesses and industry.

9 High-Tech, Green Industry Leader. The Coastal Bend is a leader in high-tech, “green” industry and a center for clean energy research and development.

10 Thriving Small and Local Businesses. Small and local businesses thrive in an environment where entrepreneurship and ingenuity are encouraged, providing greater economic opportunities and consumer options for Coastal Bend residents.

11 An International Port. The Port of Corpus Christi is an even more robust center for international trade, attracting shipping and cruise lines and building stronger economic ties with other countries.

12 Diversified Employment Market. The Coastal Bend has a strong, diversified employment market that attracts population growth, with low unemployment and opportunities for anyone to train for and secure meaningful employment.

13 More Jobs for All Skill Levels. More jobs exist for Coastal Bend residents of all education and skill levels, including jobs that provide opportunities for advancement and long-term careers.

14 Workforce Development and Higher Education. Higher education connects the community and industry, educating people to fill local jobs and creating a skilled workforce that draws employers to the region.

15 Local Career Options for Youth. Our youth and new college graduates have a variety of available job and career options, enabling them to remain and thrive in the Coastal Bend.

Wages and Salaries

16 Increased Wages and Salaries. Local wages and salaries have increased to reflect a better prepared and educated workforce, increasing the region’s average wages and per capita income.

17 High-Tech and Corporate Jobs. More opportunities exist for higher paying jobs in the Coastal Bend due to an increase in high-tech and corporate employers moving into the region.

18 Competitive Salaries in Health and Education. Teachers and medical workers enjoy more competitive salaries that attract and retain more qualified workers in the Coastal Bend.

Taxes

19 Tax Incentives for Economic Development. Tax incentives attract businesses and industry to the region, bringing new jobs and spurring economic development.

20 Expanded Tax Base. With a growing population, improved economy and more jobs, Nueces and San Patricio Counties have expanded and diversified tax bases, providing for well-funded infrastructure and education.

21 Fair and Affordable Property Taxes. Property taxes in the Coastal Bend are affordable, fair, and shared by all neighborhoods, so no single segment of the community bears an unfair burden.

Regional Identity and Promotion

22 World-Class Communities. The Coastal Bend is renowned as a region of world-class communities that attract new residents as a place to live, work, study, play and shop.

23 Protecting Unique Community Assets. The Coastal Bend protects and stewards its unique community assets to continue to attract tourists, talent and business.

24 Coastal Bend Brand. The Coastal Bend has developed and marketed an integrated brand that promotes stronger regional identity, business recruitment, and community and economic development across the region.

Tourism

25 Major Tourist Destination. The Coastal Bend is a major tourist destination for visitors from Texas, other states and around the world, including vacationers, convention and cruise lines guests.

26 Premier Eco-Tourism Destination. The Coastal Bend is a premier eco-tourist destination, where visitors explore a protected natural environment and enjoy outdoor recreation, sunshine and fresh air.

27 Tourist-Friendly Downtown and Waterfront. Corpus Christi has a vibrant, tourist-friendly downtown and waterfront amenities that entice people to visit and stay for more than our beaches.