Seven economic development groups recently formed the Heart of Texas/ Brazos Valley Regional Development Alliance, Mexia EDC Executive Director Stacey Bush announced.
“It is a collaboration between multiple economic development organizations, including Mexia, Fairfield, Teague, Groesbeck, Buffalo, Jewett and Oakwood,” Bush said. “The alliance aims to strengthen regional partnerships, share resources and promote sustainable economic growth across our region.”
The formation of the alliance came about through discussions that began in November, Bush said. The ultimate goal is to position the entire region as a “dynamic economic hub,” she said.
“The idea originated after I met with the director of Buffalo EDC, Mike Anderson, and we both saw the value in uniting smaller communities to work together on shared economic goals.” Bush said.
A key example would be to address housing needs across the region, Bush said.
“By working together, we can attract the kind of housing and industry development that truly serves our communities,” Bush said. “We’re also joining forces on business recruitment and workforce alignment — turning shared challenges into shared wins.”
At this stage, the structure of the organization is informal without elected officials or a board, Bush noted. The next step will be to develop a regional survey that will help guide the alliance’s direction based on common challenges and opportunities, she said.
“We don’t have the next meeting scheduled just yet, but the spirit of the group is really about collaboration over formality,” Bush said. “Everyone’s eager to support one another and amplify our efforts through a. stronger, regional approach.”
