TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
HOUSING
BY MIKE SANDEFUR
T exarkana is poised for future growth. Looking ahead, community leaders are working to ensure that growth happens with intention and planning. As new businesses move in, university enrollment climbs, and infrastructure improves, the pressure is building to provide more housing, particularly affordable homes, for working families and young professionals. The national housing market
to attract high-profile industrial prospects. The Texarkana Regional Airport has opened a new terminal, secured significant grant funding, and launched an aviation school. These moves position the airport as a regional hub for service and industry. Local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Nash Industrial Development Corporation, and both the New Boston and Hooks Special Industrial
Development Corporations, remain actively involved in attracting new investment to the region. Recent wins include the Amazon distribution facility, Texarkana Aluminum’s expansion, a new asphalt plant, and potential growth tied to lithium exploration. Higher education is also
has faced considerable challenges over the past few years, and Texarkana has not been immune. Rising interest rates have sidelined potential homebuyers. Higher construction costs, driven by labor shortages, materials pricing, and insurance hikes, have made new housing harder to build and more expensive to purchase. Compounding the issue are infrastructure limitations, particularly in areas like west Texarkana, where utility expansions have not kept pace with growth. Many new subdivisions are forced to rely on
When employees can live where they work, everything improves. Our economy, our schools, and our quality of life all benefit. ” —Dr. Robin Hickerson, President & CEO, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce
gaining momentum. Texas A&M University-Texarkana expects enrollment to double over the next five years, surpassing 5,000 students. While the university is expanding on-campus housing, demand for off-campus living will continue to grow among students, faculty, and the broader workforce being trained through local institutions. This pressure on housing inventory points to a need for proactive solutions. Recognizing the challenge, the City of Texarkana, Texas, has partnered with developers and community organizations to pursue strategies that will increase housing supply. These include
larger lots with wells and septic systems. This limitation increases sprawl and limits density, making future utility extensions more difficult and costly for future developments. Despite these headwinds, the region is well-positioned for long-term success. TexAmericas Center and AR-TX REDI continue
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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