TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
zoning and code revisions, infrastructure support, utility incentives, and residential building permit fee waivers. Streamlining the development and inspection process with weekly predevelopment and infrastructure team meetings with developers is also a key step toward encouraging timely housing starts. “We recognize that solving the workforce housing shortage is key to sustaining our regional economic growth,” said Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman. “We’re committed to solutions that make it easier for young families and skilled workers to put down roots here.” The Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce has made housing a top priority in its workforce planning and business retention strategies. The Chamber recently commissioned a third-party study with the Next Move Group to provide data on housing needs and development opportunities across the region. The study is being funded in part by several local organizations, including TexAmericas Center, and will guide future planning efforts. “Texarkana is open for business, and we need to be open for residents, too,” said Dr. Robin Hickerson, President and CEO of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce. “When employees can live where they work, everything improves. Our economy, our schools, and our quality of life all benefit.” Scott Norton, Executive Director of TexAmericas Center, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of housing in successful business recruitment. “The Texarkana region has historically worked together to find the next big opportunity and solve the next big challenge, and addressing housing is an opportunity and challenge we can meet. Housing is top of mind for the employers we are trying to attract. Ensuring we can meet the housing needs of current and future employees is a vital part of our regional strategy.” Toni Lindsey, Regional Economic Director of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG), underscored the importance of housing not just in Texarkana, but across the broader region. “As new businesses move into the ATCOG 10-county region and plans for future growth continue, more housing, both single-family and apartments, throughout the region is vitally important.” While planning and policy are critical, housing development requires boots on the ground. Red Lick Ranch, a new subdivision just west of Texarkana, reflects the kind of locally driven initiative that will help meet the challenge. A group of young contractors and developers, many of them lifelong residents, has begun construction in the area, bringing energy and long-term commitment to the project. It is an example of the next generation stepping up to help meet Texarkana’s growing needs. As new projects take shape and the region continues to expand, collaboration among city leaders, economic development organizations, and the building community will be key. The Texarkana area is growing, and with the right strategies in place, it will grow in the right direction.
Shaping a Subdivision A new neighborhood is taking shape in the Red Lick School District. The development is the result of collaboration between the Batte family and other local builders, each bringing their own expertise to the table. “In 2019 we bought property west of Texarkana to dig materials for the Arkansas Middle School construction project. We knew families would want land in the Red Lick School District, so when the school was finished, we converted the dirt pit into a lake, built streets, and now have 37 homes planned.” —Cleve Batte, III “Our guys just finished putting asphalt on Ranch Road and King Road, so we are ready to go. We like working with friends, so we invited Collin Kuhn to start a model home. He liked the neighborhood so much, he’s already started a second home.” —JC Cowart “This subdivision is a great layout, the city has been easy to work with, and we all know how good the Red Lick schools are. This area is really going to blossom.” —Collin Kuhn
For some, Red Lick Ranch is more than a project—it’s a place to put down roots.
“My wife Candace and I decided this would be a good place to build our home and start our family. We’ll begin with two homes, one for us and one to sell.” —Jordan Liles
Others see it as the natural next step for a growing community.
“When we realized the Batte family owned the land next to ours, we started talking about joining forces to develop something special. Red Lick Ranch is the result. Getting Jordan and Collin involved is making it even better.”
—Ray Sandefur
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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