Workforce development also received significant funding. Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) authored what became Proposition 1 on the recent ballot. Texas voters approved the creation of an $850 million endowment fund for Texas State Technical College. This permanent funding will support capital projects and equipment for workforce education programs in high-demand technical fields, precisely the kind of training needed for the skilled manufacturing jobs that Graphic Packaging, Electrolit, and other Waco employers will offer. Sector-Specific Funding: Positioning Texas for Future Industries The Legislature provided major funding for emerging industry sectors that support Texas' economic development strategy. The Texas Space Commission received $300 million in additional grant funding, the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund got $250 million, and a new Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund was established with $350 million. The motion picture industry received $250 million, with a commitment to $350 million every two years, providing stable, predictable funding that film production companies need to make long-term location decisions. Waco is well-positioned to benefit from these investments. Regionally, it can attract semiconductor suppliers to support the large fabs in Texas, such
as Texas Instruments in Sherman and Samsung in Taylor. This was evident when EFC Gases & Advanced Materials announced last year its plan to invest $210 million in a site in McGregor. Likewise, additional funding for the Texas Space Commission could attract new investment around SpaceX's McGregor facility. As these industries continue to develop, opportunities will continue to ripple through regions like Central Texas. Waco's Recognition: A CEDA Award Success Story The importance of strong economic development initiatives was recently recognized when the City of Waco and McLennan County received the Community Economic Development Award (CEDA) from the Texas Economic Development Council. This award acknowledges communities that make outstanding contributions to Texas's economic vitality through innovation, leadership, and collaboration in areas such as business retention, recruitment, and community enhancement. "Our Community Economic Development Award is one of the ways in which our organization honors the excellent work done by our communities, their leaders, and their economic development professionals," noted Carlton Schwab, President & CEO, Texas Economic Development Council.
City of Waco and McLennan County receiving the Community Economic Development Award
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