Fort Worth is on the rise, and the latest episode of Go Time in Fort Worth makes it clear why. Mayor Mattie Parker sat down with Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth EDP, to talk about where the city is headed. A fifth-generation Texan with deep experience shaping state-level economic strategy, Allen knows exactly what it takes to put Fort Worth on the map as a business powerhouse.
In a recent appearance on Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker’s Go Time in Fort Worth podcast, Allen outlined an economic development strategy centered on building a nimble organization to target high-impact sectors and leverage the expertise of Fort Worth’s top business leaders to drive results. With two decades of experience at the highest levels of Texas economic development, Allen is now channeling that expertise into positioning Fort Worth as one of the nation’s most dynamic business destinations.
Building a Focused, Nimble Organization
Allen emphasized why Fort Worth created a standalone economic development organization—to stay responsive, specialized, and aggressive in attracting new major business projects. The EDP is built to react quickly and focus entirely on business attraction. Allen described his approach like a coach drawing up a play: assemble a lean, talented team, keep the mission clear, and execute with precision. He explained, “Businesses have to be nimble to be successful, and the same needs to be said about economic development organizations and cities our size. To react and be able to be flexible to a CEO at a moment’s notice, you have to have an organization that does nothing but that.”
Targeting High-Impact Sectors and Projects
From aerospace and defense to energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing, Allen spotlighted some of the sectors where Fort Worth has unique advantages. Recent wins such as Bell’s $632 million investment to produce the MV-75, Siemens 800-job manufacturing hub in south Fort Worth, Wistron’s $761 million AI Supercomputer at AllianceTexas, SGS Studios’ expansion, and MP Materials’ Apple and Department of Defense partnerships highlight how Fort Worth is competing and winning in industries that shape the future economy.
Power of Leadership and Partnerships
Allen underscored the importance of surrounding the EDP with experienced leaders who bring both insight and influence. The organization’s Board of Directors includes some of the most prominent executives in Fort Worth—representing companies such as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, BNSF, GM Financial, Hillwood, and others. This group not only signals investor confidence in the city’s direction but also provides real-time guidance to ensure the EDP is pursuing strategies that align with global economic trends. Allen explained, “We are lucky to have some of the top leadership in Fort Worth running some of the largest businesses. It is an opportunity for us to put questions in front of them about what we are doing, but also to ask about what they are seeing in the economy. That kind of feedback helps us course-correct and stay ahead.” For Allen, the board is not ceremonial; it is an active partner in shaping Fort Worth’s economic future and closing the deals that define success.
What’s Ahead
Fort Worth EDP is just getting started. The next phase is about proving results: tracking job creation, wage growth, and how new projects ripple through the community. Branding and storytelling will also be front and center to help EDP donors and site selectors see Fort Worth’s unique advantages. And with continued growth on the horizon, infrastructure capacity from housing and transit to utilities and schools will be essential to sustaining the city’s momentum. Achieving these goals will depend on strong partnerships across business, government, and education to keep Fort Worth aligned, competitive, and ready for what’s next.
Why It Matters for Fort Worth Economic Development
Allen’s conversation on the podcast does more than highlight Fort Worth’s potential—it lays out a game plan. For Fort Worth EDP, the message is simple: organized strategy wins. Culture and quality of life matter just as much as real estate when companies decide where to land. And collaboration across business, education, and government is the key to scaling success. Workforce development is not a side project; it is the heart of Fort Worth’s growth story.
About Robert Allen & Fort Worth EDP
Robert Allen was appointed in 2023 to lead the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership. Previously he led the Texas Economic Development Corporation and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott. Under his leadership, Fort Worth EDP is committed to positioning the city as one of the most dynamic, business friendly, and sustainable communities in the United States.