Fort Worth has become America’s fastest-growing big city. On ShovelTalk, FWEDP’s Robert Allen explains how we’re balancing business attraction, workforce pipelines, and livability to build long-term resilience.
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Fort Worth is on the rise, and the latest episode of ShovelTalk makes it clear why. Robert Allen, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP), was a featured guest on the podcast last month, sharing how our city is managing growth while planning for the future. 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 destination for new and expanding businesses.
Scale and Momentum
Fort Worth has officially become the 11th largest city in the United States, surpassing Austin and crossing the one-million-resident milestone. We are also the fastest-growing large city in America, anchored in an 8-million-person metroplex that uniquely includes two million-plus core cities just 32 miles apart. While competition is healthy, we know our long-term success is tied to regional collaboration. For him, the priority is Fort Worth first, but always with an eye toward strengthening North Texas and Texas as a whole.
A Nimble, Collaborative Model
Because FWEDP is privately funded, Robert shared that the team can move quickly and strategically, working collaboratively to align on priorities. He explained that FWEDP uses a scoring system for inbound projects (green, yellow, red) to prioritize opportunities that are the best fit for the community. He further shared that FWEDP regularly briefs elected officials, investors, and business leaders, because as Allen explained, “It’s important to always highlight that it takes a team. Economic development is a team sport.”
Balancing Big Wins and Local Strength
Recent projects in AI supercomputing, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and film and TV prove that Fort Worth can compete on the national stage. But landing a project is only the beginning. As Allen noted, “Just because you stand at the press conference doesn’t mean the work is over. That’s when the hard work begins.” Supporting existing employers, suppliers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs is equally important to ensure our economy remains diverse and resilient.
Talent as the Decisive Factor
Allen described talent as the driver of success. He shared how FWEDP partners with Tarrant County College, TCU, Texas A&M Fort Worth, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan, Tarleton, local high schools, and others to align training with employer needs. As he emphasized, “Talent is the ultimate driver of economic success. If you align workforce training with employer needs, you put your community in an advantageous position.” From aerospace and defense to advanced manufacturing to film and production, he noted that Fort Worth is creating multiple career pathways and keeping more homegrown talent in the region.
Livability as Strategy
Allen emphasized that jobs alone do not make a city competitive; quality of life is equally critical. In Fort Worth, that means investing in downtown vitality. Texas A&M’s expansion and a renovated convention center are key anchors driving this growth, complemented by new residential options. He also pointed to park projects like Paddock and Heritage near the Tarrant County Courthouse, along with Mayor Mattie Parker’s Good Natured initiative to preserve 10,000 acres of green space by 2028. Together, these efforts create a walkable city where people want to live, work, and stay.
Looking Ahead
FWEDP’s approach is simple: get the fundamentals right, think strategically, and never lose sight of the people at the heart of growth. Fort Worth’s story is one of momentum and opportunity, and as Robert Allen shared, the goal is to build on that progress and shape the next chapter for Fort Worth.
About Robert Allen & Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
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 Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Under his leadership, FWEDP is committed to positioning the city as one of the most dynamic, business friendly, and sustainable communities in the United States.
Listen to the full conversation with Robert Allen on ShovelTalk here.
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The Fort Worth EDP works directly with companies, site selection consultants, and corporate real estate professionals who are interested in moving or expanding to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about Fort Worth, please schedule a meeting with us or check out our Why Fort Worth page.