Governor Abbott and local Fort Worth business and civic leaders celebrate Fort Worth’s leadership in aerospace and defense with new legislation and a strong message on Texas’ pro-business economy at Fort Worth EDP luncheon.
By Katie McConnell, Associate | June 25, 2025
Last week, Governor Greg Abbott joined Fort Worth business and civic leaders at a Fort Worth EDP luncheon to celebrate the city’s new, official designation as the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas. Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from Fort Worth’s leading aerospace companies, including American Airlines, Bell, and Lockheed Martin. Legislators, business leaders, and community stakeholders convened to recognize Fort Worth’s vital role in the Texas economy and the city’s far-reaching impact on national and international affairs.
Before Governor Abbott addressed the audience, he was introduced by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. The Mayor highlighted the city’s economic development successes, emphasizing the broader momentum shared across the Dallas–Fort Worth region and the state of Texas. “We’re here in this room to celebrate the economic opportunity not just here in Fort Worth, not just in North Texas, but also the added successes that Texas has had,” she stated. With a backdrop of state legislators and business leaders, Mayor Parker underscored Texas’ pro-business environment that spans both public and private sectors.
In his remarks, Governor Abbott affirmed that Fort Worth plays “a huge part in the Texas economy,” which he called the “job creation engine for the United States.” He highlighted the role of community infrastructure and cultural assets in attracting businesses—from DFW International Airport to the new Crescent Hotel and the world-renowned museums of the Cultural District. Speaking from the ballroom of the Crescent Hotel, the Governor remarked, “I don’t think there’s a neighborhood or region or district in the State of Texas that’s as dynamic, as attractive, as compelling, as where we are right now—you have everything going in the right direction.”
Following his remarks, Governor Abbott signed into law what the press has described as a legislative “blizzard” or “flurry.” However, the atmosphere in Fort Worth was warm and celebratory as the city was formally codified as the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas. House Concurrent Resolution 142 (HCR 142) recognizes the economic and strategic importance of Fort Worth’s aerospace and defense sector on state, national, and global levels. Representative John McQueeney, a freshman legislator from Fort Worth, accepted the signed resolution alongside other local DFW-area representatives including: Senators Kelly Hancock, Bryan Hughes, and Royce West, as well as Representatives Benjamin Bumgarner, Charlie Geren, Caroline Harris Davila, Morgan Meyer, Katrina Pierson, Nate Schatzline, David Spiller, and Tony Tinderholt.
Governor Abbott also signed additional bills focused on business development and innovation. These included measures to expand a research and development tax exemption, provide property tax relief, improve accessibility of state agencies, and enhance support for small businesses—the backbone of Texas’ entrepreneurial spirit and the American dream.
Of those signed at the event, two pieces of legislation stand out for their significance to Fort Worth’s economic development. First, HCR 142 formally recognizes Fort Worth’s leadership in aerospace and defense. Texas is the top state in the nation for aerospace and defense spending, and this designation positions Fort Worth to attract cutting-edge innovators seeking proximity to established industry leaders. Second, SB 2206 expands the research & development franchise tax credit and creates a refundable franchise tax credit—a meaningful tool to encourage and support innovation across the state.
This exciting event was made possible by a partnership between the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, the Fort Worth Film Commission, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Fort Worth. For more images of this event, view this gallery of photos by Ariel Leon.
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Katie McConnell, Associate | Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
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.
