The Fort Worth EDP hosted its first Investor Briefing of 2025, featuring panelists from Bell, the City of Fort Worth, the State of Texas, and the Fort Worth EDP to talk about the behind-the-scenes happenings that led up to Bell’s announcement in December 2024 that part of its FLRAA program would be built in Fort Worth, Texas.
By Katie McConnell, Associate | Feb. 14, 2025
On February 12, the Fort Worth EDP hosted investors at the Bell Training Academy for an exclusive look behind the curtain at how Fort Worth landed part of the largest U.S. Army contract in history, followed by a tour of the impressive Bell Training Academy. About 50 guests from companies across Fort Worth heard from a panel of speakers—including President & CEO of Bell, Lisa Atherton, President & CEO of the Fort Worth EDP, Robert Allen, Director of the Fort Worth Economic Development Department, Robert Sturns, and Larry McManus from the Office of the Governor’s Department of Economic Development & Tourism.
In an announcement with Governor Abbott on December 17, 2024, Bell announced that part of its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program would locate in Fort Worth—a decision that will render nearly $1B in economic impact in the region in the coming years. This strategic win for Fort Worth economic development in a target industry of the City further cement’s Fort Worth’s leadership and sophistication in the aerospace and defense sector, provides workforce-strengthening opportunities for future generations of Fort Worth residents, and strengthens U.S. national security capabilities.
The title of the panel was How the Deal Gets Done, and the panelists responded resoundingly with one answer—collaboration. In a team effort led by the EDP’s Robert Allen, individuals representing the city, county, school district, and state collaborated with one another and with Bell to win this generational project for Fort Worth in the face of strong competition from other states.
With a willingness to collaborate and creatively solve problems, Bell became the first recipient of the funding from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) Act economic development program. McManus noted that despite Texas’ uniquely decentralized approach to economic development, collaboration between parties at all levels of government across the State can create a customer-centric process for companies interested in moving to or expanding within Texas, which Atherton whole-heartedly agreed with. Atherton praised the public sector partners for their pace and hospitality while navigating the new JETI process for the first time. And the customer service standard wasn’t limited to negotiating one JETI agreement—panelists explained how the team of individuals across the public and private sector worked together to align local city, county, and school district programs, real estate needs, and company timelines to land a project that will benefit Fort Worth, Texas, and the United States for decades. Allen described himself as “lucky” to have landed the project for Fort Worth; other panelists disagreed—this project was won because of his intentional leadership and clear communication, not mere luck.
The Fort Worth EDP is thankful for the support of its generous investors who share the EDP’s vision of making Fort Worth the most vibrant and sustainable city in the United States. If you’re interested in joining this team of investors or attending the Fort Worth EDP’s next Investor Briefing in April, please contact Chelsea@FortWorthEDP.com or visit the EDP’s About page.
