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Business World |
March 2015
112
Payne said. “Arlington’s biggest asset is its lo-
cation; we’re so centrally situated for trans-
portation purposes between Dallas and Fort
Worth. The city also has a dynamic work-
force and vibrant education system – we’re
home to the University of Texas at Arling-
ton – a growing research powerhouse with
students representing over 120 countries. It’s
a very convenient place to live, work, and
learn.”
“While the recession may have quieted
things down,in 2015 we’re seeing a lot of in-
terest in ambitious projects like new hotels,
upper scale housing, medical facilities, and
entertainment attractions,” Payne explained.
With that said, Payne realizes that in our
economic climate, it takes more than simply
salesmanship to influence a business to relo-
cate. As a result, Arlington has put in place
some enticing tax incentives to aide in the
process.
“I don’t try to fool myself into thinking asa-
les pitch is going to convince a business to
move,” he said. “There has to be a business
case for it. Our primary tools in helping
businesses land here include incentive agree-
ments, usually based on either property tax