There are a number of factors that give me great confidence in Garland's future. A number of forces seem to be converging that all work to our benefit. The economy is down but North Texas still remains among the healthiest areas of the country. Population growth, as a region, will grow at least 50% more by 2030. North Texas, when measured as a whole rather than as the individual parts, is among the most healthy and vibrant areas on the planet. First-tier suburbs are learning how to revive and grow. Growth in exurbs has stopped, which directs more development and investment to the core city and first ring suburbs.
 
Garland is on course to capitalize on these trends. A lot of work remains but, if we focus our energies on the future, expand our thinking and vision, avoid the easy mistakes, and continue to build Garland for Garland, we will succeed.
 
I know those all sound more like grand vistas than probability, but over the next few weeks I will take each point and share the information and data that supports each statement.
 
I will be in the Kansas City area in June for the summer meeting of the First Tier Suburbs Council's Steering Committee, a part of the National League of Cities. The KC area, led by the Mid-American Regional Council, has made some great strides on behalf of first-tier suburbs. They have lessons to teach and we have lessons to teach. The link below is for a video that shows a transit project in Kansas City and the affects of light rail on the growth that ultimately springs alongside. It is hard to imagine such growth for Garland or any other DART community but such growth is the rule in many other urban centers. It doesn't happen overnight though. You have to look beyond what you currently know. Enjoy.
 

Click the graphic to link to the video and then imagine. Click the Full Screen icon in the bottom right.
Source: Arnold Imaging