In 2025, the City of Waco’s Economic Development Department supported a high level of business development activity, reflecting sustained interest from retailers, developers, and employers across multiple sectors.
Throughout the year, the department focused on targeted recruiting, active pipeline management, and consistent oversight of incentive agreements and compliance activity. These efforts were supported by expanded use of data, mapping, and economic development tools, improving responsiveness and development readiness.
In addition to recruitment and project oversight, the department provided ongoing support to local businesses, internal teams, and community partners through data assistance, coordination, and participation in key business milestones.
By the Numbers
Recruiting Outreach
249
Pipeline Projects
13
Data Requests Filled
61
Active Agreements
53
In 2025, the Economic Development Department supported local businesses, internal City teams, and community partners through direct engagement, data assistance, and participation in business milestones across Waco.
These efforts complement recruitment and pipeline management by ensuring existing businesses had access to coordinated support and timely information.
Ribbon Cuttings
91
BRE
Visits
28
Ribbon Cutting Highlights
- Casa Do Brasil Brazilian Steakhouse
- Walmart
- King's Chicken Wings
- Natural Grocers
- Sison Tacos
- Uptown Cheapskate
- Tru Jamaica
- Kilwins Chocolates Fudge Ice Cream
- Scooter's Coffee
- Dog Haus
- Canales Furniture
- Boot Barn
- EverHome Suites
- Anchor Branding Co.
- Home Instead
In 2025, recruiting efforts emphasized targeted outreach, corridor-based strategies, and consistent follow-up with brokers, developers, and national brands.
Recruiting activity focused on building relationships and positioning Waco competitively for site selection opportunities across multiple sectors.
Recruiting Outreach
249
Pipeline Projects
13
Project Oversight & Incentive Management
As development activity increased in 2025, the Economic Development Department maintained ongoing oversight of active incentive agreements and project milestones to ensure alignment with approved terms and performance requirements.
This work reflects the department’s responsibility to protect public investment while supporting continued project progress and accountability.
Active Agreements
53
CapX Represented
+$1B
In 2025, the Economic Development Department strengthened development readiness through expanded use of data, mapping, and standardized materials, improving responsiveness to prospects, partners, and internal City teams.
These investments enhanced consistency, clarity, and efficiency across recruiting, project management, and decision support activities.
Data Requests Filled
61
In 2025, strong visitor and market visibility continued to support Waco’s position as a regional destination.
Tourism performance contributes to local business activity, hospitality investment, and broader market awareness that supports economic development efforts.
- Hotel Revenue +$112M
- Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections +$7.4M
- Events Booked 34
- Total Economic Impact of Events Booked +$15.7M
Out-of-market visits reached 36.7 million, increasing 0.2% year over year. Continued visitation contributes to retail sales, lodging demand, and overall market visibility.