B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections Jan 2015 | Page 12

economic OUTLOOK
Texas has had the most growth in high paying jobs than any
other city in the nation. The Texas Triangle, made up of Dallas,
San Antonio, and Austin produces upwards of $700 billion in
economic output.
Bryan grew 12 percent, which Jashti said is “still a rapid growth”
over a four to five year period, but Bryan matched the nation’s
drop in work force growth. “I think when looking actually at the
numbers, the median numbers for all the workers is a little bit
higher in Bryan,” as Jashti said the median income grew by 22
percent.
“As a city, if you’re not growing, you’re dying,” said Chuck
Gilman, deputy city manager of College Station. “We’ve been
tracking the numbers,” says Joey Dunn, deputy city manager
of Bryan. Both were surprised by the high ranking of Bryan/
College Station compared to the country, but were not
surprised by the growth.
“Texas A&M in all its glory” affects the whole community,
admits Dunn. “It doesn’t hurt that we’re in the SEC and the
football team is doing well,” said Dunn. However, Dunn says,
“Aggies are getting to retire and beginning to invest” in Bryan,
especially the Traditions Club development.
Not only is there growth through college enrollment, but
also an increase of 6 percent to 7 percent in the elementary
school districts, says Gilman. “[We] see young families who see
this as an option,” said Gilman as he relates to being tired of
commuting in major metropolises
“The economy continues to grow,” said Gilman. During the
2010-2012 national recession, College Station’s economy was
not affected, and even grew, says Gilman who was echoed by
Dunn. “Downtown has been a really big growth – even in the
economic down turn,” says Dunn.
“Being a larger city puts us on the map,” says Gilman, as larger
companies are now seeing College Station as a viable option
for business. With the growth, jobs are created not only
through the cities, but through a growing medical district in
the area known as the Bio Corridor. A joint venture between
College Station and Bryan, “It’s a big deal,” says Dunn.
“Aggies come here, but no jobs to keep them here,” says Dunn,
but this multimillion dollar development will bring “true high
paying jobs to the community.” Having gifted “200 acres…to
build the Health Science Center,” Dunn says Bryan has been
“heavily invested for fifteen years plus.”
“It was a dusty little town,” says Dunn. Having lived in the
Bryan/College Station area for more than 20 years in various
city planning and development positions, Dunn says, “It’s
amazing to see the growth.”
“Seeing a growing