By Moses Leos III

Coordinating infrastructure development and targeting specific industries were the top two priorities Kyle stakeholders tabbed as a focus for Kyle’s economic future. 

Those results, part of the city’s second economic development summit hosted by the Natelson Dale Group, will help craft an updated strategic plan. 

Managing principal Roger Dale of the Natelson Dale Group said his group spring boarded off what they learned from the community after the January summit. 

“For the most part, the community is enthused about future growth and interested in identifying opportunities for creating high paying employment in the city, given that people are commuting out of there,” Dale said. 

The process began when the group assessed reaction from stakeholders after the first meeting. Dale said Kyle stakeholders gained a sense that they are part of a “larger economic region” between Austin and San Antonio. 

Dale said Kyle has a “dynamic economy” and that the city could position itself for future growth. The next step was to independently find what industries could be suitable for the growing city. 

The group conducted a market study on how much retail and industrial growth Kyle could obtain over the next 20 years. The intent, according to Dale, was to make sure the economic development strategy “winds up well” with the city’s land use plan. 

According to research compiled by Dale, Kyle will have 1.3 million square feet of new retail space and 2 million square feet of new industrial space by 2035. 

The market study allowed the group to compile a list of categories and strategies for economic development, which they then presented to stakeholders. 

Infrastructure, primarily developing and planning, was a high priority for those in attendance at the summit. 

Dale said planning for infrastructure is “critical” for Kyle. Not doing so could create mobility issues for existing and future residents. Delaying it, he said, could work against the city. 

In comments submitted from stakeholders, Kyle needs to move from ideas to real plans in regards to infrastructure. In addition, prospects need to know what is on the horizon and to pinpoint “when and how existing deficiencies will be solved.” 

Stakeholders also said Kyle needs to have a plan for different land uses, and how to get people to and from targeted areas. 

“Infrastructure needs to keep pace,” Dale said. “If it’s not in place, the development could pay for it, and it could make Kyle less attractive than other places with infrastructure in place. 

The priority of housing, which according to stakeholders scored as one the lowest, was surprising for Dale. 

According to the group, stakeholders believed housing was market driven. 

“It had been brought up at the first meeting where people thought it was a big constraint,” Dale said. “To that extent, I think it was a surprising that it didn’t resurface as priority.”  

Focusing on target industries was also a focus for stakeholders. Some said the city needs to attract a “game changer” firm that could put Kyle on the map. 

Others said focusing on 50 to 100 “employee firms” with a diverse portfolio was also key. 

According to stakeholders, manufacturing, data processing and health care comprised the highest ranked potential target clusters to focus on. 

Dale said the group would narrow down the list of target industries over the next few months. 

But with a list in place, Dale said the city could begin to invest in resources to help market a particular target industry. 

“We want to make sure it’s attractive to the city to create jobs that pay well,” Dale said. “What does to the city want to do, to make sure it’s feasible, that the city isn’t chasing after things that aren’t likely to happen.” 

The group plans to draft an actual strategic retail plan for stakeholders in August.