CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The city of Falfurrias in Texas has experienced a decline in population since the 1950s, prompting the local government to devise innovative strategies to attract residents and businesses.
To this end, the city repurposed an old H-E-B and a Dollar General store into a Falfurrias Economic Development Accelerator facility, something that already exists in bigger cities but is relatively new in rural areas.
According to Falfurrias City Manager Andy Garcia, the facility aims to provide workforce development, training opportunities, and business services for businesses and entrepreneurs interested in establishing a presence in the city.
“We hope to get an increase quality of life for our residents because they’re able to shop here, even work here,” Garcia said. “We can improve new business that are already here and build that talent that’s able to work for those businesses. We can get them jobs within the community.”
Andy Garcia – Falfurrias City Manager
The city utilized the remaining funds from its state and local fiscal recovery allocation to establish the facility and recover economically from the pandemic.
Garcia hopes that the facility will not only improve the quality of life for the residents but also attract new businesses to the area.
The building provides free resources for community members, including resume building, certifications, FAFSA assistance, and learning new trades. Moreover, businesses can rent out spaces and enjoy free Wi-Fi, printing, and customer meeting rooms.
Ann Marie Torres, a career navigator for UpSKILL Coastal Bend, has already set up her spot at the facility and said she was ready to get others started. Torres is already looking into setting up a resume building class.
“From what I understand, no one has a facility like this, an accelerator,” Torres said. “So it’s going to be phenomenal to see that spark light up the rest of the communities around this and get them started on the same path.”
“It’s going to be phenomenal to see that spark light up the rest of the communities around this and get them started on the same path.”
Ann Marie Torres – UpSKILL Coastal Bend Career Navigator
The city still has 10,000 square feet available for use, and it plans to create commercial space for larger businesses over the next year. The Falfurrias Economic Development Accelerator is an excellent initiative that demonstrates the city’s commitment to modernization and progress. Those interested in renting out business space in the facility may contact the management at (361) 325-2420 or visit the location at 120 W. Rice St., Falfurrias, TX, 78355.
Content initially reported by KRIS 6 NEWS CORPUS CHRISTI
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