Dallas Business Journal
By City of Ennis
Ennis is a DFW city on the front end of an explosive growth trend. You will not find a more well-planned, intentional and quality development focused city.
After 150 years of slow 1% growth, Ennis, Texas, is now seeing growth numbers of 10+% per year, and although rapid growth in a small town can be unsettling to some, city leadership’s promise to the citizens is, “We will protect and preserve our historic downtown, we will continue to provide the small town feel, we will not forget our heritage, and ultimately we will focus on smart growth using highest and best use as a standard to protect the quality and integrity of our community.”
In short, development for the sake of development is not a good thing. Intentional development that enhances the economy long term and benefits the ultimate vision is a very good thing, and it is happening daily in Ennis. Ennis’s blend of elected leadership, that is both exceptionally development-friendly and focused on the long game, is showing results.
With an increase in taxable value of 52% in the last two years, it is clear Ennis, located 30 miles south of downtown Dallas, is experiencing an extraordinary wave of growth. That growth and sound fiscal policies have led to an unprecedented total tax rate decrease in Ennis of $.39 from $2.54469 to $2.154505 in two years. All taxing entities have decreased their rates for two years in a row, due in large part to the new value being intentionally brought on the tax rolls each year.
The city’s investment in its development is evident in the following completed and near-term projects, all within the five-year approved Community Improvement Plan, proving the city’s commitment to support growth and development.
Completed projects
- Minnie McDowal Park, $800,000.
- City hall, $3.3 million.
- Welcome center, $4.3 million.
- Public safety facility, $12 million.
- Downtown infrastructure/beautification, $11 million.
- Sustainability program, $1.1 million.
In progress
- Downtown underpass, $50 million.
- Library remodel, $5 million.
- Tim Gauna Park, $5 million.
- Community service center, $12 million.
- Continual Infrastructure improvement projects $40 million.
Upcoming
- Aquatics Park, $12 million.
- Gateway improvements, $3 million.
What is the Ennis advantage?
The Ennis Economic Development Corporation is leading efforts to attract and retain new businesses by aiding in the development process and competitive incentives.
Investment and development opportunities are plentiful throughout the city, including historic downtown, residential, retail and business.
A city with a plan
- $150 million public/private investment made to revitalize historic downtown.
- Ongoing execution of multiple master plans.
Strategic location/access
- 30 miles from Dallas, population 1.3 million.
- Located along Highway I-45 and U.S. 287 with easy access to interstates 35, 30 and 20.
- Rail connecting to Dallas and Houston ports.
- 45-minute drive to DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field.
What does the planning, investment and proactive leadership create?
- 1% historical housing growth to 10+% in 2022 and the foreseeable future.
- 1,144 units received a Certificate of Occupancy in the last two years.
- 3,579 under development and 11,257 in the pipeline.
- 500,000 square feet of commercial retail in development.
- Retail trade area increased 70% from 43,300 in 2019 to 74,000 in 2022.
The adages, “timing is everything” and “plan your work and work your plan” are certainly true in Ennis. We invite you to be a part of the development wave in Ennis – a community on the rise – and take advantage of the favorable land cost and friendly atmosphere.