City hires economic development director

After years of economic development partnerships between the city, county, and chamber that ultimately failed, the city of Granbury is trying a different approach.

City Manager Chris Coffman has hired an economic development director, a move intended to finally bring stability and continuity in drawing and managing quality-of-life growth.

Lance LaCour, who has years of economic development experience, has been hired to fill the city’s newly created economic development director position. His first day on the job will be Monday, June 13.

Coffman stated at a recent interlocal government meeting that the city will welcome partnerships should other entities desire them.

As director of economic development, LaCour will advise Coffman in the development and implementation of economic development marketing strategies.

LaCour comes to Granbury from Humble, where he was president and CEO of Partnership Lake Houston. Prior to that, he spent 15 years with the Katy Area Economic Development Council and 14 years in Alabama and Mississippi doing similar work.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi. LaCour also has numerous economic development-related certifications and awards.

LaCour said he is excited about “the infrastructure and toolbox” that is already in place in Granbury, including the Commerce Centre of Granbury, which has rail access; the airport expansion project and sites for aircraft operation; and the 4,000-acre tax increment zone.

Late last year, the City Council voted to create its first Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ. It is an economic development tool authorized under the Texas Tax Code that funds infrastructure without burdening all taxpayers.

The TIRZ includes the Lakeview Landing luxury waterfront development and involves more than 4,100 acres located mostly along the U.S. Hwy. 377 corridor within the city limits and the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

“From a quality-of-life perspective, I am looking forward to recreational opportunities that Lake Granbury provides as well as the fantastic square,” said LaCour, who has a wife and two grown children.

Coffman said he is excited to have someone on the city’s team with LaCour’s skills and experience.

“He has the potential to help create and retain businesses, which in turn provide good-paying jobs, which result in a better community,” Coffman said.