The City of Arlington announced Gus Garcia as new director for its Economic Development Department. Garcia will begin on Feb 20, 2024.

“We are adding an accomplished and broadly experienced economic development professional to our team,” said Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton. “Gus’ experience in both economic development and local government will help us advance our strategic goals of transformational redevelopment and high-impact community development in a globally connected economy.”

Garcia has 15 years of experience as a municipal executive leader. He comes to Arlington from the City of Duncanville, where he served first as director of development, followed by managing director of development services. Garcia’s prior professional work includes real estate development/management in the healthcare industry, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and consulting with NELTEX Sports & Development.

Garcia will be an integral part of the City’s economic development leadership team serving the nation’s 50th largest city. Arlington is home to a host of global, domestic and family-owned businesses including D.R. Horton and General Motors. The economic development team strives to help local companies grow and generate quality job opportunities throughout the Arlington metro area. 

“The City is booming and opportunity for business attraction is everywhere. As an economic developer, I can’t help but be drawn to it,” said Garcia. “Economic development is a team sport, and I can’t wait to meet my new team. I’m excited and ready to get to work in The American Dream City.” 

A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Garcia obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He also holds diplomas for continuing education in Innovation and Leadership in Public Administration from Georgetown University and Economic Development from University of Oklahoma.

Arlington’s previous economic development manager, Bruce Payne, recently retired after a 35-year career that included nearly 20 years with the City.