Grand Prairie is making a significant stride into the new year, wielding the title of efficiency and promise in the realm of business and development. Starting in 2026 on the front foot, the city was recognized for its standout permitting process, which ranks second in the nation among mid-sized cities, and sixth overall. As reported by Grand Prairie's news release, this accolade is attributed to a streamlined permitting system, which significantly impacts the speed at which businesses can launch and expand.
The excitement in the community is palpable as Rashad Jackson, the director of Planning & Development, accepted a certificate of recognition alongside Savannah Ware. "This is very exciting news," Jackson told a group assembled at a city council meeting, demonstrating the pride of a department invested in facilitating growth through efficient practices. Further developments, such as the opening of Topgolf and other major announcements, are expected to make a significant impact in the area, per the City of Grand Prairie.
Speed in permitting, as emphasized by Tony Ramirez, the director of Economic Development, is pivotal to corporate and small business success. "The faster businesses can get permits approved, the better we can respond to the speed of industry," Ramirez explained, as cited by the City of Grand Prairie. This efficiency feeds directly into the bringing of hundreds of new jobs to the city, as witnessed in the previous year with big business wins such as the relocation of Major League Cricket's U.S. headquarters to Grand Prairie and the expansion of Modine, a leader in thermal management technology.
An expansion of the southern boundary by over 1,500 acres has paved the way for significant real estate projects, including the master-planned communities of Goodland and Lakesong. The completion of Goodland Parkway is part of an overarching strategy to connect these community hubs to future commercial and civic amenities. Jackson asserts that their team is more than capable of keeping pace with the rapid development and that they have demonstrated their competence every day. This drive for growth is both a cause for excitement and a challenge for the city's development teams.
