Texas A & M University

University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute

Reaching Higher Ground

Mesquite is rapidly growing alongside the DFW metroplex. The value of the city has increased from $5 billion in 2015 to $16.5 billion in 2023. New housing, new employers, expansions, and redevelopment are driving the change.  Our team is part of a progressive leadership team including a visionary City Council, fostering a business-friendly environment and can-do spirit. The City of Mesquite Economic Development department consists of business retention and attraction, small business and workforce development, Downtown Development, and Visit Mesquite - our destination marketing organization. As director, I maintain strategic relationships, shepherd the strategic plan and major development projects, and ensure we are collaborating with our partners and investors to keep moving Mesquite forward! See the more than $1 billion in new investment this year and addition of 2,800 jobs at MesquiteEcoDev.com.

City of Mesquite, Texas

Director of Economic Development

During the pandemic, my short time in Cedar Hill focused on disbursement of ARPA funds to approximately 70 small businesses. The funding focused on business-building exercises and modifications to assist the businesses in becoming digitally and functionally operational in a touchless and open-air environment. Also, we worked with Hillwood to bring HighPoint 67 to fruition which ultimatley brought Pratt Industries to Cedar Hill. A beautiful city, Cedar Hill is well-positioned for amazing growth but was a little too far from family for me so I returned to Mesquite in a new role.

City of Cedar Hill

Economic Development Director

As a member of the Mesquite development team, I manage new and existing business development and redevelopment for the eighth largest city in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.  My primary role is relationship development with stakeholders, investors, partners and officials to facilitate projects which support City Council Strategic Priorities.  I manage Downtown Redevelopment and the Business Retention and Expansion program, participate in the development and redevelopment of our arterial highway corridors, assist with deal-making, prospecting and development agreement negotiations, and work with the City Management team on various strategic initiatives.  I also assist other City departments and community entities with achieving their goals.

City of Mesquite

Assistant Director of Economic Development

While in Greenville, I managed the Business Retention and Expansion program and Marketing initiatives to drive business development within the industrial, retail and downtown districts.  Under my direction, the City attracted site tours by regional and international manufacturers that subsequently chose to locate in Greenville.  Generating over twenty industrial site visits within sixteen months, my diligent, branded responses to prospect inquiries as well as new direct marketing strategies brought new interest and investment to Greenville.  Additionally, my ability to facilitate community partnership resulted in advancing corporate, workforce and career-tech education initiatives.

Greenville Texas Economic Development

Director of Business Development

Director of Economic Development
City of Forney Economic Development Corporation
May 2010 - 2014

Forney's neighborhood area of 40,000 people brought high demand for services and retail the past few years.  As a member of the team, I participated in closing deals on:
- The $23 million Gateway Bridge/Boulevard opening up 2,000+ acres for development 
- The Kroger Marketplace, a 123,000 sq.ft. anchor for a 50 acre retail development
- Lake Pointe Emergency Department as part of a 30,000 sq.ft. medical center expansion

I have been instrumental in establishing:
- A five-year comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan
- City re-branding, marketing and website design initiatives
- Forming economic development support organizations
- Fostering community engagement and cooperation
- Developing strategic relationships in the public and private sector
- Establishing Downtown Forney as a destination with the TDA award winning Crumbzz project
- Economic development policies and procedures as a department of the city

City of Forney, Texas

Office management, events, planning and public relations

Kim M. Buttram, CEcD