As far as economic development deals go, 2016 was a home run for the City of Arlington. With $1.55 billion worth of business deals done, Arlington scored the top spot on the Dallas Business Journal's latest list of North Texas economic development deals ranked by value.

The City of Arlington's Economic Development Department submitted seven deals, which were either funded or under construction, to be considered in the annual ranking. One of the City's largest deals done in 2016 was securing the future Texas Rangers $1 billion, climate-controlled ballpark, which is set to open in Arlington's Entertainment District in 2020. The retractable-roof ballpark, which will be located next to the $250 million Texas Live! entertainment complex, is being built as a public-private partnership between the City and the Texas Rangers.

"Arlington has benefited by a great economy, well-developed infrastructure and advantageous location in the Metroplex. The City has historically had a can-do attitude about economic development,"said Economic Development Manager Bruce Payne. "The progress that we've made over the last several years is based on a consistent, long range strategy and our economic success is a direct reflection of the outstanding leadership of the Mayor and City Council, city management and the community at large."

Arlington ranked No. 2 on the list the previous two years.

2016 Deals

• Texas Live!
  $250,000,000
• Texas Rangers new ballpark
  $1,100,000,000
• Summit Racing
  $82,000,000
• Champions Park
  $30,000,000
• Building E Arlington Commerce
  $36,858,800
• Liv + Apartments
  $37,500,000
• SWR
  $10,000,000

The City of Arlington continues its efforts to attract more visitors and create a desirable environment for businesses. Strategic economic development allows Arlington to build its commercial tax base while keeping the tax rate low so the city can continue to provide the high-quality services -such as police, fire, parks, and libraries -that our citizens expect.

In related economic development news:

Summit Racing Announces $82 Million Warehouse Facility, Retail Super Store Will Open in Arlington

Champions Park Development on Track to Open in Early 2017

Arlington City Council Approves Economic Incentives for UPS Regional Hub

Arlington City Council Approves Public-Private Partnership with Texas Rangers for New Ballpark

Arlington Celebrates Texas Live! Groundbreaking

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