Houston Region May Account for Majority of Economic Gains in Texas

Fulshear, a bustling community in Fort Bend County, has seen significant growth, emerging as the second fastest-growing city in the nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fulshear’s population increased by 25.6 percent in 2023. The Greater Houston Partnership’s monthly report also shows that Fulshear’s population has grown by over 70 percent since 2021, with over 42,000 residents. To accommodate the ongoing growth, numerous new projects are in development, offering residents places to live, work and play. Among these is Fulshear Junction, a recently announced 126.9-acre mixed-use development. Situated north of FM 1093 and west of Wallis Street, this project will bring 251 single-family homes and feature a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, parks, recreational areas and a daycare facility, according to Community Impact. Click to expand Additionally, Fulshear Gateway, a 20,000 square foot retail center, recently broke ground at the intersection of Wallis Road and FM 359, near the city’s downtown district. The development will have three buildings, featuring a mix of restaurants, retail, medical and beauty services. According to Community Impact, construction is expected to be completed in 2025. Click to expand Meanwhile, developers are also addressing the influx of new residents by launching master-planned communities to meet the demand. Cross Creek West, a 1,258-acre development, will add more than 3,000 homes upon completion. Additionally, Cross Creek Ranch, a 3,200-acre community, will bring over 5,000 homes to the area. To continue to draw people, businesses and developers to the area, the city recently proposed a nearly $70 million Capital Improvement Plan for projects in fiscal year 2024-25. The plan encompasses various projects, including drainage, facilities, parks and technology, streets and traffic, water and wastewater initiatives. Notably, the plan allocates the largest portion of funding, $40.82 million, to wastewater projects. The proposed funding for drainage includes the Downtown Eastside drainage project, which aims to eliminate the need for on-site detention for businesses. Additionally, the city is also working to add concrete paving, a pedestrian plaza and street parking to Harris Street from FM 1093 to Fifth Street, making the area more walkable. Construction on Harris Street is set to begin this summer and is expected to be completed in 2025. “[We are] hoping to see that mixed-use lifestyle type of place, where we will have retail and restaurants and things to do for our young families, our teenagers—really everyone of all ages,” said Annel Guadalupe, Economic Development Director of the Fulshear Development Corporation in a statement. “We’re starting with Harris Street, but the hope is to really do all of downtown, one street at a time, so we can really see that come to life.” Discover more about the ongoing growth in Fulshear.