Economic Development Strategic Plan November 2011

Transcription

Economic Development Strategic Plan
November 2011
Prepared For:
Hico Economic Development Corporation
120 West First Street
P.O. Box 4
Hico, TX 76457
Mike James, Executive Director Hico EDC
Prepared By:
Texas Engineering Extension Service
Knowledge Engineering
College Station, TX 77840
Point of contact:
Lisa Mutchler
[email protected]
979.458.6710
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background and Approach .......................................................................................................... 3
Hico Community Assessment Summary ...................................................................................... 5
Community Characteristics...................................................................................................... 5
Infrastructure .......................................................................................................................... 6
Education and Workforce ........................................................................................................ 7
Business Environment ............................................................................................................. 8
Quality of Place ....................................................................................................................... 8
Values, Strategic Goals and Objectives ...................................................................................... 11
Values-Driven Economic Growth and Prosperity.................................................................... 11
Strategy, Goals and Objectives .............................................................................................. 12
Action Plan ............................................................................................................................... 13
1. Plan for community development. Set the stage for future growth and improve Hico’s
quality of life. ........................................................................................................................ 13
2. Establish Hico as a premier destination for travelers seeking heritage and nature tourism
opportunities. ....................................................................................................................... 14
3. Engage and support Hico’s existing businesses. Implement programs and services that
foster healthy businesses and encourage growth. ................................................................. 15
APPENDIX A: Hico Workshop Participants ................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX B: Community Economic Development Priorities Matrix ............................................. 17
APPENDIX C: RANKINGS MAP......................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX D: HICO COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT .................................................................................. 29
Hico Economic Development Strategic Plan
2
BACKGROUND AND APPROACH
The City of Hico seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens, create jobs, and
stimulate the community’s economic growth through implementation of activities that will
make Hico a destination of choice for visitors and businesses alike. The City of Hico partnered
with Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to design an economic development strategic
plan. TEEX served as the facilitator for community visioning, community assessment, and for
the development of Hico’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. The purpose of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan is to capture the community’s vision for the future and establish a
strategy and roadmap of activities for achieving that vision.
In order to document and analyze the current state of Hico, creating a “snapshot” of sorts, TEEX
conducted a community assessment as the initial step in the strategic planning process (see
Appendix D, Hico Community Assessment, 2011). The community assessment provides an
examination of the community and an economic profile through several distinct but interrelated
components such as community demographics, income statistics, industrial profiles and an audit
of infrastructure, financial vitality and other local assets. The assessment also provides a
baseline against which Hico can measure progress as community leaders execute the strategic
plan.
In addition to the assessment, TEEX facilitated a Community Visioning Workshop (See Appendix
A, Hico Community Visioning Session Participants) in Hico, held August 4, 2011. Fourteen
participants provided input during the workshop, sharing their insights into Hico’s best assets
and opportunities for the future. The Hico Economic Development Corporation members invited
community stakeholders (business leaders, school, land owners/citizens, developer and high
school students) to represent the community at this workshop in order to identify the
community’s challenges, to discover notable assets and to establish a “community” vision.
Through the workshop, TEEX captured the dreams and concerns of the community by allowing
attendees to voice their vision for community development and economic prosperity.
Following the successful Community Visioning workshop, TEEX staff documented the input from
attendees, carefully including all ideas and visions (See Appendix B, Community Economic
Development Priorities Matrix). The document was presented to a smaller group of
stakeholders who agreed to represent key stakeholder groups in prioritizing projects and
activities of the plan. While virtually all potential projects and activities received high priority
rankings, downtown revitalization, promoting tourism opportunities, increasing lodging and
accommodations, supporting business development and retention, and improving quality of
place for residents and visitors were among the top ranked priorities and, as such, shaped the
core of this strategic plan for Hico economic development.
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The complete findings and recommendations of this effort are presented in this plan in addition
to the Community Economic Development Priorities Matrix, Rankings Map (See Appendix C,
Rankings Map), and Hico Community Assessment. Based upon input received from workshop
attendees and several weeks of additional research and documentation, TEEX has compiled this
Hico Economic Development Strategic Plan.
4
HICO COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Hico, Texas was founded in 1856 at a location along Honey Creek. In 1880, the town was moved
2.5 miles to be closer to the Texas Central Railroad that was built through Hamilton County.
Today, the City of Hico extends to cover 1.5 square miles of land. Hico is one of only two
incorporated cities in Hamilton County; the other being Hamilton, located 27 miles south of Hico
on US 281.
The community of Hico sits at the intersection of Highways 6, 281, and 220. Outside of the
Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco major metropolitan areas, the City of Hico today offers refuge for
weekend travelers seeking unique shopping opportunities. With steady growth in visitors and a
strong series of festivals and events attracting outside visitors, Hico is making a name for itself
as a tourist destination but lacks accommodations to fully exploit the economic potential - its
retail, heritage and natural assets.
Hico’s location at the intersection of three major highways running throughout the state and
proximity to large metropolitan areas, position the community as a potential location for
business development and investors.
Community Characteristics
Population
An analysis of the latest census report indicates Hico will continue its trajectory of
limited growth. Through 2015, the community is expected to grow at a 0.6% rate.1 This
is less than half of Hamilton County’s predicted growth rate (1.3%) and differs greatly
from the Central Texas Workforce Development Area’s predicted growth rate. With a
limited influx of new residents to the community, the City of Hico has been able to
preserve and retain its small town quality of life and historic roots.
Interest in Investing
Given the location of the City of Hico at the intersection of multiple highway systems,
the availability of land and space in the downtown community, and encouragement
provided by the economic development corporation, interest in business investment is
likely to increase.
Involved Community
Unique to the community, a variety of annual planned events are scheduled in the
community uniting businesses and the citizenry. Additionally, the Hico Chamber of
Commerce has actively pursued an integrative role within the community in recent
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Sites on Texas
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years that is ever-increasing. City officials and entities such as the local chamber work
to promote its citizens and businesses in any way possible. Scheduled meetings
throughout the duration of this project have been attended by citizens, business
owners, and elected officials consistently indicating Hico community members are
involved and care deeply about their future. Close relationships exist between residents
and community leaders.
Land Availability
There is a variety of land available for purchase and development throughout the city.
This includes land that is available in the downtown area as well as in undeveloped
areas. For example, a new 28-home residential development is blossoming southeast of
the downtown area.
Land is not only available for development, but a variety of opportunities exists for
redevelopment. Residential area revitalizations and commercial developments are
welcomed by Hico’s Economic Development Corporation. While city annexation may
only occur by petition, the city is willing to work with investors to the area and
encourage development initiatives. The extraterritorial jurisdiction currently extends
0.5 miles beyond the city limits.
Infrastructure
Hico’s physical infrastructure is adequate to support current residential and commercial
structures within the community. Additionally, the community has added free wireless internet
access in the downtown area to better serve the business community and travelers as
broadband accessibility has become an important tool in providing convenience for businesses
and tourists.
As mentioned, US Highway 281 and State Highways 220 and 6 cut through the City of Hico
carrying a large amount of vehicle traffic. In fact, SH 6 passes right through the downtown area.
Hico and its surrounding areas oblige roughly 7,600 passenger vehicles travelling on the Texas
Department of Transportation maintained roadways daily.2 This number does not include the
nearly 1,500 trucks that travel through the area each day as well. These well-traveled roads
provide Hico an advantage in the city’s effort to build its tourism industry.
Direct rail service is not available in Hico, or Hamilton County. With the closure of railroad lines
in the 1900s, Hamilton County certainly was impacted by the lack of rail accessibility. However,
nearby Bosque, Mills, and Lampasas counties have railway systems.
2
Texas Department of Transportation, Traffic Counts Flowband, 2009.
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Commercial airports in Dallas-Fort Worth, Killeen, and Waco provide airway access for tourists
and citizens in the area. All of these airports are within three hours of the city with the closest
airport located in Waco—an hour and fifteen minutes from Hico. The Killeen-Fort Hood airport
is located an hour and forty minutes from Hico and the expansive international Dallas-Fort
Worth airport within two hours of the city.
Education and Workforce
Hico is able to sustain its own school district. In addition to this, the City of Hico maintains a
workforce of established individuals in the city as they are from an older population. The City of
Hico lacks influence from the younger cohort (ages 19-29) despite the city’s proximity to three
large, four-year universities.
Hico ISD is classified as “recognized” by the Texas Education Agency, the second highest
possible rating in the Texas Accountability Ranking System. The district’s dropout rate is
well below the state and regional averages.
Hico is within 90 miles of three four-year university institutions: Tarleton State
University in Stephenville is just 25 miles away, Texas A&M University-Central Texas in
Killeen is 90 miles away, and Baylor University in Waco is 75 miles away. The universities
are known for their high graduation rates and full range of baccalaureate programs.
Hico is home to more than 25 employers; 23 of these employees have more than 5
employees on their payroll.
More than half of the jobs in Hico are held by the cohort population age 30-54 years old
(55.4%). Slightly more than seventy percent (71.2%) of the jobs within the City of Hico
are held by adults age 30 and above when adding the percentage of jobs in Hico held by
the cohort population of workers age 55 or older to the cohort population of 30-54
year-olds.
Since 2000, Hamilton County has maintained an unemployment rate below the state
average, but nonetheless showing the same fluctuations seen across the state.
Hamilton County is ranked 162nd in the state of 254 counties for gross commute flow
(the sum of workers moving in and out of the county for work) with the largest single
outflow to Coryell County.
Statistics show that 29% of individuals that work in Hico live in Hico while 9.8% live in
Stephenville.
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Business Environment
Compared to the state average, the community of Hico draws an older population with an
average age of 38 years. The average age of residents in the state of Texas is 33.5 years as
compared to the national average at 37.1 years. Hico’s tradition and established business
presence emulate this older population in its historical maintenance and preservation.
Hico’s Chamber of Commerce has taken an active role in incorporating local business efforts to
bring more commerce to the city through collaborative business efforts such as festivals and
fairs drawing in visitors and tourists from around the state.
To service these visitors and the citizenry monetarily, there are two banks located in the City of
Hico: First Community Bank and the local First National Bank of Hico. There are also four local
ATM locations placed throughout the city.
In addition, the City of Hico also utilizes a variety of economic development strategies in an
effort to provide public infrastructure improvements and incentivize development investments
within the city. For example, one such economic development strategy includes the economic
development sales tax. Adopted in 1993, this 0.005% sales tax on goods bought and sold within
the City of Hico is used to fund development projects compliant with Title B sales tax standards
within the city.
The Hico Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has made a sincere effort to bring
investment and business to Hico. Offering a variety of professional services to a company
looking to relocate their facility, the Hico EDC also creates incentive packages to attract business
and development. Incentives offered to investors and developers looking to relocate to Hico
include property tax abatements, Freeport Exemptions, economic development loans and
grants, etc. It is important to note that incentives are granted on a case-by-case basis and
require the approval of the Hico City Council.
Quality of Place
Hico offers visitors and its citizens a safe place to grow and raise a family with opportunities for
worship, community involvement, and education:
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Health Care
Limited health care is available in Hico with total comprehensive care available within 25
miles. The Hamilton Healthcare System maintains a clinic in Hico that offers a variety of
services for the citizens of Hico. Hospital services are available through the Hamilton
General Hospital in Hamilton, 21 miles from Hico, or the Texas Health Harris Methodist
Hospital in Stephenville, 19.76 miles from Hico.
Public Safety
Hico contracts with Hamilton County to provide law enforcement services to the
community. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office provides round-the-clock services to
the city. The most common crimes within the city include burglaries and theft. These
illegal activities are common in many communities, large and small.
Since the early 1900s, the City of Hico has maintained its own volunteer fire
department. With more than 30 active volunteers, the department provides community
protection 24 hours-per-day, seven days-per-week, and 365 days-per-year. All
volunteers have been trained according to standards announced by the Texas Forest
Service. The local fire department also boasts four fire trucks, one rescue truck, one
passenger van, and a variety of other fire and rescue equipment.
Housing
Most of the housing within the City of Hico is single-family dwelling units. Upon site
visit, the city offered limited multi-family housing units, limited only to duplex housing
and offering one apartment complex. Many of the housing units within the city show
clear signs of aging and wear. New residential developments are taking root in Hico,
including a 28-home development by developer Craig Willis in the Poplar Court
subdivision.
The City of Hico maintains an affordable housing option just west of the downtown
area. These units are single-story and provide housing for roughly 10-12 families. In
addition, the city also provides assisted living quarters for the elderly at Honey Creek
Place Assisted Living just north of the downtown area. This facility houses between 2024 residents.
Recreation
The City of Hico has a variety of well-attended annual events open to the citizenry and
visitors. These festivals and events include the Annual Steak Cook-Off, Old Settlers
Reunion, the Antique Festival and the Billy the Kid Day. In addition to these community
enrichment opportunities, the City of Hico has a city park, a museum, and other tourist
destinations including the Wiseman House of Chocolates and the Koffee Kup Family
Restaurant, both of which have been featured in travel publications and are a consistent
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draw for tourists.
Hico is within 50 miles of bodies of water including Lake Granbury and Lake Whitney.
The proximity of Hico to communities such as Stephenville and Glen Rose affords Hico
residents and tourists the opportunity to partake in recreational activities offered by
these communities.
The global and national economic development climate has evolved to the point where planning
and coordinating efforts are a necessity for each community within the context of its region and
the global marketplace. Smaller, rural cities are realizing the importance of identifying their
niche in order to stay competitive in today’s market. The City of Hico has partnered with local
and state organizations along with its citizens to leverage resources in an effort to become more
competitive. This Community Assessment is a snapshot of where Hico is today. Through the
process of strategic planning, Hico city officials will be recognized as the leaders in the economic
development movement for the city and surrounding area.
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VALUES, STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The citizens of Hico enjoy the community’s small town values and the wholesome experience
and sense of place that form the quality of life in Hico. They appreciate the sense of family and
the friendly, safe, and personal relationships that characterize their day-to-day interactions.
Although the City of Hico has relatively limited commercial developments and employment
opportunities, the city has great potential for economic growth given available land and real
estate, its location, rich heritage and abundant natural resources.
Three major highways pass through Hico, bringing thousands of travelers to the city daily. The
city’s advantageous location creates the potential to become a destination for travelers seeking
refuge from the larger cities or for those who enjoy heritage and nature tourism experiences.
Hico is rich with history, some of which is discovered and commercialized and some not yet fully
developed. The city has already started improving the aesthetics of downtown and has visions of
full revitalization. A few small retail establishments and several eateries make up the downtown
today. Still, downtown Hico has numerous buildings that are vacant, thus creating room for
small retail development and potential for additional dining experiences.
Hico leaders expressed a desire to enhance the image along highways coming into the city and
the downtown area, enhancing the first impression for visitors and welcoming them into
downtown. Much of the strategy that emerged through the planning process focuses on
enhancing the quality of life in Hico for members of the community and visitors and setting the
stage for future growth.
Values-Driven Economic Growth and Prosperity
The Hico Economic Development Corporation seeks economic growth that attracts visitors,
increases the tax base and creates job, all in a manner that is consistent with the values of the
citizens who call Hico home. The tagline on the Hico web site captures well the sense of
community that Hico seeks to retain and enhance.
“Hico, Texas…Where Everybody is Somebody.”
This promise of individual attention, hometown warmth and a welcoming community resonates
with the people of Hico and extends a welcome hand to visitors and businesses alike. This sense
of community and hospitable spirit form the values that will drive Hico’s economic development
investment and the activities outlined in this plan. Hico’s imperatives for growth and prosperity
include:

Uphold and enhance Hico’s sense of community and hometown hospitality

Preserve and promote Hico’s excellent schools, placing priority on education and
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community involvement

Create wholesome experiences for the community and visitors, enhancing Hico’s quality
of life and setting the stage for economic growth.

Deliver on the promise that “Everybody is somebody in Hico;” every citizen, every
business.
Strategy, Goals and Objectives
The central themes of Hico’s economic development strategy are community and tourism
development and employer engagement. By placing emphasis on these three areas, Hico will
become a desirable destination for tourists while attending to the needs of existing businesses.
As Hico implements the plan and begins to invest in Hico’s quality of place and more proactively
supports its existing employers, the community will become known not only for its rich heritage
and natural assets, but also as a place where even small business and entrepreneurs are valued
and where each visitor is welcomed to stay.
The following goals were established in support of this overall strategy. Each goal has an
associated roadmap in the Action Plan that follows, articulating measurable objectives that will
lead to successful strategy implementation.
1. Plan for community development. Set the stage for future growth and improve Hico’s
quality of life.
2. Establish Hico as a premier destination for travelers seeking heritage and nature tourism
opportunities.
3. Engage and support Hico’s existing businesses. Implement programs and services that
foster healthy businesses and encourage growth.
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ACTION PLAN
1. Plan for community development. Set the stage for future growth and
improve Hico’s quality of life.
Objective
Measure of success
Time frame
1A. Support the development of Hico’s
Comprehensive Plan to include
consideration of:
 Infrastructure (water, sewer,
roads)
 Ordinances
 Land Use and Zoning
 Parks Plan
1B. Support school bus fleet retrofit to
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG);
promote CNG sales to support tourism
Comprehensive plan
adopted; improvements
begun
1st Quarter 2013
CNG conversion complete;
CNG station operating and
selling to travelers
4th Quarter 2014
1C. Enhance communication with Hico
community through:

Exhibits of Hico’s Economic
Development plan and
accomplishments at City Hall

Hico Economic
Development Plan
Exhibit in Place

2nd Quarter
2012

Quarterly Community
Outreach Newsletter

Newsletters
distributed

4th Quarter
2012

Regular articles in local paper



Recognition of volunteers and
community champions
One Plan Update
placed each quarter
Begin 2nd
Quarter 2012
1D. Conduct annual economic
development strategy review and
update retreats
Review/Retreats held and
plan updated
1st Quarter 2013
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2. Establish Hico as a premier destination for travelers seeking heritage
and nature tourism opportunities.
Action Steps
Measure of success
Time frame
2A. Develop and adopt a Downtown
Plan developed and
Hico Development Plan; evaluate
adopted
potential for downtown connection to
community parks, trails, Bosque River
development (Small Area Development
Plan)
3rd Quarter 2012
2B. Establish a visitors’ center in
Downtown Hico
Visitors’ Center open;
Guest data captured
3rd Quarter 2012
2C. Conduct tourism market analysis
and implement marketing and
promotion plan
Tourism marketing and
promotion underway
4th Quarter 2012
2D. Attract and/or establish a Hico
coffee/tea house in Historic Downtown
Hico
Coffee/tea shop open and
promoted
4th Quarter 2012
2E. Enhance, promote and open Hico’s
RV Park
Park promoted; Weekend
occupancy at 50%
2nd Quarter 2012
Infrastructure
improvements in park
1st Quarter 2013
2F. Pursue boutique hotel
accommodations and high-end RV
resorts, B&Bs, small lodges and other
boutique accommodations in Hico
Formal boutique
accommodations
incentive program
adopted and promoted
1st Quarter 2013
2G. Enhance and beautify entrances to
Hico city limits and downtown Hico
New welcome areas in
place
3rd Quarter 2012
2H. Develop way finding (signage) plan
to help visitors find downtown Hico
and parks; coordinate with TxDOT to
place signs
Way finding study
completed and signs in
place
1st Quarter 2013
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3. Engage and support Hico’s existing businesses. Implement programs
and services that foster healthy businesses and encourage growth.
Action Steps
Measure of success
Time frame
3A. Create and adopt a formal
business retention and expansion
program. Program may include:
75% of existing businesses
engaged in program
planning effort (through
workshops, surveys, etc.)
3rd Quarter 2012

Business Process Reengineering
assistance
 Lean Manufacturing Assistance
 Market Expansion Research and
Support
 Business continuity planning
assistance
3B. Implement business retention
and expansion (BR&E) program
Program adopted and
offered to Hico employers
At least one employer
engaged in BR&E Program
activities each quarter
Begin 3rd Quarter
2012
3C. Promote available industrial land
on Hico EDC web site (consistent
with land use plan once adopted)
Land use plan with
industrial zones
highlighted on Hico EDC
web site
2nd Quarter 2013
3D. Promote available downtown
properties and tourism market data
on Hico EDC web site
Promotional information
on Hico EDC web site
3rd Quarter 2012
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APPENDIX A: HICO WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
On August 4, 2011, Texas Engineering Extension Service staff facilitated a Community Visioning
Session. The following Hico citizens participated in the session:
Samantha Ballard, High School Student
Bev Clauser, Land owner
Lee Clauser, Civic Club
Dr. B. C. Dayton, Medical doctor
Lucille Dayton, Long-time resident
Mike James, Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce
Josh Johnson, High School Student
Sue Land, Museum Director
Michael Leamons, City Administrator
Vikki Pitchford, Planning and Zoning Commission
April Presley, Chamber of Commerce
Bill Tarleton, Hico ISD
Laverne Tooley, Mayor of Hico
Craig Willis, Hico ISD School Board and Developer
Additionally, the following citizens also gave input into the Community Economic Development
Priorities Matrix:
Jennifer Giessner, Economic Development Corporation
Kevin Wenzel, Entrepreneur and Wiseman House Chocolates
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APPENDIX B:
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PRIORITIES MATRIX
Resulting Community Economic Development Priorities Matrix
The centerpiece of Knowledge Engineering’s methodology, the resulting Community Economic
Development Priorities Matrix, lists all the perceived wants and needs expressed by the
stakeholders participating in the workshops. Each Matrix row denotes a specific function,
feature, attribute or policy relevant to the successful implementation of a sustainable economic
development initiative. We have incorporated the priority rankings assigned by each
stakeholder representative along with specific comments contributed by the stakeholders. The
priority section (column) of the Matrix consolidates under a single “User” column. In Hico’s case,
all the stakeholder groups carry equal weight. The Administrative group (Hico’s leadership) had
the opportunity to rank the ideas as a separate group as well as the Development groups (TEEX
team) in order to influence the inclusion of specific elements based on their technical or
strategically relevant merits.
The Hico Matrix is sorted listing the highest “User” priority ranked elements at the top. Based on
a specific cut-off parameter (equal to, or better than 7.50 rank) the top elements have been
marked with an asterisk (*) under the “Inclusion” column. For the sake of clarification, following
is an explanation of the contents of each column of the matrix starting from the leftmost
column.
The “Main Function” column represents the category/function to be addressed.
The “Components” column identifies the elements that comprise the Main Function
listed in the previous column.
The “Priority” column includes sub-columns representing User, Administrative and
Developmental rankings. Ranks provided by each User group provide the rankings for a
given function. When an adjusted ranking is required from an administrative or
developmental perspective, the two associated columns are used to adjust the ranking.
The “p(f)” column shows the overall ranking of a given function.
The “Inclusion” column will show an asterisk (*) if the function ranked at or above the
project cut-off parameter, in this case 7.75 or better.
The “Method” column contains our suggested implementation approach for an
element.
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Community Economic Development
Priorities Matrix
Hico, TX
Main Function
Downtown
Revitalization
Promote outdoor
recreation/nature
tourism opportunities
Components
- neat little shops
- museums
- blacksmith shop
- shops open Friday
and Saturday nights
- historical building
preservation
- unique buildings
- walkable downtown
area
- affordable building
rent
- EDC supports growth
- Music Friday &
Saturday nights
- re-locate affordable
housing from
downtown area to
extend downtown
street
- hunting
- bike and walking
trails
- parks
- birding
- swimming pool
- appeal to
motorcycling
community
- fishing
- camping and RV
H
Res
Priority
Usr Adm Dev
8.25
p(f)
8.25
Incl.
v/X
*
6.92 9
7.96
*
Method
- Seek advice and
assistance from
Texas Historical
Commission and
Texas Department
of Agriculture
- Need downtown
development plan
- Texas Parks and
Wildlife
Department as
resource
- a part of
marketing strategy
- update existing
Hico Park Plan
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Increase number of
accommodations and
lodging facilities
- bed and breakfasts
- small, charming
hotels
Improve/beautify
entrances to the city Approach and
beautification
Enhance
infrastructure
- water
- sewer
- roads
7.83
7.83
*
7.83
7.83
*
7.67
7.67
*
- engage land
owners to invest in
lodging
- marketing will be
critical
- developing RV
park -sewer stations
- Midland Hotel - do
a study to
determine
feasibility/economic
impact; need;
growth - USDA
Rural Community
Development loan
- clean up junk
houses; get rid of
trash
- archway over
downtown with
Hico logo
- Beautify ordinances, building
construction
downtown
- Clean up
approachespecially on 220
from metroplex
- Work on TXDOT
relations to
influence where
historic signs go
- Texas Water Board
- Texas Commission
on Environmental
Quality
- Comprehensive
Plan needed
19
Establish formal
program to support,
retain, and expand
existing businesses
- provide assistance to
manufacturers
- assess business
needs
- build trust and
repoire with existing
businesses
- EDC become a
partner to existing
businesses
7.67
Establish Visitor
Center
- in downtown area
- easily accessible and
found by visitors
- develop "walking
tour" map
- log cabin as visitor
center site
7.00 8
Conduct annual
community plan
review and update
- re-energize/motivate
community
- update plan
- recognize local
"champions"
7.25
7.67
*
8
7.67
*
8
7.63
*
- Skills Development
Training for Small
Businesses is a
resource from Texas
Workforce
Commission
- Strengthen
partnership with
Central Texas
Council of
Governments and
Central Texas
Workforce Board
- Lean
Manufacturing
training
- we need an
updated restroom
facility and a visitor
center co-located in
order to get people
downtown
- Coordinate with
TxDOT on signage
to promote Visitor
Center
- continue
recognition of local
champions by the
civic club
- include all the
things the city has
done for the last 10
years
20
Establish
Entertainment
Venues
Recruit Light
Industrial Businesses
Improve visibility and
awareness of historic
downtown Hico for
visitors to the area
- music downtown,
- theatre
- movies
- bowling
- country club
revitalization
- tennis court
- fine arts center
- cotton gin bought
and re-tooled
- outdoor ampitheatre
- parks and trails as
entertainment venue
- attractions for young
people
- job creation
- Hico known as "goto" place for welding
6.17
9
7.58
*
- entertainment
allows for longer
visitor hours and
spending money
locally
8.17
7
7.58
*
Office of the
Governor is a
resource
- Skills Development
Training for Small
Businesses from
Texas Workforce
Commission
- Establish land use
plan and
comprehensive
master plan and
documentation to
include preparation
vs recruit
- Signage and markers
7.58
7.58
*
21
Enhance
communication with
residents
- communicating
vision prior to
initiating projects
- use website and
online tools for
communication
- keep citizens
informed of events
and recreation
opportunities
- communicate
opportunities for
community
involvement
- support local
"champions"
Retrofit school buses;
establish C&G
stations
7.08 8
7.54
*
- the community
must feel involved if
we want them to be
supportive
- involve newspaper
in promoting events
- quarterly
newletter to utility
customers
0.00
7.50
*
added as priority
project during
leadership retreat
7.50
*
- loft housing
- wifi access
- support remote
work; virtual office
- capture
"weekenders"
- the passing of beer
and wine sales
should help in the
future
Work to attract
young, enterprising
new residents
- welcome innovation
and ideas
7.50
Increase eateries and
food establishments
- coffee shops
- high-end dining
- bakery, ice
cream/tea room
5.92
9
7.46
22
Expand heritage and
cultural tourism
Create tourism
marketing plan
Explore feasibility to
build venue to host
large events
Promote and market
festivals and events
- oral and living history
presentations/festivals
- Develop experiences
around Western
heritage
- explore welding and
metal arts festival
- support and promote
local artists and
craftsmen
-support tourismbased entrepreneurs
- store owner wear era
costumes
- youth conduct oral
history research and
reports
- Capitalize/market
city's location
- support and
champion welders and
craftsmen
- promote the pride of
youth
- hotel and conference
center to be built near
downtown
6.75 8
7.38
7.17
7.17
- Old Settler's Reunion
- Antique Fair
- Steak Cook-Off
- Billy the Kid Day
- western theme
- Welding Art Festival
- Chili Cook off
- Car show
7.08
7.08
- engaging welders;
consider having an
arts festival with
welding
23
Develop Bosque River
attraction to be part
of tourism strategy
Maintain and
promote excellent
schools
Restore/Develop
cotton gin into
attraction/community
asset
- clean up river
- develop park river
area as attraction and
community asset
- promote RV use
- connect to walking
trails
- build bridge across
the river
- expand Hico City
Park
- add more trails
- TEA "recognized"
district
- school activities
- enhance theatre and
performing arts
programs
- youth conduct oral
history research and
reports
- school grows from
2A to 3A
- restaurant
- civic event center
- dance hall
- connect to river and
city/RV park
6.58
6.58
6.42
6.42
- leverage schools
for community
growth (TEEX)
6.25
6.25
- longer range park
and economic
development
proposal
- include this in TIRZ
24
Keep small town
charm/experience
Increase activities for
youth
- escape big city life
- welcoming and
"homey" feel
- uniqueness of
community
- commraderie
- pace of life
- great place to raise a
family
- neighborhood watch
- strong Christian
values
- safe community
- heart of Texas
character and soul
- theatre
- bowling
- eating
establishments
- places to "hang out"
- shopping
- large swimming pool
- coffee shops
- engage high school
students to teach
drama for younger
children
- cotton gin/silos retooled for activities
- wholesome
entertainment
opportunities
- hire students in
costume to teach
history to tourists
6.08
6.08
- small town
charm/experience is
a tourism selling
point (TEEX)
6.00
6.00
- youth have
expendable income
and part of the life
of a town and its
future
25
Engage Hico Civic
Club as Community
Development Partner
- focus Civic Club
investments to
support strategic
community
development needs
- invest in youth
activities and facilities
"Shop and Buy Local"
Campaign
5.92
5.92
5.83
5.83
Restore Depot
- develop as part of
expanded park trails
5.58
5.58
Promote Hico and
community activities
to high school alumni
- former students
open new businesses
- Entrepreneur
supported community
5.58
5.58
- idea: area
merchants agree on
a local discount card
to residents of Hico
who get a discount
for buying local;
proceeds can go to
arts driven project;
the kid selling the
most cards gets a
prize; a semipermanent card can
be created to show
participation, much
like the discount
card sold to support
the local football
booster
- longer range park
plan and economic
development
proposal
26
Welding training
center
- partner with TSTC to
train welders in Hico
- enhance an existing
resource
5.58
5.58
Expanded access to
health care services
- updated clinic
- more services for
aging population
- expand on Six Man
Football opportunity
- explore other uses of
the venue
5.25
5.25
4.67
4.67
Revitalize historic
football stadium
promote its use and
availability
- Partner with
Central Texas Local
Workforce Board
and Texas
Workforce
Commission
- offer scholarships
for kids to go to
TSTC
27
APPENDIX C: RANKINGS MAP
The Rankings Map provides a
visual map of the priorities as
ranked by each stakeholder group.
Looking at the rankings in this
format provides insight into the
comparative rankings across
stakeholders and is useful when
communicating the plan to various
groups.
Downtown Revitalizatio
Promote outdoor recrea
Increase number of acc
Improve/beautify entra
Enhance infrastructure
Establish formal progr
Establish Visitor Cent
Conduct annual
communi
Establish Entertainmen
Recruit Light Industri
Improve visibility and
Enhance communication
Retrofit school buses;
Work to attract young,
Increase eateries and
Expand heritage and cu
Explore feasibility to
Promote and market fes
Develop Bosque River a
Maintain and promote e
Restore/Develop cotton
Keep small town charm/
Increase activities fo
Engage Hico Civic Club
"Shop and Buy Local" C
Restore Depot
Promote Hico and
commu
Welding training cente
Expanded access to he
New Residents
8-10
6-8
4-6
Faith Based Organization
Landowners
Downtown Businesses
Tourists
Long Time resident
Youth
Entrepreneurs
Current Employers
Civic Organization
School District
City Government
2-4
-2
The Rankings Map illustrates the
correlation between user groups
and project components and
provides a visual guide to priorities
and sensitivities of various user
groups. In the case of Hico, the
high ranking of top priorities by
most of the stakeholder groups
across the board is shown in the
Rankings Map by the abundance
of maroon (representing a ranking
between 8 and 10). The white
areas of the map indicate areas
that received lower rankings and
thus represent topics with less
support from the given
stakeholder group. The map is
particularly useful as a tool
supporting project
communications, as it shows at a
glance areas where there are
potential differences in
perspective among various project
stakeholders and affords project
leadership the opportunity to
prepare presentations and
communications accordingly.
28
APPENDIX D: HICO COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT, 2011
August 2011
PREPARED FOR:
HICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
120 WEST FIRST STREET
P.O. BOX 4
HICO, TEXAS 76457
PREPARED BY:
TEXAS ENGINEERING EXTENSION SERVICE
KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING
301 Tarrow Street
College Station, Texas 77840
Joan Quintana, Economic Development Program Director
Hico Community Assessment, August 2011
1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Background ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Summary of Findings .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Community Characteristics............................................................................................................................. 5
Infrastructure................................................................................................................................................. 6
Education and Workforce............................................................................................................................... 7
Business Environment .................................................................................................................................... 7
Quality of Place .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Demographics ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Location ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Population ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Population by Age ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Income............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Highways / Roads ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Rail .................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Air .................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Internet............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Education and Workforce ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Education......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Primary & Secondary Education(K-12) .......................................................................................................... 23
Post Secondary Education ............................................................................................................................ 24
Workforce........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Wages.......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Wages by Occupation................................................................................................................................... 30
Wages by Industry ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Employment by Industry .............................................................................................................................. 32
Unemployment ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Business Environment .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Financial Vitality ............................................................................................................................................... 39
Locals Sales and Use Tax................................................................................................................................... 40
Current Economic Development Strategies & Incentives ................................................................................... 42
2
SWOT Analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 43
Quality of Place .................................................................................................................................................... 45
Health Care ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Public Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 46
Law Enforcement ......................................................................................................................................... 46
Fire Services ................................................................................................................................................. 46
Housing............................................................................................................................................................ 47
Faith ................................................................................................................................................................ 47
Community Enrichment.................................................................................................................................... 48
Recreational Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 49
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
The Hico Economic Development Corporation (EDC) contacted the Texas Engineering Extension Service
(TEEX) Knowledge Engineering seeking technical assistance that would help the EDC develop a program
of activities to increase their local understanding of economic development, develop a strategic plan,
and gain awareness of and access to federal and state resources. In support of these activities, TEEX
Knowledge Engineering conducted research and prepared a baseline report for the community. The
baseline report represents a “snapshot” of the community demographics at a particular point in time
and will serve as basis for comparison for measuring effectiveness of future development efforts. The
document that follows is the result of TEEX’s research, data collection, interviews, and evaluation.
“…Where Everybody Is Somebody!”
4
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Hico, Texas was founded in 1856 at a location along Honey Creek. In 1880, the town was moved 2.5
miles to be closer to the Texas Central Railroad that was built through Hamilton County. Today, the City
of Hico extends to cover 1.5 square miles of land. Hico is one of only two incorporated cities in Hamilton
County; the other being Hamilton, located 27 miles south of Hico on US 281.
The community of Hico sits at the intersection of Highways 6, 281, and 220. Outside of the Dallas-Fort
Worth and Waco major metropolitan areas, the City of Hico today offers refuge for weekend travelers
seeking unique shopping opportunities. With steady growth in visitors and a strong series of festivals
and events attracting outside visitors, Hico is making a name for itself as a tourist destination but lacks
accommodations to fully exploit the economic potential - its retail, heritage and natural assets.
Hico’s location at the intersection of three major highways running throughout the state and proximity
to large metropolitan areas, position the community as a potential location for business development
and investors.
Community Characteristics
Population
An analysis of the latest census report indicates Hico will continue its trajectory of limited
growth. Through 2015, the community is expected to grow at a 0.6% rate. 1 This is less than half
of Hamilton County’s predicted growth rate (1.3%) and differs greatly from the Central Texas
Workforce Development Area’s predicted growth rate. With a limited influx of new residents to
the community, the City of Hico has been able to preserve and retain its small town quality of
life and historic roots.
Interest in Investing
Given the location of the City of Hico at the intersection of multiple highway systems, the
availability of land and space in the downtown community, and encouragement provided by the
economic development corporation, interest in business investment is likely to increase.
Involved Community
Unique to the community, a variety of annual planned events are scheduled in the community
uniting businesses and the citizenry. Additionally, the Hico Chamber of Commerce has actively
pursued an integrative role within the community in recent years that is ever-increasing. City
officials and entities such as the local chamber work to promote its citizens and businesses in
any way possible. Scheduled meetings throughout the duration of this project have been
attended by citizens, business owners, and elected officials consistently indicating Hico
1
Sites on Texas
5
community members are involved and care deeply about their future. Close relationships exist
between residents and community leaders.
Land Availability
There is a variety of land available for purchase and development throughout the city. This
includes land that is available in the downtown area as well as in undeveloped areas. For
example, a new 28-home residential development is blossoming southeast of the downtown
area.
Land is not only available for development, but a variety of opportunities exists for
redevelopment. Residential area revitalizations and commercial developments are welcomed
by Hico’s Economic Development Corporation. While city annexation may only occur by
petition, the city is willing to work with investors to the area and encourage development
initiatives. The extraterritorial jurisdiction currently extends 0.5 miles beyond the city limits.
Infrastructure
Hico’s physical infrastructure is adequate to support current residential and commercial structures
within the community. Additionally, the community has added free wireless internet access in the
downtown area to better serve the business community and travelers as broadband accessibility has
become an important tool in providing convenience for businesses and tourists.
As mentioned, US Highway 281 and State Highways 220 and 6 cut through the City of Hico carrying a
large amount of vehicle traffic. In fact, SH 6 passes right through the downtown area. Hico and its
surrounding areas oblige roughly 7,600 passenger vehicles travelling on the Texas Department of
Transportation maintained roadways daily.2 This number does not include the nearly 1,500 trucks that
travel through the area each day as well. These well-traveled roads provide Hico an advantage in the
city’s effort to build its tourism industry.
Direct rail service is not available in Hico, or Hamilton County. With the closure of railroad lines in the
1900s, Hamilton County certainly was impacted by the lack of rail accessibility. However, nearby
Bosque, Mills, and Lampasas counties have railway systems.
Commercial airports in Dallas-Fort Worth, Killeen, and Waco provide airway access for tourists and
citizens in the area. All of these airports are within three hours of the city with the closest airport
located in Waco—an hour and fifteen minutes from Hico. The Killeen-Fort Hood airport is located an
hour and forty minutes from Hico and the expansive international Dallas-Fort Worth airport within two
hours of the city.
2
Texas Department of Transportation, Traffic Counts Flowband, 2009.
6
Education and Workforce
Hico is able to sustain its own school district. In addition to this, the City of Hico maintains a workforce
of established individuals in the city as they are from an older population. The City of Hico lacks
influence from the younger cohort (ages 19-29) despite the city’s proximity to three large, four-year
universities.
Hico ISD is classified as “recognized” by the Texas Education Agency, the second highest possible
rating in the Texas Accountability Ranking System. The district’s dropout rate is well below the
state and regional averages.
•
Hico is within 90 miles of three four-year university institutions: Tarleton State University in
Stephenville is just 25 miles away, Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen is 90 miles
away, and Baylor University in Waco is 75 miles away. The universities are known for their high
graduation rates and full range of baccalaureate programs.
Hico is home to more than 25 employers; 23 of these employees have more than 5 employees
on their payroll.
More than half of the jobs in Hico are held by the cohort population age 30-54 years old (55.4%).
Slightly more than seventy percent (71.2%) of the jobs within the City of Hico are held by adults
age 30 and above when adding the percentage of jobs in Hico held by the cohort population of
workers age 55 or older to the cohort population of 30-54 year-olds.
Since 2000, Hamilton County has maintained an unemployment rate below the state average,
but nonetheless showing the same fluctuations seen across the state.
Hamilton County is ranked 162nd in the state of 254 counties for gross commute flow (the sum
of workers moving in and out of the county for work) with the largest single outflow to Coryell
County.
Statistics show that 29% of individuals that work in Hico live in Hico while 9.8% live in
Stephenville.
Business Environment
Compared to the state average, the community of Hico draws an older population with an average age
of 38 years. The average age of residents in the state of Texas is 33.5 years as compared to the national
average at 37.1 years. Hico’s tradition and established business presence emulate this older population
in its historical maintenance and preservation.
Hico’s Chamber of Commerce has taken an active role in incorporating local business efforts to bring
more commerce to the city through collaborative business efforts such as festivals and fairs drawing in
7
visitors and tourists from around the state.
To service these visitors and the citizenry monetarily, there are two banks located in the City of Hico:
First Community Bank and the local First National Bank of Hico. There are also four local ATM locations
placed throughout the city.
In addition, the City of Hico also utilizes a variety of economic development strategies in an effort to
provide public infrastructure improvements and incentivize development investments within the city.
For example, one such economic development strategy includes the economic development sales tax.
Adopted in 1993, this 0.005% sales tax on goods bought and sold within the City of Hico is used to fund
development projects compliant with Type B sales tax standards within the city.
The Hico Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has made a sincere effort to bring investment and
business to Hico. Offering a variety of professional services to a company looking to relocate their
facility, the Hico EDC also creates incentive packages to attract business and development. Incentives
offered to investors and developers looking to relocate to Hico include property tax abatements,
Freeport Exemptions, economic development loans and grants, etc. It is important to note that
incentives are granted on a case-by-case basis and require the approval of the Hico City Council.
Quality of Place
Hico offers visitors and its citizens a safe place to grow and raise a family with opportunities for worship,
community involvement, and education:
Health Care
Limited health care is available in Hico with total comprehensive care available within 25 miles.
The Hamilton Healthcare System maintains a clinic in Hico that offers a variety of services for the
citizens of Hico. Hospital services are available through the Hamilton General Hospital in
Hamilton, 21 miles from Hico, or the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville,
19.76 miles from Hico.
Public Safety
Hico contracts with Hamilton County to provide law enforcement services to the community.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office provides round-the-clock services to the city. The most
common crimes within the city include burglaries and theft. These illegal activities are common
in many communities, large and small.
Since the early 1900s, the City of Hico has maintained its own volunteer fire department. With
more than 30 active volunteers, the department provides community protection 24 hours-perday, seven days-per-week, and 365 days-per-year. All volunteers have been trained according
to standards announced by the Texas Forest Service. The local fire department also boasts four
8
fire trucks, one rescue truck, one passenger van, and a variety of other fire and rescue
equipment.
Housing
Most of the housing within the City of Hico is single-family dwelling units. Upon site visit, the
city offered limited multi-family housing units, limited only to duplex housing and offering one
apartment complex. Many of the housing units within the city show clear signs of aging and
wear. New residential developments are taking root in Hico, including a 28-home development
by developer Craig Willis in the Poplar Court subdivision.
The City of Hico maintains an affordable housing option just west of the downtown area. These
units are single-story and provide housing for roughly 10-12 families. In addition, the city also
provides assisted living quarters for the elderly at Honey Creek Place Assisted Living just north of
the downtown area. This facility houses between 20-24 residents.
Recreation
The City of Hico has a variety of well-attended annual events open to the citizenry and visitors.
These festivals and events include the Annual Steak Cook-Off, Old Settlers Reunion, the Antique
Festival and the Billy the Kid Day. In addition to these community enrichment opportunities, the
City of Hico has a city park, a museum, and other tourist destinations including the Wiseman
House of Chocolates and the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant, both of which have been featured in
travel publications and are a consistent draw for tourists.
Hico is within 50 miles of bodies of water including Lake Granbury and Lake Whitney. The
proximity of Hico to communities such as Stephenville and Glen Rose affords Hico residents and
tourists the opportunity to partake in recreational activities offered by these communities.
The global and national economic development climate has evolved to the point where planning and
coordinating efforts are a necessity for each community within the context of its region and the global
marketplace. Smaller, rural cities are realizing the importance of identifying their niche in order to stay
competitive in today’s market. The City of Hico has partnered with local and state organizations along
with its citizens to leverage resources in an effort to become more competitive. This Community
Assessment is a snapshot of where Hico is today. Through the process of strategic planning, Hico city
officials will be recognized as the leaders in the economic development movement for the city and
surrounding area.
9
DEMOGRAPHICS
LOCATION
The City of Hico is located at the edge of Texas Hill Country. Surrounded by such lush, green landscape,
and situated at the intersection of Highways 6, 220, and 281, Hico offers a beautiful refuge for those
looking to escape the greater Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco metropolitan areas. The community rests
less than 95 miles outside of these great metropolises. Neighboring communities include: Iredell,
Walnut Springs, Cranfills Gap, Stephenville, Dublin, Hamilton, Meridian, and Glen Rose. These
surrounding communities also offer features that attract a variety of visitors from larger metropolitan
locations.
Hico is a part of Hamilton County—an 836 square mile expanse that, in addition to Hico, includes the
City of Hamilton and a portion of the town of Evant. Hamilton County is a part of the Central Texas
Council of Governments and within the Central Texas State Planning Region (23). This Central Texas
region includes Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba counties.
POPULATION
A variety of statistical data has been used to depict the City of Hico accurately in terms of population
characteristics. Figure 1 presents the population estimates for Hico, Hamilton County, the Central Texas
Workforce Development Area (WDA), and the state of Texas as projected by the Texas Workforce
Commission. The estimates provided show limited population growth over the next five years for the
Hico community and Hamilton County (42 and 487 residents, respectively). Contrarily, the Central Texas
WDA is expected to show marked growth (roughly 180,000) between 1990 and 2015. The expectation
of minimal growth within the Hico community is deeply interesting. It is important to note that between
2000 and 2010, the population of Hico has shown a population decrease that is expected to extend into
2015.
Figure 1: Hico Population
Percentage Change
1990-2000 2000-2010 2010-2015
Area
1990
2000
2010 Estimate
2015 Projection
Hico
1,310
1,391
1,344
1,352
6.2
-3.4
0.6
Hamilton
County
Central
Texas
WDA
Texas
Total
7,733
8,229
8,115
8,220
6.4
-1.4
1.3
309,442
374,518
426,480
445,003
21.0
13.9
4.3
16,986,524
20,851,820
25,254,587
27,616,082
22.8
21.1
9.4
Source: Texas Workforce Commission/Sites on Texas
10
As further represented in Figure 2, population growth is expected to remain stagnant over the next 50
years. The Texas Water Development Board projects the population of Hico to remain constant through
2060. Additionally, Hamilton County is expected to lose residents over the course of the next 50 years.
These area trends show great contrast to the state of Texas that is expected to almost double its
population in the course of the next 50 years.
Figure 2: 2006 Regional Water Plan Population Projections 2000 – 2060
Area
Hico
Hamilton
County
Texas Total
2000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
2060
1,341
1,417
1,417
1,417
1,417
1,417
1,417
8,229
7,790
7,681
7,596
7,624
7,512
7,504
20,747,282
25,388,403
29,650,388
33,712,020
37,734,422
41,924,167
46,323,725
Source: Texas Water Development Board
There seems to be a lack of ethnic diversity within the City of Hico as the city’s population contains a
large majority of white residents (89.7%). This is similar to the white population of the larger Hamilton
County (93.7%), but varies from state demographics in terms of Hispanic and black residents.
Figure 3: Population by Race/Ethnicity 2009
Race/ethnicity
Texas 2010 Estimate
Hamilton County 2010
Estimate
Hico 2010 Estimate
White
69.4%
93.7%
89.7%
Black
11.5%
0.2%
0.0%
American Indian or
Alaska Native
0.4%
0.4%
0.7%
Asian or Pacific Islander
3.7%
0.3%
0.4%
12.1%
4.4%
7.7%
2.8%
1.1%
1.5%
Hispanic Ethnicity
36.5%
10.0%
15.0%
Not Hispanic or Latino
63.5%
90.0%
85.1%
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Source: Hamilton County Website and Texas Workforce Commission’s http:www.sitesontexas.com
As represented in Figure 4, diversity trends are expected to remain generally stagnant. Very small
percentage gains among Asian or Pacific Islander and “Other Race” are expected to increase, but only
minimally (<1%). The small gains in ethnic diversity can be expected, however, due to the lack of growth
predicted in Hico through the coming decades.
11
Figure 4: Projection Race/Ethnicity Distribution for Hico
Race/ethnicity
2000
2000
2010
percentage
projection
White
1,251
89.9%
1,206
Black
American Indian or
Alaska Native
Asian or Pacific
Islander
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Hispanic Ethnicity
Not Hispanic or
Latino
2010
percentage
89.7%
2015
projection
1,209
2015
percentage
89.4%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
11
0.8%
9
0.7%
9
0.7%
2
0.2%
5
0.4%
5
0.4%
106
7.7%
104
7.7%
107
7.9%
20
1.5%
21
1.5%
22
1.600%
156
11.2%
201
15.0%
237
17.5%
1,235
88.8%
1,143
85.1%
1,115
82.5%
Source: Texas Workforce Commission’s http:www.sitesontexas.com
Population by Age
The age distribution of a community’s citizens can provide valuable insight into the region’s economic
composition and income potential. In 2010, the median age of the United States’ population was 37.1.
Contrarily, Texas has a relatively young population compared to this standard (33.5 years). Interestingly,
the City of Hico and Hamilton County have populations with an average age above the national
standard. This concludes that Hico and Hamilton County are well above the state average with regards
to the age of their residents. Age distribution statistics for Hico, Hamilton County, and the state of Texas
are provided in Figure 5.
Figure 5: City, County and State Population by Age: 2009 and 2014 Estimate
Age
Hico
Hamilton County
Texas
Hico
% 2010
% 2010
% 2010
% 2015
Age 0-4
7.1%
6.1%
8.1%
7.6%
Hamilton Co.
% 2015
6.7%
Texas
% 2015
7.7%
Age 5-14
12.2%
11.8%
15.1%
12.4%
12.0%
15.2%
Age 15-19
6.9%
6.1%
7.1%
6.8%
6.0%
6.9%
Age 20-24
6.7%
6.2%
7.1%
6.8%
6.1%
6.8%
Age 25-34
14.2%
12.0%
14.5%
15.1%
12.8%
13.8%
Age 35-44
10.1%
10.5%
13.9%
10.0%
10.5%
13.5%
Age 45-54
12.4%
13.0%
13.4%
11.0%
11.4%
13.0%
Age 55-64
9.5%
11.6%
10.2%
10.4%
12.6%
11.3%
Age 65-74
9.3%
10.9%
5.9%
8.9%
10.5%
7.1%
Age 75-84
7.2%
7.7%
3.3%
7.6%
8.2%
3.5%
Age 85+
4.4%
4.2%
1.5%
3.6%
3.4%
1.3%
Median Age
38.0
42.6
33.7
36.2
41.1
34.8
12
Further analysis assessing the population of Hico concludes a majority of the population is made up of
persons age 45 and older (43%). This leads one to infer the community of Hico is plausibly a retirement
community. The next largest portion of Hico’s community is made up of persons aged 20-44. This
segment of the population is an important group for benchmarking community health. The size of this
age group may be indicative of negative perceptions of the community’s economy as citizens may be
moving away from what they consider a poor labor market. The final age group, ages 0-19, comprise
the smallest portion of Hico’s community. These individuals are the future of Hico’s community as the
up-and-coming workforce and tax base. This section of the community is greatly important to the future
of Hico and city directives should focus on utilizing this age group in some capacity in the city’s future
development initiatives.
Figure 6: Age Distribution of Hico, 2009
INCOME
Per capita personal income is defined as personal income from all sources. This includes wage and
salary disbursements, supplements to wages and salaries, proprietors’ income with inventory valuation
and capital consumption adjustments, rental income of persons with capital consumption adjustment,
personal dividend income, personal interest income, and personal current transfer receipts, less
contributions for government social insurance. This measure, then, is calculated as the personal income
of the residents of a given area divided by the resident population of the area. In computing per capita
personal income, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses the Census Bureau’s annual midyear
population estimates.
Figure 7 displays the per capita personal income (PCPI) for the United States, Texas, and counties within
the Central Texas region. Texas has seen a PCPI decrease of 3.1% between 2008 and 2009. This rate is
13
higher than the decrease in PCPI seen in the United States for that same time period which is recorded
as -2.6%. Hamilton County saw a decrease in PCPI by 0.1% between 2008 and 2009. Compared to other
counties in the Central Texas region, Hamilton County was one of two counties that saw a decrease in
per capita personal income. Most of the other counties in the Central Texas council region (except for
Mills and Hamilton counties) saw an increase in per capita personal income. In looking at the annual
growth rate of the PCPI for the decade 1999-2009, Hamilton County exists among the middle of the pack
with a PCPI growth rate of 4.3%.
Figure 7: Per Capita Personal Income
2009 PCPI
PCPI % Increase
2008-2009
1999 PCPI
1999-2009 Avg.
Annual Growth
rate of PCPI
$39,635
-2.6%
$28,333
3.4%
$38,609
-3.1%
$26,399
3.9%
$39,839
2.8%
$23,388
5.5%
$36,547
1.4%
$17,637
7.6%
$34,371
-0.1%
$22,528
4.3%
$42,280
4.0%
$21,293
7.1%
Milam County
Mills County
$29,910
1.8%
$21,087
3.6%
$30,552
-2.1%
$20,605
4.0%
San Saba County
$27,331
1.7%
$18,148
4.2%
Area
United States
Texas
Bell County
Coryell County
Hamilton County
Lampasas County
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
In monetary terms, Hamilton County’s PCPI was $34,371, ranking the county 98th in the state and 89% of
the state average ($38,609). This PCPI statistic for Hamilton County is also recorded as 87% of the
national average, $39,635. In 1999, the PCPI of Hamilton County was $22,528, ranking 78th in the state
among the 254 counties in Texas. Clearly, the per capita personal income growth rate within Hamilton
County decreased over the decade as compared to other counties within the state.
Similar to the per capita personal income measurement tool, the total personal income (TPI) statistic is a
widely used measure of economic health, but this statistic measures the well-being of residents within a
region as compared to other areas of the state. Therefore, the estimates of personal income are
presented by the place of residence of the income recipients. The total personal income measures for
the state of Texas and counties within the Central Texas Area Council of Governments are presented in
Figure 8.
14
Figure 8: Total Personal Income
Area
United States
Texas
Bell County
Coryell County
Hamilton County
Lampasas County
Milam County
Mills County
San Saba County
2009 TPI
(thousands)
TPI % Increase
2008-2009
1999TPI
(thousands)
1999-2009 Average
annual growth rate of TPI
$12,530,101,184
-1.7%
$7,906,131,000
4.4%
$999,062,579
-1.2%
$542,719,630
5.8%
$11,385,582
2.8%
$5,470,165
7.6%
$2,650,682
0.6%
$1,309,830
7.3%
$276,446
-0.6%
$182,973
4.2%
$884,279
4.0%
$368,861
9.7%
$736,617
-2.6%
$508,733
3.8%
$152,575
-2.1%
$105,437
3.8%
$160,462
2.1%
$111,627
3.7%
In 2009, the TPI of Hamilton County was $276,446. This mark ranked Hamilton County 173rd in the state
of Texas making up less than 0.1 percent of the state total ($999,062,579). In 1999, the total personal
income of Hamilton County was $182,973 ranking 175th in the state. Recently, the TPI measurement of
Hamilton County has shown a decrease of 0.6% between the years 2008 and 2009. This decrease in TPI
is less than that observed for the state of Texas and the United States (-1.2% and -1.7%, respectively)
indicating a healthier economic growth rate than the overall state and nation. Hamilton County was one
of three counties within the Central Texas region to decrease in TPI in this period. The other four
counties (Bell, Coryell, Lampasas, and San Saba) saw growth in their TPI from 2008-2009.
Components of total personal income include: net earnings by place of residence; dividends, interest,
rent; and personal current transfer receipts received by the residents of a particular area. The table
below summarizes these components of personal income for the state of Texas and Hamilton County in
1999 and 2009. Basically, residents of Hamilton County receive a lower percent of their TPI from net
earnings versus Texas residents and a higher percent of their TPI from other sources.
Figure 9: Components of Total Personal Income (%)
Area
Net Earnings
Dividends, Interest,
Rent
Total Personal Current Transfer
Receipts
2009
69
17
15
1999
74
15
11
2009
45
27
27
1999
55
22
23
Texas
Hamilton County
15
Below, the definitions for the net earnings, dividends, interest, rent, and current transfer receipts are
provided. These definitions offer clarification of the components of total personal income.
Net earnings by place of residence is earnings by place of work less contributions for
government social insurance, plus an adjustment to convert earnings by place of work to a place
of residence basis. Earnings by place of work are the sum of wage and salary disbursements,
supplements to wages and salaries, and proprietors’ income.
Dividends: This component of personal income consists of the payments in cash or other assets,
excluding the corporation’s own stock, made by corporations located in the United States or
abroad to persons who are U.S. residents. It excludes that portion of dividends paid by
regulated investment companies (mutual funds) related to capital gains distributions.
Interest: This component of personal income is the interest income (monetary and imputed) of
persons from all sources.
Rent: Rental income is the net income of persons from the rental of real property except for the
income of persons primarily engaged in the real estate business; the imputed net rental income
of the owner-occupants of nonfarm dwellings; and the royalties received from patents,
copyrights, and the right to natural resources.
Personal current transfer receipts refer to payments to persons for which no current services are
performed. It consists of payments to individuals and to nonprofit institutions by Federal, state,
and local governments and by businesses.
16
INFRASTRUCTURE
In the context of community development, infrastructure generally refers to the elements providing a
supportive framework to a given community including roads, railroads, and airports. Broadband
availability, too, has become an important infrastructure type.
Figure 10: Map of Hico and Surrounding Area
Source: Google Maps
HIGHWAYS / ROADS
Hamilton County is a part of the Waco District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
There are eight counties within the Waco District including: Hamilton, Coryell, Bell, Bosque, McLennan,
Falls, Hill, and Limestone. District headquarters are located within Waco. Additionally, there are five
area offices located throughout the district and a maintenance office located within each county.
Hamilton County’s maintenance office location is in the city of Hamilton, approximately 20 miles from
Hico.
Farm to Market Road (FM) 1744 runs from US 281 at Hico westward to Carlton with a total distance of
12 miles. Similarly, FM 1602, just south of city, runs southwest connecting US 281 and SH 36 near
Jonesboro (a distance of approximately 30 miles).
The City of Hico is situated amid two State Highways (SH) (6 and 220) and one US Highway (281). State
Highways 6 and 220 converge at the city center of Hico. SH 6 weaves through nearly 475 miles of the
Texas landscape from the Texas-Oklahoma state line to Galveston. SH 6 and US Highway 281 conjoin for
9 miles heading to northeast from the City of Hico at which point both highways once again separate.
17
Highway 281 carries traffic for roughly 580 miles throughout the state extending from the TexasOklahoma border to Brownsville located at the southern border of the state next to Mexico. Fulfilling a
shorter commute, SH 220 juts out to the northeast from Hico and runs a mere 13.5 miles to a point near
Chalk Mountain.
In the picture provided, the downtown area abuts State Highway 6. Resultantly, the downtown area
sees a good deal of traffic daily.
State Highway 6
Below, Figure 11 provides an aerial view of the City of Hico and the surrounding highway system that
envelopes the city.
18
Figure 11: Map of Hico and Highway System
HICO CITY CENTER
Source: Google Maps
Currently, there are a handful of TXDOT projects that have been funded and approved within Hamilton
County. Most of the highway project agenda items are at or near completion with the exception of
planned roadway lane expansions on US 281 and an enhancement project on a tenth of a mile stretch
within the city of Hamilton. There is one unfunded project currently in the transportation project report
agenda set to have a direct impact on Hico. The project, with an estimated cost of nearly $10 million is
for the construction of new roadway lanes to be added to US 281 between the cities of Hico and
Hamilton.
The construction of sidewalks is one of the projects already completed within the City of Hico. The
project was provided by a federal grant, The Safe Routes to School Program, administered by TXDOT.
Sidewalks were constructed from Hico Elementary School to Railroad Street. Another recently
19
completed transportation project impacting the City of Hico was the widening of the FM 1744 from FM
219 to US 281. At a cost of nearly $2.4 million, the project has improved the traffic flow from the city of
Carlton to an area just south of the City of Hico.
The table below summarizes the TXDOT funded and unfunded projects in the Hamilton County area and
their estimated costs.
Figure 12: Current and Planned Highway Projects, Hamilton County Area
Highway
Type
Funding
Estimate
Bid Date
Description
CONSTRUCT NEW
ROADWAY LANES
CONSTRUCT NEW
ROADWAY LANES
REPLACE BRIDGE
US 281
Traditional
Unfunded
$10,010,804.56
2016-01
US 281
Traditional
Funded
$10,014,621.79
2013-09
CR
CS
Traditional
Funded
$449,571.83
2010-06
Traditional
Funded
$311,644.50
2010-04
CS
Traditional
Funded
$624,150.00
2012-04
FM 221
Traditional
Funded
$1,023,572.33
2011-04
CONSTRUCT
SIDEWALK
ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT
REPLACE BRIDGE
FM 1744
Prop 14
Funded
$2,342,351.42
2010-02
WIDEN ROADWAY
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Traditional: Projects funded by legislative appropriations and bond issuances. Most TxDOT projects are
funded through these sources.
Stimulus: Projects funded by the federal government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act. The projects include funding for roads and bridges.
Prop 14: Select projects built using funds from bonds backed by the state highway fund. These projects
have been identified for accelerated development.
Prop 12: Select projects built using funds from bonds backed by the state highway fund. These projects
have been identified for accelerated development.
20
RAIL
In the 1880s and early 1900s, the City of Hico prospered from the railroad infrastructure used to drive
the economy during the period. To understand the true importance of the railroad infrastructure to the
City of Hico, a look at the city’s history is necessary. The City of Hico was founded in 1856 at the
confluence of Honey Creek and the Bosque River. In 1880, the Hamilton County witnessed the
construction of the Texas Central Railroad—only 2.5 miles outside of Hico. It was with this construction
that city officials proposed the City of Hico be moved closer to the railroad. In late 1880, such action
was underway and the first lots of the new city location were sold and developed. The move bode well
for the city as just after the turn of the century, Hico notably was buying and shipping more grain than
all other towns located on the Texas Central Railroad combined. In fact, by 1908, Hico was receiving up
to 40,000 bales of cotton a year. The city also boasted roughly 95 businesses of all varieties including
hotels, factories, grocery stores, etc. serving a population of about 1400.
The early 1900s also brought with it some misfortune to the City of Hico. Two fires burned the city and
its businesses. Along with this, the demise of the railroad industry led to a shrinking population. Today,
no railway system passes through the City of Hico or Hamilton County. However, there are five railroad
companies operating within the Central Texas region. Figure 13 displays the rail lines throughout the
Central Texas Region. Notably, no rail lines are seen near Hamilton County.
Figure 13: Central Texas Rail Lines, 2009
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
21
AIR
The City of Hico is home to the only specifically designated heliport in the region. This heliport,
however, is privately owned by Charlotte Mason. The general region within which Hico sits contains 24
airports, including commercial locations in College Station, Killeen, and Waco. The largest regional area
airport, Killeen-Fort Hood, serviced more than 425,000 customers in 2010. This airport hosts three
major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Connection, and Continental Airlines. As the second
largest airport in the Central Texas Region, Easterwood Airport in College Station provided more than
140,000 customers with services in 2010. Airlines servicing this airport include American Eagle and
Continental Connection. All three airports in College Station, Killeen, and Waco are within 3 hours of
Hico.
Hico, also, given its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, has access to the use of the
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). In 2010, the airport serviced more than 26 million
people. Within 2 hours driving distance from Hico, Hico residents and area travelers have access to the
seventeen airline carriers servicing the DFW International Airport.
INTERNET
The Hico Texas Chamber of Commerce provides free WiFi service throughout the downtown area
servicing business and visitors. The effort to make this internet service available was intended to
support and appeal to weekend travelers. The desire to serve as a premiere weekend getaway hotspot
for tourists has led Hico to offer this convenient service. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful downtown area
while staying connected to the virtual world.
22
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE
EDUCATION
Primary & Secondary Education (K-12)
The City of Hico is able to support its own school district, the Hico Independent School District (Hico
ISD). Home to an elementary, middle, and high school, the school district offers accessible and
convenient education for the city’s youth. However, not only does Hico ISD encompass Hico’s city limits,
according to Hico ISD Business Manager Keith Elrod, the school district extends much further than the
city limits including students from four different counties: Hamilton, Erath, Bosque, and Comanche as
seen in Figure 14. Hico ISD caters to just below 700 students within the district.
Figure 14: Hico Independent School District
Source: Texas Education Administration
23
The local high school garners a 2A classification, with a student body of 233 students. The district is
accredited with a “Recognized” accountability rating as of 2010. The school district has thus shown
improvement in these rating standards moving from “Academically Acceptable” in 2007, to its
“Recognized” rating in 2008 which has continued into the current school year.
Hico ISD maintains student efficiency rates well above that of the state and region. For example, the
state average drop-out rate for the class of 2009 was 9.4%. Hico ISD, however, boasts a drop-out rate
far below the state average for the class of 2009 at 1.7%. As a part of the Education Service Center (ESC)
Region 12 located in Waco, Hico ISD also stands well above other schools in the Waco region in terms of
the drop-out rate which is recorded as 8.4%. While the region itself records a student drop-out rate
below the state average, it is well above the average recorded in Hico. Figure 15 displays the drop-out
rate information for Hico ISD, Waco ESC, and the state of Texas.
Figure 15: Hico ISD Drop-out Rate
Class
State Average
Drop-out Rate
Region
District
9.4%
8.4%
1.7%
10.5%
10.2%
1.8%
Class of 2009
Class of 2008
Source: Texas Education Agency, Hico District Report Card
Hamilton County is home not only to Hico ISD, but is also home to Hamilton ISD qualified as an
“Exemplary” district in 2010. Hamilton ISD includes an elementary, middle, and high school. Similar to
Hico High School, Hamilton High School garners a 2A classification.
Hico ISD, as mentioned, maintains three area campuses. These campuses and their locations are given
below:
Hico High School
901 Cedar Street, Hico, TX 76457
Hico Junior High
805 Tiger Road, Hico, TX 76457
Hico Elementary School
614 Kirk Street, Hico, TX 76457
Post-Secondary Education
Hico is located within 90 miles of numerous community colleges and universities. This proximity allows
the City of Hico a unique opportunity to utilize these respective universities’ specializations to benefit
the local community.
Community Colleges
Brookhaven College
Location: 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Dallas, TX 75244-4997
Cedar Valley College
Location: 3030 North Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75134
Central Texas College
Location: P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, Texas 76540-1800
24
Cisco College
Location: 101 College Heights, Cisco, Texas 76437
El Centro College
Location: 801 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Hill College
Location: 112 Lamar, Hillsboro, TX 76645
McLennan College
Location: 1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Mountain View College
Location: 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, TX 75211
Navarro College
Location: 3200 W. 7th Ave., Corsicana, TX 75110
North Lake College (Irving, TX)
Location: 5001 North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving, TX 75038
Tarrant County College
Location: 1500 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Ranger College:
Location: 1100 College Circle, Ranger, TX 76470
Richland College
Location: 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75243
Temple College
Location: 2600 South First Street, Temple, TX 76504
Weatherford College
Location: 225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086
Public 4-year Institutions
Tarleton State University
Location: 1333 W. Washington Street, Stephenville, Texas 76402
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Location: 1901 South Clear Creek Road, Killeen, Texas 76549
The University of Texas at Arlington
Location: 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76019
University of North Texas at Dallas
Location: 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75241
Private 4-Year Institutions
Baylor University
Location: One Bear Place, Waco, TX 76798
Howard Payne University
Location: 1000 Fisk Street, Brownwood, TX 76801
25
Dallas Baptist University
Location: 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211
Paul Quinn College
Location: 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, TX 75241
Southern Methodist University
Location: 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205
Southwestern Adventist University
Location: P.O. Box 567, Keene, TX 76059
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Location: 1200 Sycamore St., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Texas Christian University
Location: 2800 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76129
Texas Wesleyan University
Location: 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105
The College of St. Thomas More
Location: 3020 Lubbock Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76109
University of Mary-Hardin Baylor
Location: 900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513
26
WORKFORCE
Trends in employment are used by community planners for local workforce planning, research, and
businesses looking to relocate. The following table describes the characteristics of the resident workers
in the City of Hico, including their demographic characteristics (age, earnings, and industry).
Figure 16: Jobs by Industry Type for Residents of Hico, Texas
Total All Jobs 2009
Count
Total All Jobs
Jobs by Worker Age
Age 29 or younger
Age 30-54
Age 55 or older
Jobs by Earnings Paid
$1,250 per month or less
$1,251 to $3,333 per month
More than $3,333 per month
Jobs by Industry Type
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information
Finance and Insurance
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Administration & Support, Waste Management and Remediation
Educational Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Accommodation and Food Services
Other Services (excluding Public Administration)
Public Administration
386
Share
100%
Count
Share
111
28.8%
214
55.4%
61
15.8%
Count
Share
171
44.3%
135
35.0%
80
20.7%
Count
Share
8
2.1%
5
1.3%
0
0.0%
52
13.5%
54
14.0%
19
4.9%
70
18.1%
11
2.8%
4
1.0%
10
2.6%
7
1.8%
9
2.3%
0
0.0%
15
3.9%
16
4.1%
44
11.4%
9
2.3%
35
9.1%
6
1.6%
12
3.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau LED on the Map
27
Hico’s largest employer is the local school district. In addition to this employer, Hico has many smallsized businesses that, in totality, provide the greatest employment numbers.
Figure 17: Employers in Hico
Organization
Hico ISD
Employers in Hico, TX
# of Employees
Organization
100
# of Employees
Hico Hand Rails
10
Brett Construction Company
80
Honey Creek Place
10
Hico Nursing and Rehab
48
Cole Refrigeration
9
Koffee Kup Restaurant
35
Hico Clinic
9
JW Hughes Excavation
32
Dollar General
8
Jersey Lilly’s
20
Beans and Taters
7
Rangler’s Convenience Store
18
Ramage Dental Clinic
7
Super S Grocery
16
Stephen’s Country Corner
7
Wiseman House Chocolates
16
Blue Star Trading
6
Chicken Express
15
Davis Feed Mill
5
First National Bank
13
First Community Bank
5
Hico Pharmacy
11
Hico Building Center
5
Carpenter Machine Shop
10
Rangler’s Shell
4
City of Hico
10
Source: Hico Economic Development Corporation
Figure 17 above displays a list of employers in the City of Hico. The list is not limited to employment
numbers of residents of the City of Hico. Thus, Figures 16 and 17 differ in the employment base from
which these numbers are pulled. Figure 16 includes only employment statistics on the residents of Hico
while Figure 17 includes employment numbers for residents of Hico and residents from outside the city
that commute for employment purposes.
Below, one of Hico’s largest employers, Jersey Lilly’s is pictured. The restaurant is located in Hico’s
downtown area.
28
Wages
The median cash salary for a worker in the Central Texas Workforce Development Area (WDA) is
$29,395, or $14.13 per hour according to a Texas Industries Profile Assessment, Texas Workforce
Commission. The median wage is a 50th percentile estimate of the wages earned in the area: 50 percent
of workers earn less than the median and 50 percent of workers earn above the median salary number.
The 25th and 75th percentile wages for this area are $19,042 ($9.15/hour) and $45,457, ($21.85/hour),
respectively. These two numbers represent what the middle 50% of the population might expect to
earn. Furthermore, this means half of the people in this workforce area have earnings between the 25th
and 75th percentile. Entry-level workers in the area are expected to earn around $17,631 annually, or
$8.48 per hour. Experienced workers, on the other hand, can expect to earn $46,323, or $22.27 per
hour.
Annual wages are calculated by multiplying the hourly wage by a full-time hour figure for an annual
year. In other words, the hourly wage for a worker is multiplied by the total hours a worker is expected
to work in a year: 2080 hours (52 weeks * 40 hrs/week). For those occupations where there is not an
hourly wage published, the annual wage has been directly calculated from the reported survey data.
These estimates are based on 1,475 mail surveys administered through June 2010. The relative
standard error is 3.41%. To define this, the relative standard error (RSE) is a measure of the discrepancy
a survey statistic may contain. Furthermore, the smaller the relative standard error, the more precise
29
the estimate.
Wages by Occupation
The following table summarizes wages by major occupational title for jobs in the Central Texas
Workforce Development Area. This data is not available at the county level. Occupations with the
highest entry level wage are listed first.
Figure 18: Central Texas WDA Wages by Occupation, 2010
Occupation
Total all occupations
Number
Employed
133,980
Mean Wages
Entry Wages
Median Wages
$17,631
$8.48
$41,899
$20.14
Experienced
wage
$46,323
$22.27
$101,535
$48.81
$36,759
$17.67
$81,656
$39.26
$29,395
$14.13
$72,787
$34.99
Management Occupations
4,960
Computer and Mathematical Occupations
2,450
$68,816
$33.08
$41,014
$19.72
$82,718
$39.77
$64,964
$31.23
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
2,190
Business and Financial Operations
Occupations
4,380
$70,398
$33.85
$59,073
$28.40
$38,543
$18.53
$36,667
$17.63
$86,326
$41.50
$70,276
$33.79
$62,710
$30.15
$57,410
$27.60
10,590
$60,772
$29.22
$31,831
$15.30
$75,243
$36.17
$50,775
$24.41
Legal Occupations
630
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Occupations
660
$58,573
$28.16
$60,713
$29.19
$42,672
$20.52
$29,922
$14.39
$40,391
$19.42
$22,100
$10.62
$72,899
$35.05
$70,874
$34.07
$52,958
$25.46
$48,103
$23.13
$56,294
$27.06
$42,942
$20.65
$42,947
$20.65
$37,272
$17.92
$34,033
$16.36
$28,466
$13.69
$22,377
$10.76
$24,354
$11.71
$50,187
$24.13
$44,719
$21.50
$38,873
$18.69
$39,191
$18.84
$36,362
$17.48
$33,163
$15.94
$37,822
$18.18
$19,041
$9.15
$47,212
$22.70
$33,074
$15.90
$32,889
$15.81
$30,746
$14.78
$28,122
$13.52
$29,366
$14.12
$24,286
$11.68
$21,308
$10.24
$19,167
$9.21
$18,253
$8.78
$17,096
$8.22
$18,424
$8.86
$38,680
$18.60
$36,536
$17.57
$33,056
$15.89
$35,501
$17.07
$27,218
$13.09
$29,584
$14.22
$28,391
$13.65
$25,973
$12.49
$25,597
$12.31
$21,926
$10.54
$24,800
$11.92
$17,248
$8.29
$28,576
$13.74
$22,374
$10.76
$28,061
$13.49
$20,839
$10.02
$19,458
$9.35
$18,478
$8.88
$16,801
$8.08
$16,609
$7.99
$16,027
$7.71
$16,291
$7.83
$33,690
$16.20
$22,954
$11.04
$21,174
$10.18
$19,571
$9.41
$19,817
$9.53
$18,666
$8.97
$17,277
$8.31
$17,424
$8.38
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Occupations
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
Community and Social Services Occupations
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Occupations
Protective Service Occupations
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and
Media Occupations
Construction and Extraction Occupations
Production Occupations
Office and Administrative Support
Occupations
Transportation and Material Moving
Occupations
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
Healthcare Support Occupations
Sales and Related Occupations
13,430
1,900
5,510
5,840
930
5,210
6,430
22,060
8,430
170
3.890
14,110
Building and Grounds Cleaning and
Maintenance Occupations
Personal Care and Service Occupations
4,650
Food Preparation and Serving-Related
Occupations
11,460
4,100
Source: Texas Workforce Commission www.tracer2.com
30
*The median is a more useful measure when the data is not evenly distributed – as with salaries in organizations where most
people will be in the lower to middle pay groups and fewer will be at the top. When average is used the number is skewed due
to outliers.
Wages by Industry
The following table summarizes wages by industry for jobs in the Central Texas Workforce Development
Area. Industries employing the greatest number of employees are Health Care and Social Assistance,
followed by Public Administration and Educational Services.
Figure 19: Wages by Industry Central Texas Workforce Development Board, 2010
All Industries
All industries
Utilities
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Services
Information
Educational Services
Public Administration
Wholesale Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Construction
Manufacturing
Health Care and Social Assistance
Finance and Insurance
Mining
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Administrative and Support and Waste
Management Remediation Services
Other Services (except Public
Administration)
Retail Trade
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Accommodation and Food Services
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and
Hunting
Estimated
Employees
Mean Wage ($)
Entry Wage ($)
Experienced
Wage ($)
Median
Wage
$36,759
$17.67
$46,077
$22.15
$60,140
$28.91
$34,886
$16.77
$40,587
$19.51
$46,481
$22.35
$47,334
$22.76
$34,586
$16.63
$39,269
$18.88
$35,788
$17.21
$38,998
$18.75
$36,449
$17.52
$31,859
$15.32
$31,486
$15.14
$28,478
$13.69
$29,204
$14.04
$25,601
$12.31
$23,570
$11.33
$18,540
$8.91
$19,628
$9.44
$17,631
$8.48
$23,382
$11.24
$24,978
$12.01
$17,264
$8.30
$18,655
$8.97
$27,661
$13.30
$22,508
$10.82
$20,003
$9.62
$21,654
$10.41
$20,657
$9.93
$17,879
$8.60
$18,765
$9.02
$18,256
$8.78
$17,225
$8.28
$17,405
$8.37
$16,610
$7.99
$16,768
$8.06
$16,355
$7.86
$15,216
$7.32
$16,320
$7.85
$46,323
$22.27
$57,424
$27.61
$77,721
$37.37
$43,697
$21.01
$51,552
$24.78
$55,891
$26.87
$59,747
$28.72
$41,878
$20.13
$48,077
$23.11
$43,353
$20.84
$49,558
$23.83
$45,290
$21.77
$38,661
$18.59
$38,617
$18.57
$34,014
$16.35
$35,500
$17.07
$30,017
$14.43
$27,177
$13.07
$20,202
$9.71
$21,282
$10.23
$29,395
$14.13
$38,028
$18.28
$50,821
$24.43
$27,881
$13.40
$39,955
$19.21
$38,168
$18.35
$34,068
$16.38
$33,050
$15.89
$31,565
$15.18
$30,845
$14.83
$29,683
$14.27
$26,822
$12.90
$24,776
$11.91
$23,975
$11.53
$24,598
$11.83
$23,551
$11.32
$19,564
$9.41
$19,199
$9.23
$15,868
$7.63
$17,446
$8.39
133,980
440
5,500
2,260
19,700
19,210
4,090
4,660
6,060
7,940
19,860
4,020
240
1,780
5,170
3,910
16,680
610
11,420
11,650
31
Employment by Industry
The employment industry percentages in Figure 20 indicate the top three industries in the Central Texas
Workforce Development Area which include: all other industries, Health Care and Social Assistance, and
Public Administration. Educational Services is also a top industry within the region.
Figure 20: Employment by Industry
Unemployment
Unemployment in Hamilton County has shown wave-like fluctuations throughout the past decade.
Beginning in 2000, the unemployment rate was around 3.8%. The rate slowly began to increase until
2003, when once again it started to decline. The unemployment rate for Hamilton County reached its
low point in 2007/2008 at 3.6%. A sharp increase then occurred in 2009 that carried over into 2010.
The most recent year, 2011, has shown a decrease in the unemployment rate which is likely to continue
through the end of the year. The fluctuations observed in Hamilton County mirror those seen in the
state of Texas. This is demonstrated in Figures 21 and 22.
32
Figure 21: Unemployment Rate 2000-2011
Year
Hamilton
County
Texas
2000
3.8
4.4
2001
3.8
5.0
2002
4.4
6.4
2003
4.9
6.7
2004
4.6
6.0
2005
4.6
5.4
2006
4.2
4.9
2007
3.6
4.4
2008
3.6
4.9
2009
5.6
7.6
2010
6.1
8.2
2011
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
6.3
6.0
5.7
5.4
5.5
8.5
8.2
8.1
7.7
7.9
Source: Texas Workforce Com6.mission www.tracer2.com
Figure 22: Graph of Unemployment Rate 2000-2010
33
As a fraction of the Central Texas Workforce Development Area, it is necessary to provide a more
specific picture of the Hamilton County economy. Figure 23 provides statistics specific to Hamilton
County. This data captures the median income and workforce sectors prevalent in this area.
Figure 23: Overview of Hamilton County
Overview for Hamilton County, Texas
Value
Rank in
State
People and Income Overview
(By Place of Residence)
Population (2010)
7,992
178
3.3%
159
3,090
176
Labor Force (persons) (2010)
Unemployment Rate (2010)
Per Capita Personal Income (2009)
4,438
6.1%
$34,371
171
201
98
Median Household Income (2009)
$38,241
139
Poverty Rate (2009)
15.9%
154
H.S. Diploma or More - % of Adults 25+ (2005-2009)
82.2%
54
Bachelor's Deg. or More - % of Adults 25+ (2005-2009)
22.5%
44
2,744
167
$30,472
182
6.2%
103
$33,214
146
0.8%
199
$37,385
200
11.2%
73
$28,603
97
2.0%
163
$39,825
107
Growth (%) since 1990
Households (2009)
Industry Overview (2010)
(By Place of Work)
Covered Employment
Average wage per job
Manufacturing - % all jobs in County
Transportation & Warehousing - % all jobs in County
Health Care, Social Assist. - % all jobs in County
Finance and Insurance - % all jobs in County
Source: Statsamerica.org
The past ten years has brought increases to both the employment and unemployment rates in the
county. The total labor force in the county has increased by 9.8% over the past decade (as seen in
below in Figure 24). Likewise, the employment in the County increased by 7.2%. The number of
34
unemployed individuals in the County, however, also increased by 75.3% over the past decade. While
seemingly this statistic is staggering, it is important to note that due to the limited number of
unemployed individuals in the County, a slight increase in number could produce a massive percentage
change.
Figure 24: Hamilton County Labor Force Information
Labor for Hamilton County, TX
% of State
Labor Force Annual Averages in 2009
Total Labor Force
5-year % change
10-year % change
Employed
5-year % change
10-year % change
Unemployed
5-year % change
10-year % change
Unemployment Rate
5-year % change
10-year % change
Number
Rank in State
State
4,438
0.04%
12,136,384
171
11.7%
-
8.8%
50
9.8%
-
17.3%
133
4,168
0.04%
11,141,903
171
9.9%
-
5.6%
45
7.2%
-
12.6%
128
270
0.15%
910,621
181
47.5%
-
96.0%
180
75.3%
-
120.1%
131
6.1
74.39%
8.2
201
32.6%
-
51.9%
213
60.5%
-
86.4%
142
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics from Statsamerica.org
Figure 25 describes the commute shed for Hamilton County as of 2000 (i.e. the rates at which people
live in Hamilton County, but work elsewhere, and vice versa). As seen below, Hamilton County residents
commute at a rate of 31.7%. In other words, 31.7% of workers living in Hamilton County travel beyond
the county for work.
35
Conversely, about one-quarter (23.6%) of those who work within the county commute from outside the
county line. Of the 254 counties within the state of Texas, Hamilton County ranks 156th for workers
commuting into the county and 157th for residents working in a county other than their place of
residence.
Figure 25: Employment and Commute Information, Hamilton County
Workers Living in County in 2000
Total
Working in County
Working Elsewhere
Number Rank in State
Pct Dist. In County
Rank of Pct Dist.
3,376
170
100%
2,307
167
68.3%
152
1,069
157
31.7%
102
People Working in County in 2000
3,021
168
Total
2,307
167
Living in County
714
156
Living Elsewhere
Note: Includes only domestic commuting for workers over
16 years of age
100.0%
76.4%
172
23.6%
81
Source: US Census Bureau from Statsamerica.org
Commute flows indicate the destinations to which Hamilton County residents travel for work and where
commuters to Hamilton County travel from. Interestingly, the majority of Hamilton County’s commuter
inflow comes from Erath County. The largest single commuter outflow from Hamilton County is to
Coryell County. These commuting flows are further explored in Figure 26, below.
Figure 26: Hamilton County Commute Flows
Commuting Flows in 2000
Gross Flow (Living Elsewhere + Working Elsewhere)
Net Flow (Living Elsewhere - Working Elsewhere)
Largest Single Inflow: Erath County, TX
Largest Single Outflow: Coryell County, TX
Note: Includes only domestic commuting for workers over 16
years of age
Number
Rank in
State
Pct
Dist.
1,783
162
100%
-355
129
241
13.5%
245
13.7%
Source: US Census Bureau from Statsamerica.org
In the figure above, the net commute flow is a measure of those who live in Hamilton County who work
outside of the county in addition to those workers that live outside the county, but travel into the
county for work.
36
The following chart details the locations where commuters from the City of Hico are employed—first by
city, then by county.
Figure 27: Jobs Counts by Places Where Workers are Employed
Cities
Hico, TX
Stephenville, TX
San Antonio, TX
Glen Rose, TX
Austin, TX
Hamilton, TX
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Killeen, TX
Waco, TX
All Other Locations
Counties
Hamilton County
Erath County
Bexar County
Somervell County
Travis County
Dallas County
Bell County
McLennan County
Harris County
Tarrant County
All Other Locations
2009
Count
Share
112
20.9%
77
14.3%
23
4.3%
20
3.7%
17
3.2%
17
3.2%
10
1.9%
8
1.5%
6
1.1%
5
0.9%
242
45.1%
216
40.2%
94
17.5%
25
4.7%
24
4.5%
18
3.4%
15
2.8%
14
2.6%
12
2.2%
11
2.0%
10
1.9%
98
18.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau LED on the Map
Information on workers in the City of Hico that commute from outside areas is displayed below. Figure
27 provides the areas from which Hico workers commute.
37
Figure 28: Job Counts by Places Where Workers Live
Cities
Hico, TX
Stephenville, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Hamilton, TX
Laredo, TX
El Paso, TX
Glen Rose, TX
Arlington, TX
Austin, TX
Brownwood, TX
All Other Locations
2009
Count
Share
112
29.0%
38
9.8%
7
1.8%
5
1.3%
5
1.3%
4
1.0%
4
1.0%
3
0.8%
3
0.8%
3
0.8%
202
52.3%
Counties
Hamilton County
Erath County
Tarrant County
Bosque County
Hood County
Dallas County
Bell County
El Paso County
Johnson County
Webb County
All Other Locations
Count
Share
176
45.6%
48
12.4%
21
5.4%
13
3.4%
9
2.3%
8
2.1%
6
1.6%
5
1.3%
5
1.3%
5
1.3%
90
23.3%
Source: US Census Bureau LED on the Map
From the figures provided above, workers living in the City of Hico travel to a variety of counties—
mostly those neighboring Hamilton County. There are some commuters from the City of Hico traveling
as far as Harris County, however. Similarly, workers that travel to the City of Hico for employment
purposes come from a variety of locations including neighboring and distant cities, from Hamilton to
Austin.
38
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
The City of Hico relies heavily on the tourism industry to maintain a viable economy. The unique shops
and historic downtown area draw in patrons from the Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco metropolitan areas
and general visitors to the Texas Hill Country. Some of the renowned shops in the city include
Homestead, Billy the Kid Museum, Koffee Kup Restaurant, and Wiseman House Chocolates. Homestead
was named one of the top 50 stores in the state of Texas in the June/July 2011 issue of FD Luxe
Magazine. Similarly, Koffee Kup Restaurant was voted to serve the #1 dessert in the state of Texas by
Ride Magazine. Truffles made at Wiseman House Chocolates were selected above all other truffles
statewide to be served at the Texas Presidential Inaugural Ball. The unique stores and shops within the
City of Hico, coupled with their prestige, provide a great selling point for tourists and travelers to the
city.
FINANCIAL VITALITY
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), there are two banks in Hico as of June
2011. Outside of the City of Hico, Hamilton County is home to three more FDIC institutions. A list of the
banks provided in Hico and Hamilton County are provided below in Figure 29.
Figure 29: Banks in Hico
Bank
Locations of Offices in Hico
First Community Bank, National Association
300 E. Second Street
The First National Bank of Hico
135 North Pecan
Bank
Locations of Offices in Hamilton County
Extraco Banks, National Association
Hamilton
First State Bank Central Texas
Hamilton
Mills County State Bank
Hamilton
Source: FDIC www.fdic.gov
In addition to the two local banks within the city, Hico also offers three ATM locations. These locations
include: Rangler’s Convenience Store, First National Bank of Hico, and First Community Bank (Hico
Banking Center).
While the city does offer banking and ATM services, there are no credit unions located within the City of
Hico.
39
LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
In 1979, the economic development sales tax was first introduced, allowing smaller Texas communities
the financial resources to attract primary jobs and create wealth. The tax serves to fund economic
development efforts in more than 500 communities across the state.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts returns (or allocates) money to cities for their local sales tax
collection. Allocation amounts generally represent taxes collected on sales made two months or more
prior to the allocation payment. The Hico Economic Development Corporation is primarily funded by
Type B sales tax revenue. This essentially means that there is flexibility with the funds to invest in
economic development projects as opposed to simply infrastructure investments that govern Type A
sales tax revenue. Figure 30 presents a record of allocations the City of Hico has received from 2007 to
June 2010.
In 1993, the City of Hico voted to implement an increase in the local tax rate (set at 1% in 1969) by 0. 5%
to fund Type 4B economic development projects within the city. Effective since 1997, the sales tax rate
for the City of Hico has been set at 1.5%.
According to Figure 30, city sales tax revenues decreased 22.7% from 2008 to 2009. Year to year
fluctuations are most likely a result of the fiscal economy. Because of Hico’s dependency on the tourism
industry, economic impacts have serious repercussions for the City of Hico. Month to month
fluctuations can be the result of normal business fluctuations, one-time windfalls/shortfalls due to
audits, commercial construction projects, or quarterly and annual payments from small businesses not
required to pay monthly. Allocations thus far in 2011 are 36% higher than the same period in 2010.
Also important to note, the tax allocations received in January 2011 were much higher than previously
recorded months. The major influx of revenue was due to improperly recorded tax by the comptroller’s
office. This incorrect calculation was adjusted and a large compensation payment for the error was
given to the city to account for the earlier discrepancy.
40
Figure 30: City of Hico Total Allocations from Texas Comptroller
Month
2008
2009
2010
2011
January
$16,807.29
$19,973.43
$17,140.41
$49,689.50
February
$26,541.37
$20,054.03
$19,527.25
$17,621.48
March
$14,449.72
$12,215.26
$12,398.32
$14,923.50
April
$12,787.30
$11,704.66
$11,499.09
$12,197.72
May
$15,989.51
$17,339.77
$18,664.46
$20,009.65
June
$17,500.57
$13,953.11
$14,583.63
$13,496.59
July
$16,079.35
$14,651.99
$13,836.87
$18,598.36
August
$19,210.44
$17,126.01
$17,690.94
September
$15,621.40
$14,542.57
$14,693.37
October
$15,113.33
$13,767.43
$14,524.11
November
$22,827.27
$15,497.71
$14,908.67
December
$15,078.08
$15,185.76
$14,069.84
$208,005.63
$184,011.73
$183,536.96
Total for the year
Source: Texas Comptroller https://ourcpa.cpa.state.tx.us/allocation/AllocHist.jsp
Total annual sales tax allocation amounts over the past two decades have increased since 1988, as
shown in Figure 31. The sudden decrease in 2008-2009 sales tax allocation is largely justified by the
economic and financial crisis gripping the larger US economy.
Figure 31: Sales Allocation History over the Years 1988-2009
Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
41
CURRENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES/INCENTIVES
In the hopes of bringing new business to the City of Hico, the Hico Economic Development Corporation
uses a variety of strategies which include a host of incentives to encourage investment and development
projects within the city. As economic development tools, these strategies and incentives are considered
on a case-by-case basis. Incentives are awarded based on the direct investment numbers and the
number of jobs created in the community.
According to the City of Hico’s website, there is a multitude of economic development strategies utilized
by the city. These strategies include the aforementioned economic development sales tax,
reinvestment zones, property tax abatement, tax increment financing, public improvement districts,
triple Freeport exemptions, economic development grants and loans, and others. As mentioned, the
implementation of these various strategies is considered for each individual project by the Hico City
Council and requires discussion in a formal public meeting.
Economic Development Sales Tax: The economic development sales tax is the additional 0.5%
tax added to the city’s sales tax rate of 1% sales tax rate. Adopted in 1993, revenues generated
from this fund are used to promote business viability within the city.
Reinvestment Zones: Reinvestment zones may be created with the purpose of allowing tax
abatements, tax increment financing, and public improvement districts.
Property Tax Abatement: The City of Hico and Hamilton County may provide property tax
abatement on the appraised value of real property improvements and business property.
Tax Increment Financing: Hico may use this economic development tactic to fund public
improvements in a defined area meaning public infrastructure improvements to an area is
repaid by the contribution of future tax revenues.
Public Improvement Districts: This strategy is a result of the Public Improvement District Act
that allows a city to levy and collect special assessments on a property that is within the city or
within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Public improvement projects may include
improvements to drainage, streets and sidewalks, etc.
Triple Freeport Exemption: Freeport property is defined as property detained in Texas for 175
days or less with limited purposes including assembly, storage, manufacturing, processing, or
fabricating. These Freeport exemptions are considered by Hamilton County, the City of Hico,
and Hico Independent School District.
Economic Development Grants & Loans: The Local Government Code provides authority for a
grant and loan program to be established within the city so as to promote state and local
economic development and stimulate business and commercial activity.
42
Other: The City of Hico will consider a variety of other economic development strategies to
implement in an effort to incentivize investment and business development within the City of
Hico including free land, development grants, city fee waivers, participation in public
infrastructure development activities, and reduced rates on water, sewer, and solid waste.
Economic development strategies have been utilized to reinvigorate the City of Hico’s downtown area.
Pictured here is the downtown area with public seating, lighting, and shade serving as a roadway
median for traffic travelling into and out of the unique business area of local shops:
SWOT ANALYSIS
TEEX employees have created a visual demonstrating the analysis of strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats (SWOT) facing the continued economic development of Hico, Texas. This
information is based upon this community assessment, employee observations, and a series of
interviews and the Community Workshop with Hico representatives, citizens, and leaders in order to
create a snapshot of Hico today and the desires of its citizens, as well as the challenges that must be
addressed as development continues and the city moves forward.
43
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in Hico, TX:
Figure 32: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Location: Hwy 6, 281, 220; close to 3 MSAs
Available land for purchase and development
Many buildings available for
renovation/reinvestment
Free Downtown wireless internet access
Education-TEA recognized school district with
attractive buildings; low drop-out rate
Accessible higher education
Capacity for growth for water and sewage
Citizen involvement and participation
Sidewalks constructed near elementary school
Unemployment rate consistently below state
average
Assisted living facility
Annual events hosted within the city
Banking services available
Billy the Kid history
Active volunteer fire department
Low crime rate
New housing development
Spirit of entrepreneurship
Successful events/festivals
Multi-purpose city park
Responsive city leaders: serve people's
interests; lack of politics and no in-fighting on
issues
Active civic and faith-based organizations
(United Care food program, Chamber of
Commerce, Hico Civic Club)
Opportunities
Capitalize on welding resources, arts &
industrial
Expand local accommodations and lodging
Enhance youth attractions and activities
Create fine dining experiences
Support for entrepreneur businesses
Expand tourism opportunities
Diversification of economic base
Increase entertainment/activities hosted in
downtown area
Historical hotel downtown
Promotion of multi-purpose/expanded use of
park
Increase number of assisted living care
facilities
Weaknesses
Average age of citizens above state average
Unpaved and deteriorating roads
No railroad service
Limited of multi-family housing
Lack of comprehensive health care available
Limited food establishments
Lack of fine dining
Commercial development non-existent
Threats
Youth moving away from Hico
Limited over-night accommodations
Stagnant/slow city growth rate
Lack of activities for youth
Citizen tax dollars lost to retailers outside of
city
44
QUALITY OF PLACE
HEALTH CARE
Unfortunately, the City of Hico is not able to sustain its own emergency services. Emergency medical
services (EMS) are contracted through Hamilton County, specifically, the Hamilton Healthcare System.
Hico houses an EMS substation within its city limits thereby reducing the time necessary to respond to
distressed calls, etc.
There are no hospitals within the City of Hico. The closest hospital is Hamilton General Hospital, a
distance of just over 21 miles from Hico in Hamilton, Texas. The facility is a 34-bed, 39,000 square-foot
facility. A multitude of patient services are provided at this location including a medical/surgical unit,
special care unit, nutrition services, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, telemetry, auxiliary services,
electronic health records, spiritual care, emergency services, surgical services, laboratory, radiology,
social services, and physical therapy.
The emergency services offered at the Hamilton Healthcare System include 24-hour, seven days a week
response. The department is staffed by a number of physicians and professional nurses all trained in
emergency response.
In addition to Hamilton Healthcare System in Hamilton, the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in
Stephenville offers medical care to the citizens of Hico. The hospital is located less than 20 miles from
Hico. This is a full-service facility with an infrastructure able to support 98 beds. This hospital is likely to
serve the larger population in Stephenville and also offer satisfactory response to Tarleton State
University within Stephenville. This facility is award winning boasting a Premier Award for Quality in the
areas of maternal and neonatal Care and a Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award of Excellence.
Regular doctoral services are provided through the Hamilton Healthcare System at the Hico Clinic. The
clinic is located at 104 Walnut Street in Hico. Offering a variety of services and care for infants to adults,
the Hico Clinic cares for over 800 patients a month. With the Hico Clinic conveniently located within the
city limits, Hico residents are offered continued access to surgical services, emergency services, and
regular physician care.
Dentistry services are available within the City of Hico. However, options are limited with only one listed
dentist within the city: Ramage, Lee DDS. Commonly, residents will drive to neighboring communities
such as Stephenville and Hamilton for dentistry services and other services such as physical therapy,
psychiatry and other health needs.
45
Hico does provide nursing home services to the elderly population. The Hico Care Center accepts
patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid. With 80 beds, the facility is more than enough space to
care for the roughly 37 residents who reside at the facility at a given time.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Law Enforcement
Local law enforcement is provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Formerly, the City of
Hico was able to provide their own police services, but time revealed that the more practical option was
to move to contracted service with Hamilton County. Despite this outsourcing, the city is able to
maintain 24-hour surveillance, seven days a week. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s
Department, there is at least one officer on duty in the City of Hico at all times.
The most recently published data providing crime statistics for the City of Hico comes from an online
resource (city-data.com) and only has data as recent as 2004. After unsuccessfully attempting to
sequester crime statistics from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, this data provides a fair
enough substitute and portrays the criminal activity in the City of Hico.
Figure 33: City of Hico Crime Statistics
2001
2002
2003
2004
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Crime Type
Murders
(per 100,000)
Rapes
(per 100,000)
Robberies
(per 100,000)
Assaults
(per 100,000)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)
Theft
(per 100,000)
Auto Theft
(per 100,000)
Arson
(per 100,000)
0
0
0
1
1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
73.1
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
2
6
2
3
13
145.9
428.6
148.9
219.3
942.7
12
15
19
13
59
875.3
1071.4
1414.7
950.3
4311.7
10
8
16
2
36
729.4
571.4
1191.4
146.2
2638.4
2
2
2
3
9
145.9
142.9
148.9
219.3
657.0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Hico-Texas.html
Fire Services
The Hico community maintains its own volunteer fire department. The department, a search-and-
46
rescue organization, is devoted to preserving the welfare of the property and citizenry within Hico and
surrounding areas including Hamilton County, Erath County, and Bosque County. The department is a
non-profit organization with a 501c3 classification. Relying heavily on donations from citizens, the
organization is able to maintain its mission of protection.
Currently, there are thirty active volunteer firefighters serving at the Hico Department. Protection to
the citizenry and infrastructure is provided at all times. The Hico Fire Department falls under the
jurisdiction of the Texas Forest Service. Therefore, it is the Texas Forest Service that provides nationally
certified training for the volunteer members of this department. In fact, many members of the
department are certified First Responders and Emergency Care Attendants. Often, for small
communities, this type of training is made possible through grant assistance programs through the state
and federal government.
To aid the firefighting efforts, the department utilizes four fire trucks, a rescue truck, and a passenger
van along with a variety of rescue equipment.
HOUSING
In 2009, the median house value in the City of Hico was $77,765—well under the state average of
$125,800. 3 The state of many housing structures in the community are categorically older and, in some
instances, even historical. Many of the neighborhoods are navigated on unpaved grass or gravel roads.
Hico, however, is not starved for investment. In fact, one notable developer, Craig Willis, has been
working on the construction of a 28-house subdivision where the expected resale value of the homes is
between $125,000 and $130,000. The city’s economic development director, Mike James, has said the
city has been making gallant efforts to attract developers. In some planned development areas, the city
has already installed water and sewer lines. City codes and regulations, however, have deterred some
developers due to the added costs such developments might bring in an effort to accommodate these
codes and regulations.
The Hico community also has a number of affordable housing options. Just next to downtown, in fact, a
tract of 10-12 units exist that run along the railroad tracks. The Housing Authority of Hico ensures
compliance with Section 8 housing requirements and encourages affordable housing development.
Assisted living is also available in Hico. There is one assisted living facility, Honey Creek Place, offering
senior citizens assisted living options. The facility has an estimated 20-24 rooms. Lastly, for those
wanting to rent, Cobblestone Apartments offers 16 units, one and two bedrooms.
FAITH
The Hico community is home to a large number of churches serving the Hico population of just over
1300. These area churches bring to the community a foundational investment as the demand for
3
City-data.com
47
churches and the number of churches provides representation of the vested interest local residents
have in their spiritual community and well-being. Below are the names of the churches in Hico.
Church of Christ
Duffau Baptist
First Baptist Church
Grace Bible Fellowship
Jars of Clay Worship Center
Primera Evant Baptist Church
First United Hico District Church
Clairette Baptist
Fairy Baptist Church
First United Methodist
Hico Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Olin Baptist Church
Primera Hico Mission Church
Carlton Baptist Church
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
Relying heavily on the tourism industry, Hico seeks to draw large crowds of people for annual events
held within the city. Most notably, the community hosts an annual Steak Cook-off event that draws
between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors. Other events include a “Billy the Kid” Weekend and Car Festival, an
Old Settlers’ Reunion, and Christmas Parade. The city’s Chamber of Commerce is devoted to bringing
people to Hico and has capitalized on Hico’s great opportunity to draw large crowds to visit the unique
downtown area and partake in popularized city-sponsored activities and events.
A list of annual events to be held in Hico in 2011 is provided below in Figure 34.
Figure 34: List of Events in Hico, 2011
Date
April 2
HICO EVENTS FOR 2011
Event
Billy the Kid Day
April 2
Car show
May 13-14
Homestead Antique Fair
May 21
Annual Steak Cook-Off
July 4
4th of July Fireworks
July 19-23
Old Settlers Reunion
August 27
Six Man Football
October 1
Chili Cook-off
October 28-29
Homestead Antique Fair
December 3
Christmas Parade
December 3
Tour of Homes
Contact Information
Billy the Kid Museum
(254) 796-2523
(254) 796-2523
Homestead
(254) 796-2510
Hico EDC
(254) 485-0220
Bluebonnet Country Club
(254) 796-4122
Hico Civic Club
(254) 796-4221
Mike Ferguson
(254) 796-4832
(254) 796-2523
Homestead
(254) 796-2510
Hico Chamber of Commerce
(254) 796-4620
Hico Review Club
(254) 796-4124
Source: Hico Economic Development Corporation
48
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The City of Hico is largely invested in tourism. Tourist activities, in addition to shopping, include visiting
parks, museums, and the unique hunting opportunities available within the city. Hico does not currently
offer a substantial variety of recreational activities, but many opportunities are available within just a 30
mile radius, including:
Golf Courses:
o Bluebonnet Country Club
 1581 FM 1602 Rd in Hico
 9 holes, semi-private
o Perry Country Club
 9 holes, private in Hamilton, TX
 17 miles from Hico
o Squaw Valley Golf Course
 18 holes in Glen Rose, TX
Parks:
o
o
o
o
o
Hico City Park
 Park Road and South Elm Street in Hico
 Approximately 43 acres of open area along Bosque River
 1 mile of paved jogging trail and athletic fields
 3 covered pavilions
 25 RV parking stalls
Culbreath Park
 At the intersection of Hwy 281 and Hwy 6
Field of Dreams RC Air Park
 8th and Chestnut, Hico
Dinosaur Valley State Park
 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, Texas 76043
 28.6 miles from Hico
Meridian State Park
 Rt. 1 Box 2465, Meridian, Texas 76665
Waterways:
o Bosque River
 Runs through the city
 115 miles in length
 Scenic with woods and wildlife sightings
49
o
o
o
o
 Several access points in/nearby Hico
Rough Creek
Brazos River
Lake Granbury
Lake Whitney
Museums/Exhibits:
o Billy the Kid Museum
 111 Pecan Street, Hico, Texas 76457
o Dublin Dr. Pepper Museum
 105 East Elm Street, Dublin, Texas 76446
o Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas 76043
o Somervell County Expo
 202 Bo Gibbs Blvd., Glen Rose, Texas 76043
o UFO Experience
 Stephenville, Texas has been known for its recorded UFO sightings
Paintball:
o Hog Wild Paintball
 24010 FM 2920 Hockley, TX 77447
Hunting:
o
o
o
o
The Morning Star Ranch
 P.O. Box 70, Hico, Texas 76457
Hico Hunting Club Lodge & Game Ranch
 24006 FM 1602, Hico, Texas 76457
Flying P Outdoors
 171 County Road 227, Hico, Texas 76457
Safari Hunting Adventures
 104 N. Railroad Ave., Hico, Texas 76457
50

Economic Development Strategic Plan November 2011

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