The Denton Economic Development Partnership Board convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss key economic trends and developments impacting the region. The meeting highlighted significant discussions regarding industrial space availability, commercial permits, and the local economy's overall health.

One of the primary topics was the current state of industrial leasing in Denton. Board members noted that the area is experiencing a higher leasing rate compared to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, attributed to a lack of available space and the size of buildings in Denton. The industrial square footage in Denton has grown significantly, with approximately 4.2 million square feet currently available, compared to just 220,000 square feet a decade ago. The vacancy rate has decreased from 18.6% to 16.6%, indicating a tightening market as demand increases.

The economic trends report presented during the meeting revealed that commercial permit values have surged, with a total of $256 million year-to-date, compared to $127 million for the same quarter last year. This increase is partly due to higher-value projects, including a notable storage facility that contributed significantly to the permit value spike.

Additionally, the board discussed the local unemployment rate, which has stabilized at 3.8%. This figure reflects a robust job market, although there are concerns about upcoming changes in data reporting from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that may affect future job reports.

The cost of living in Denton remains below the national average, with an index score of 97, indicating affordability compared to other Texas cities. The board noted that housing costs continue to influence these figures, with Denton being compared favorably to cities like Nashville, Tennessee.

Looking ahead, the board is preparing for future meetings, including a commercial utility deposit update and potential project votes. Members expressed interest in enhancing their database of available sites to better respond to inquiries from developers and businesses.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025, where further discussions on economic development initiatives will continue.