In Liberty County, we believe progress should never come at the expense of the people who call this place home. That’s why we’re being intentional about how we grow, strategic about the businesses we recruit, measured in the incentives we offer, and deeply committed to balancing opportunity with community wellbeing.
As chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners and a proud board member of the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA), I’ve had the privilege of watching our county evolve. What I’ve seen is this: the best growth is the kind that lifts everyone. That’s the goal behind the LCDA’s new Incentive Policy.
We’re often asked why local governments offer incentives to new and expanding businesses. The answer is simple: to create high-quality jobs, expand our tax base, and strengthen our economy. But not just any jobs, and not at any cost. Our new Incentive Policy puts structure, transparency, and accountability into how we negotiate with prospective employers. It’s not a blank check — it’s a set of standards that help ensure the return on investment benefits the whole community.
The policy sets clear expectations for businesses seeking support. Projects must meet minimum thresholds for job creation, wages, and capital investment. They must demonstrate that, but for these incentives, they would not be able to locate or expand in Liberty County. This helps us ensure we’re investing in projects that truly need our help and will return value to our people.
Moving forward, each incentive package will be backed by a cost-benefit analysis. Each agreement includes performance requirements and, when needed, clawback provisions — because accountability matters. We’ve also built in annual compliance reporting and a review process so we can track progress, address challenges, and make adjustments.
We want companies that are committed to being good neighbors — those that respect our local laws, pay their taxes as designed, and invest in our people. Whether it’s a manufacturer bringing dozens of high-wage jobs or a retention project saving critical existing employment, every deal we make is measured against a simple question: Does this help move Liberty County forward in a way that honors who we are?
At the same time, we’re not just thinking about business. We’re thinking about schools, roads, water, housing, and the everyday needs of our families. Through grants like the $2 million recently awarded from the state for road construction in industrial park Tradeport West on Highway 17, and past investments in infrastructure that made places like Midway Industrial Park possible, we are making smart, long-term investments in Liberty County’s future.
But growth is not just about roads and rooftops — it’s about people. Our young people deserve opportunities to stay, work, and thrive here. Our seniors deserve a community that doesn't leave them behind. And that is what we are endeavoring every day to achieve.
That’s why I’m proud of the work we’re doing at the LCDA. We’re not just chasing companies — we’re building a stronger Liberty County, a county where economic development is thoughtful, measured, and community-driven so that we protect our unique character and culture.
In Liberty County, we don’t believe in choosing between progress and people. We believe in both. And with every policy, every project, and every partnership, we’re proving that it’s possible.