During a Nov. 3 presentation at a city‑council work session, Director of Economic Development Jenny Zeilfelder disclosed that Carrollton attracted $182 million in private capital during the previous fiscal year. The influx of money and jobs is a key indicator of the city’s growing economic health for residents and local businesses.
Of the total, $172.9 million came from corporate projects and $9.57 million from retail‑rehabilitation projects, collectively committing more than 2,100 jobs to the community. Zeilfelder noted that Carrollton now hosts roughly 10.3 businesses per 100 residents, underscoring a robust commercial environment.
Major projects highlighted included PennyMac’s takeover of the former AmeriSource building, which will house about 300,000 sq ft and currently employs roughly 500 people, with expectations of over 2,000 employees once fully built out. Long‑time local employer AER Manufacturing was recognized as a major business‑retention project, operating eight facilities totaling about 1 million sq ft. UNION Tech secured a 220,000‑sq‑ft advanced‑manufacturing lease that earned the D CEO Commercial Real Estate Awards’ best industrial lease in March. Energy Access Innovations received approval to convert flex space into its headquarters, slated to open in early 2027.
Upcoming openings also were listed: SOL Korean Grill will occupy a space vacant for 18 years; Island Vintage Coffee will replace a former Chick‑Fil‑A location; Double Oak Tack is set to open in downtown Carrollton; and DK Village, a shopping‑center redevelopment at Josey Lane and Frankford Road, will bring additional retail options. Zeilfelder emphasized that shopping locally helps retain economic‑development funds that might otherwise flow to neighboring cities such as Allen, McKinney and Frisco.
The city’s commercial footprint now includes about 57 million sq ft of space, with 45 million sq ft dedicated to flex and manufacturing uses. Occupancy rates stand at 95.1 % for industrial, 94.6 % for retail and 86 % for office space—industrial occupancy exceeds the DFW average of 92.1 %. Carrollton’s office occupancy rose five percentage points over the past year, a notable gain amid broader market softness.
Carrollton’s workforce totals roughly 100,000 jobs, with 62 % of workers commuting from outside the city and 38 % both living and working locally. “We are a major employment center,” Zeilfelder said, highlighting the city’s role in the regional economy.
Mayor Steve Babick also highlighted the ACT‑ION battery‑manufacturing plant, which held its ribbon‑cutting ceremony earlier in the day. He described the closed‑loop, environmentally friendly operation as potentially transformative for Carrollton, noting its strategic location near downtown, the rail corridor and Interstate 35.
What’s next: The city expects SOL Korean Grill, Island Vintage Coffee, Double Oak Tack and the DK Village redevelopment to open later this year, while Energy Access Innovations plans to move into its new headquarters in early 2027. The economic‑development team will continue its outreach, with nine businesses already assisted in August and a goal of expanding the city’s industrial and office inventory further in the coming months.
Sources: branchherald.com
