Alex Philips is an experienced economic development professional with a relationship-driven approach to business and community growth. With deep expertise in operational planning and strategic initiatives, he creates sustainable local growth and strong community engagement.
In an interview with Government Business Review, Philips discussed relationship-driven economic development and workforce alignment through targeted training initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness in sustaining long-term community and business growth.
Managing Economic Development across Business and Community
At the City of Burleson, I oversee a three-member team focused on economic development initiatives. Together, we oversee new business recruitment across retail, master-planned development, residential, commercial and industrial sectors while also supporting businesses already operating in our community. Our work involves helping businesses connect for cross-promotion and providing insight into their markets, including where customers are coming from and how they engage. We support our Old Town district, driving tourism and organizing events that sustain community activity.
Burleson’s identity resonates most with businesses that value a family friendly environment, strong schools and a community built on shared values. Over time, we have seen a number of family-owned businesses become part of our local economy. The annual Project U Leadership Conference provides low-cost professional development for community leaders, giving them practical tools that support long-term growth and success.
Supporting Businesses through Relationship Driven Insights
We rely on relationships with site selectors, industry leaders outside our market and key stakeholders to understand what businesses are looking for before turning to data. Data plays an important role, but understanding business needs through those relationships always comes first.
Rather than providing information businesses may already have, we focus on understanding their requirements and filling gaps where needed.
Rather than providing information businesses may already have, we focus on understanding their requirements and filling gaps where needed. This approach continues after recruitment, where we aim to be the first phone call businesses make as their needs evolve, ensuring continuity and long-term engagement.
Economic development often extends into practical day to-day support, from helping relocating employees find local services to serving as a trusted local connector for businesses entering the community. We focus on building relationships across businesses—small businesses to Fortune 500 companies—treating everyone the same and ensuring support remains accessible.
As regions like Dallas-Fort Worth continue to grow, maintaining that level of support becomes increasingly tied to how proactively cities plan for future demand. Land availability, rising construction costs and infrastructure capacity are becoming critical constraints, making long-term planning for systems such as water, electricity and sewer increasingly important for future growth.
Adapting to Change through Workforce and Team Alignment
As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, employees are being pushed into higher-level responsibilities rather than being replaced, making upskilling increasingly important.
That growing need for workforce training has made initiatives like Burleson Works an important resource for companies looking to strengthen workforce readiness and long-term competitiveness. The program offers scholarships of up to 3,500 dollars for new hires and 1,500 dollars for upskilling. Delivered through a fast-tracked model with minimal red tape, it is built in partnership with our industrial base.
At the same time, economic development depends on coordinated execution across city leadership, internal departments like engineering, public works and the broader team working together to move projects forward. It takes a range of people to bring a deal across the finish line, reinforcing that success is always a shared effort.
Building the Network that Drives Outcomes
Economic development is fundamentally a relationship driven business. My advice to those entering this space is to focus on building as many connections as possible, whether deep relationships or simple acquaintances.
Opportunities often come through relationships built over time and through people already familiar with you and your work. Turning those opportunities into long-term success depends on collaboration across the community rather than individual effort.
