In a recent government meeting held on June 12, 2025, in DeSoto, Texas, city officials engaged in a candid discussion about the challenges facing economic development efforts in the area. The meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle to attract significant business investments and the barriers that hinder progress.

City representatives expressed frustration over the lack of tangible results from their outreach efforts to potential franchisees and businesses. Despite attending various conferences and events, including a notable one in Las Vegas, officials noted that they have yet to finalize any major deals that would benefit the city. The sentiment was clear: while there is a concerted effort to promote DeSoto, the city is not adequately prepared to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

One key point raised during the meeting was the need to remove existing barriers that prevent effective economic development. Officials emphasized that despite having capable staff dedicated to these efforts, structural obstacles within the city’s processes are impeding progress. The discussion underscored the importance of aligning city resources and strategies to better support economic initiatives.

The timeline for bringing new projects to fruition was also a topic of concern. Officials acknowledged that some developments can take several years to materialize, citing examples like Chick-fil-A, which took seven years to establish a presence in the area. However, there was a call for a more proactive approach to expedite these processes and ensure that DeSoto is ready to engage with potential investors.

As the meeting concluded, there was a collective recognition of the need for a team effort to overcome these challenges. City leaders are urged to take actionable steps to address the barriers identified, with the hope that a renewed focus on collaboration and readiness will lead to successful economic development outcomes in the near future. The discussions from this meeting will likely inform future strategies as DeSoto seeks to enhance its economic landscape.