Councilwoman Georgia Clemson interviewed Tony Ramirez, Grand Prairie Economic Development Director, on the city program "It's Happening in Grand Prairie," where Ramirez described multiple ongoing and planned economic-development projects across the city.

Ramirez said the city acquired more than 1,000 acres in the southern portion of Grand Prairie — an area the program referred to as Goodland — and that the site is planned for a mix of single-family housing, light industrial uses and retail. "We have some very light industrial as well that we're looking at," Ramirez said. He added the area has "the possibility of having 50,000 people there," describing it as a major expansion opportunity for the city.

Why it matters: Ramirez framed Goodland and other projects as part of the city's effort to grow housing choice, attract businesses and provide amenities so residents "don't have to go too far to realize" quality-of-life benefits. He said the city is focused on "the right infrastructure" and services needed to support the new neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Ramirez also reviewed development at Epic Central, the 161 corridor anchored by existing tenants including IKEA and Bass Pro. He said Topgolf is planned to open there and that the city is in talks with several restaurant operators and larger retailers. "We are in conversation with a few restaurants and fine dining experiences," he said, noting specific names mentioned on the program: The Dippy Egg is expected to be part of the corridor, and a concept called Radicci's by "Tiffany Dairy" (as spoken on the program) was described as an Italian concept. Ramirez said the city expects some new Epic Central retail and restaurants to open around the midpoint of 2025.

The program also confirmed that BJ's Wholesale is planned for the Epic Central corridor, though Ramirez said final dates and other details were still being finalized.

Downtown and other corridors: Ramirez said downtown Grand Prairie remains a focus for beautification and walkability improvements. He noted the city uses downtown for community events — including a farmers market and holiday lighting — and that TxDOT approval of a proposed turnaround would "trigger different events" and improve access. Ramirez said the city is working to maintain business access during any construction.

The I-30/Beltline corridor — described on the program as a "gateway for fun" because of the nearby racetrack, Ripley's and the Texas Trust Theatre — is also under continued discussion with potential hospitality and restaurant operators. Ramirez said the city is pursuing conversations with hotel operators, retailers and other developers for that area.

Near the TRE station and farther north, Ramirez said the city is considering a large mixed-use development with a combination of retail and housing; he called it "a very large development" and "a very good possibility" but said progress depends on project funding and pro forma decisions.

Constraints and development strategy: Ramirez and Clemson discussed challenges that affect siting decisions, including floodplain conditions. Ramirez said parts of the built-out north end fall within a floodplain, limiting rooftops and customer base for potential grocers and some retailers. "They want to know what types of risks there are, and having a floodplain is part of a risk consideration," Ramirez said.

Ramirez described the city's approach to negotiations with prospective companies as confidential when necessary, explaining that protecting company identity during negotiations helps secure long-term investments. "Sometimes there are some deep negotiations that are underway on behalf of the city," he said, adding that companies are also finalizing their funding and investor commitments.

Staff and partners: Ramirez described his development team as a mix of private- and public-sector experience and named several staff members mentioned on the program: Terry Jones (industrial/light-industrial work), Richard (last name not provided), and Frankisha Nellan (events and program coordination). He credited City Manager Bill Hills and Mayor Ron Jensen for supporting economic outreach and thanked predecessors including Ruthie Jackson for earlier groundwork.

Other context: The program noted that the city expects some projects approved earlier to come to fruition in 2025 and highlighted the role of DFW-area transportation and proximity to the airport as assets in recruitment. The show also referenced the city's world-class cricket stadium, which brought roughly 7,000 people to Grand Prairie for events, and broader interest tied to regional sports events.

The interview contained no formal council votes or policy adoptions; Ramirez described projects at varying stages of negotiation, planning and permitting.

Ending: Ramirez said he is continuing recruitment and negotiations across corridors and that the city expects additional public announcements as deals are finalized. "We're really excited about that corridor," he said of several project areas, and the program closed with a reminder that more details would be shared as agreements are "signed, sealed, and delivered."