Operation Economic Transformation

For over 60 years, economic development in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties has been strongly influenced by the growth and expansion of Fort Hood – the largest active duty armored installation in the United States Armed Services. As the mission and scale of the Post has grown and evolved over the years, so has the population and economy of the region. Cities such as Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights have benefited economically, socially, and culturally from the thousands of Soldiers, civilian contractors, and their families that have lived in the area. Likewise, the people of Central Texas have steadfastly supported and embraced the U.S. Army, Fort Hood, and the brave men and women serving to defend the United States—in times of peace and in times of war.

Indeed, the strong relationships between Fort Hood and area communities have served both to strengthen the U.S. Army’s ability to carry out its mission and to enhance the quality of life for the citizens and soldiers living in the region. The new Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport is just the most recent example of what can be achieved when the region and Fort Hood partner together.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

TIP Strategies, Inc. has been engaged by the City of Killeen and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce – which serves the communities of Killeen, Harker Heights, and Nolanville – to assist the Fort Hood region in developing a plan that identifies, measures, and capitalizes on new and emerging economic development opportunities present in the region. And while the ultimate goal of the plan –
Operation Economic Transformation – is to reduce the region’s military-related economic dependency, to be successful it cannot ignore the significant growth opportunities associated with Fort Hood, including the future Texas A&M University – Central Texas, the employment potential of military veterans, and commercial expansion of the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport.

To accomplish this, the consulting team worked closely with city and chamber officials and other community development volunteers to identify the area’s challenges and strengths, and to design strategies that will secure the economic vitality of the Fort Hood region for future generations.

We began by conducting an assessment of the area’s economic base to help understand the opportunities available and identify the most pressing challenges facing Killeen and the area surrounding Fort Hood. The results of this work were refined based on input from city officials and other key stakeholders. To maximize participation in the process, the consulting team conducted individual
and group inte views with representatives of industry, retail, transportation, education, economic development, military retirees, city government, and others.

This document represents the culmination of this work. It is intended to provide the
Fort Hood region with a framework for diversified economic growth in the future.

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