Mid City Times

Marty Wieder has been named as new executive director of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation. Wieder will begin on Feb. 19, 2024. 

The Arlington Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a vibrant, globally connected and innovative community that fosters equitable growth for all. The AEDC recruits business and industry, helps local companies grow and generates quality job opportunities throughout the Arlington metro area. AEDC seeks to attract and retain community partners, businesses and workforce members to invest and make their home in Arlington.

“Marty’s credentials are strong as it relates to working in the economic development world in North Texas. He knows the business leaders, the brokers, the people who get things done. He’s passionate about our community and its history and he is prepared to help us write future chapters in our history books,” Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton said.

A two-time graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington, Wieder has over 30 years of economic development experience, most recently serving as the City of Grand Prairie’s economic development director. He played a key role in planning, activating and developing the 172-acre EpicCentral project, 135+ acres of mixed-use property at Interstate 30 and Belt Line Road – the “Gateway at Grand Prairie” – as well as projects with CarParts.com and Bell Flight, among others. His economic development career started in 1989 at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, where he worked on the retention of the General Motors Plant and the first meetings and eventual campaign to build a new ballpark (now known as Choctaw Stadium) for the Texas Rangers.   

“The opportunity to come back to my ‘hometown’ and work to further Arlington's economic future again is very exciting,” said Wieder. “I’ll begin by asking key stakeholders to share their thoughts and ideas about the AEDC and Arlington’s economy. I believe that people support what they help create – we really do want to establish a sustainable culture that builds on existing relationships and fosters new ones. Relationships are the key to quality economic development.” 

Wieder obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations and Master of Arts in Urban Affairs (Urban Management), both from UT Arlington. He has held leadership positions with several organizations in the North Texas region, including the City of Colleyville, the City of North Richland Hills and working for the Honorable Tom Vandergriff, former U.S. Congressman of the 26th District of Texas and former Arlington mayor, among others. 

He also serves with numerous industry organizations, including the International Economic Development Council, American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association, International Council of Shopping Centers and Urban Land Institute, to name a few. 

Wieder fills a vacancy left by the Arlington Economic Development Corporation’s first executive director Broderick Green, who recently transitioned to a role with the Greater Washington Partnership. 

“Marty is an economic development professional with deep roots in Arlington, Tarrant County and North Texas who will add value to this organization on day one,” said Michael Jacobson, the AEDC Board president and CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. “He has the knowledge, the capacity and the skillset to hit the ground running, build a strong economic development team and deliver on the promise we have with the citizens of Arlington to foster a vibrant and prosperous economy.”

Original source can be found here.