Pearland Developments | Spring 2025

Pearland Ranks #3 Best Place to Live in the U.S.

Pearland has earned national recognition as one of the best places to live in America. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Pearland #3 on its 2025 Best Places to Live list, highlighting the city’s strong economy, great schools, exceptional quality of life, and welcoming community.

From beautiful parks and family-friendly neighborhoods to a thriving business community and prime location near Houston, Pearland offers the best of both worlds. It’s a place where families put down roots, businesses grow, and neighbors feel like friends.

We’re proud to see Pearland recognized on a national stage and will continue working to make our city the community of choice in the region and beyond.

> See Pearland’s Ranking here

A Few Days Left – Share Your Voice by August 29

The City of Pearland and the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) are inviting all local business owners to take part in the 2025 Pearland Business Survey. This quick online survey is designed to help the City and PEDC better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of Pearland employers.

Your feedback will play a vital role in guiding decisions that support business growth, enhance services, and strengthen our local economy. Whether you operate a small shop or a large company, your perspective matters.

A few reminders:

• Responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
• The person most familiar with your business operations should complete the survey.
• If you’ve already completed it—thank you! Please do not submit more than once.

The deadline to respond is August 29.

> Take the survey here

Pearland Innovation Hub Hosts First Pitch Competition

In May, the Pearland Innovation Hub (PIH) hosted its first Pitch Competition, highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurial drive within Pearland’s small business community. Ten local business owners took the stage to share their business models, growth strategies, and community impact with a panel of judges and a live audience.

After a round of impressive presentations, three winners were selected. Yellow Apron Baking Co. earned first place and $5,000 in cash and business support services. VS Midwifery Services received second place and $2,500, while Financial Aid Frenzy placed third, taking home $1,250. In addition to funding, all winners gained access to expert advising and accelerator resources to help grow their businesses.

The competition not only celebrated Pearland’s entrepreneurial spirit but also underscored the Innovation Hub’s role in fostering business growth and strengthening the local economy.

> Learn more about PIH 

Adrian Perez and Matt Peno Join PEDC Team

The Pearland Economic Development Corporation is excited to welcome Adrian Perez as Vice President of Attraction and Retention and Matt Peno as Redevelopment Director.

As Vice President of Attraction and Retention, Adrian will lead initiatives to bring new businesses and jobs to Pearland while supporting the growth of local companies. In his role as Redevelopment Director, Matt will spearhead projects that transform key areas of the city into vibrant spaces, fueling Pearland’s continued success.

Welcome, Adrian and Matt!

Lower Kirby Road Reconstruction Moves Forward

Work is officially underway to transform Fruge Road, East of the intersection at Kirby Drive in Pearland’s Lower Kirby. Crews broke ground May 7 on a project that will deliver a smoother concrete roadway, new sidewalks on the north side, extended water lines, and upgraded intersections. Completion is expected in early 2026.

These improvements will boost mobility, expand city utilities, and prepare the corridor for major business growth. The project supports the Pearland Prosperity Strategic Plan by ensuring the Lower Kirby area is ready for new investment with quality infrastructure and shovel-ready sites. It’s another step toward making one of Pearland’s fastest-growing areas even more connected, competitive, and ready for what’s next.

Stream Realty’s Class-A Distribution Buildings Taking Shape in Lower Kirby

Construction is moving quickly on Stream Realty Partners’ Class-A distribution park in Pearland’s Lower Kirby. Located at the corner of Kirby Drive and N. Spectrum Boulevard, the 24-acre site will deliver two buildings, featuring 117,247 square feet and 267,262 square feet of premier industrial space.

Designed for modern logistics, manufacturing, and distribution needs, the facilities offer prime access to the Houston region’s major transportation corridors and benefit from Lower Kirby’s enhanced infrastructure and regional detention. Completion is slated for early 2026, bringing quality space that will attract new businesses, support expansion, and create jobs.

This development adds to the strong wave of investment happening across Lower Kirby, reinforcing Pearland’s position as one of the region’s most competitive and fast-growing business destinations.

In the News

Levey Logistics Park, largest spec industrial park in Pearland, signs first tenants [HBJ]

Strategic redevelopment partnerships drive growth along Pearland’s SH 35 Corridor [HBJ]

Pearland Prioritizes A 'Quality Of Life' Community For Continued Prosperity [Bisnow]

Houston distributor Lonestar Electric Industrial Supply moves to growing Pearland hub [HBJ]

Canopy Solutions Signs 82,560 SF Industrial Lease in Pearland, Texas [REBusiness Online]

Pearland Industrial Park Signs 500,000-SF Tenant [Realty News Report]

Houston Region Asserts Biotech Excellence at BIO International Convention [GHP]

PEDC Welcomes New Board Member

PEDC is pleased to welcome Ken Rice to its board. A 20-year Pearland resident, Ken serves as Vice President of Legal Services for Loomis and brings a strong commitment to the community, having served on the Pearland Parks and Recreation Board, participated in the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, and graduated from the Pearland Citizens Police Academy. Welcome Ken!

Showcase Your Business at the WorkInPearland Job Fair

The fourth annual WorkInPearland Job Fair takes place Wednesday, September 17, at the Pearland Recreation Center. With more than 1,500 job seekers connected to employers since its launch, this event is a proven way to meet qualified candidates. Secure your booth and connect with Pearland’s growing workforce.

> Register your company here

Sales Tax and Unemployment

Current period sales tax collections received in the second quarter of 2025 were up 4.5% compared to the same period in 2024, signaling continued growth in local business activity and consumer spending in Pearland. 

The unemployment rate in second quarter of 2025 was 3.7%, lower than the US and Texas unemployment rates of 4.1% and 3.9% respectively for the same period, reflecting a strong job market.