Major Investment Momentum Builds Along the SH 35 Corridor
Significant development activity is underway along the SH 35 corridor as three new business parks take shape, bringing high quality flex office, manufacturing, and warehouse space to Pearland.
Hanover is advancing a 29.4 acre project at Knapp Road and SH 35, featuring more than 300,000 square feet across two buildings. The Planned Development was approved by City Council in February, and PEDC is partnering with Hanover on the reconstruction of Knapp Road that will serve the development.
Edge Industrial Park
Nearby, Stewart Development has completed the first three buildings in The Edge, a 36 acre business park at SH 35 and McHard Road that will deliver over 200,000 square feet in total; PEDC and the City formalized a development agreement in 2024 to support needed infrastructure. At 1613 Main, a 9.5 acre business park now includes ten buildings totaling approximately 124,000 square feet, supported by PEDC’s investment in key public infrastructure.
Together, these projects reflect years of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment through Pearland’s SH 35 Redevelopment Strategy, which has positioned the corridor for sustained private investment and long-term economic growth.
Want more info on these new developments? Reach out to Adrian Perez at aperez@pearlandedc.com.
Showcase Your Industry to Tomorrow’s Talent at Jobs Y’all
2025 Jobs Y'all
Pearland employers are invited to take part in the upcoming Jobs Y’all Career Exploration event, a hands-on opportunity to introduce local students to careers in your industry. Whether your business specializes in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction, or another field, this event offers a valuable way to engage future talent and highlight pathways into your workforce. The Jobs Y'all event is a partnership between PEDC, the City of Pearland, and Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast.
The event will be held on March 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Pearland Recreation Center (4141 Bailey Rd, Pearland, TX 77584).
Companies interested in participating can email Mou Sarkar at msarkar@pearlandedc.com or use the link below to register.
Fruge Road Reconstruction Now Complete in Lower Kirby
Infrastructure improvements continue to support long‑term growth in Pearland’sLower Kirby District, where the reconstruction of Fruge Road has now reached substantial completion. The project, which began in May 2025, transforms the former two‑lane asphalt, open‑ditch roadway into a modern concrete street featuring new sidewalks on the north side, extended water lines, upgraded utilities, and a redesigned intersection with a new traffic signal.
The addition of new sidewalks provides another connection to the Lower Kirby Trail, which links to the larger Clear Creek Trail system. Together, these enhancements improve mobility, increase infrastructure capacity, and create a development‑ready environment that supports ongoing business growth in Lower Kirby.
PEDC Elects 2026 Board Officers
The Pearland Economic Development Corporation elected its 2026 Board of Directors officers during its December 11 meeting. The Board selected Dena Hanks as Chair, JW Washington as Vice Chair, and Craig Slater as Secretary. The new officers began their terms at the January 15 Board meeting. Their leadership will guide PEDC’s continued focus on strategic investment, business support, and long‑term economic growth for Pearland.
Advancing Old Town Revitalization: Grand Link Design in Progress
Grand Blvd - Activated as a Festival Street Concept Rendering
Work is now underway on the Grand Link design, a catalyst project identified in the Old Town Revitalization Plan to create a central gathering space in the heart of Old Town. Working with TBG Partners, the design effort will advance concepts for transforming sections of Grand Boulevard into three distinct zones: a festival street supporting community events, an enhanced parking street serving nearby businesses and the Knapp Senior Center, and an improved landscaped median street. This phase will include infrastructure analysis, traffic and circulation review, and integration with Zychlinski Park to ensure the space can support public events.
The conceptual design will provide a foundation for engineering and future investment, moving Old Town closer to realizing its long‑term revitalization vision
The Pearland Innovation Hub is now accepting applications for its fourth annual Pitch Competition, offering local entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to showcase their ideas and compete for valuable exposure, support, and cash prizes.
Pearland startups and small businesses are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to elevate their brand and connect with the local entrepreneurial community.
Stakeholder engagement has officially begun for the update to Pearland’s Workforce Strategy Action Plan, building on the original plan adopted in 2022. The revised strategy will outline initiatives to better align workforce supply with employer demand, expand inclusive opportunities for residents, and strengthen the long‑term competitiveness of Pearland’s talent pipeline.
This update is aligned with the Workforce Development and Diverse Talent Key Initiatives of the Pearland Prosperity Plan.
Engagement groups include the Workforce Strategy Action Plan Committee, Pearland Manufacturing Partnership, Chamber workforce subcommittees, and the Young Professionals Group—representing employers, educators, and community leaders. With guidance from TIP Strategies, this collaborative effort will shape a roadmap for a resilient and future‑ready workforce. Additional updates will be shared as the plan progresses.
A newly redesigned Pearland Economic Development Corporation website is now live, offering a fresh, streamlined experience for businesses, site selectors, entrepreneurs, and residents. The updated site makes it easier to access resources, explore opportunities, and stay connected to Pearland’s economic development initiatives.
Visit the new site to see what’s new and explore the tools available to support growth and community engagement.
Current-period sales tax collections for Pearland in the fourth quarter of 2025 were up 7.3% from the same period in 2024, signaling continued growth in local business activity and consumer spending in Pearland.
The unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2025 was 3.85%, lower than the US and Texas unemployment rates of 4.2% and 4.1%, respectively, for the same period.
Workforce Development
New Initiative Focuses on Education and Career Paths for Youth
A countywide effort is underway to strengthen pathways for Opportunity Youth and Young Adults (ages 16–24), helping them access education, skills‑based training, and meaningful career opportunities. More than 50 leaders from schools, colleges, employers, nonprofits, chambers, municipalities, and community groups came together for the inaugural steering committee meeting to begin shaping the Brazoria County Opportunity Youth Strategic Roadmap. Supported through a grant from the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC), this collaborative initiative aims to re‑engage young people and expand opportunities for their long‑term success.
Interested in joining future steering committee meetings or focus groups? Contact Workforce Director Mou Sarkar at msarkar@pearlandedc.com.
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