Brick Streets. Good Eats. A Great Place Where Friends Meet!

Strawn is a small community of approximately 700 residents located on Hwy 16 less than three miles off Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene. With a rich history dating back to the 1850's, the area first attracted ranchers, the development of the railroad, a thriving coal industry and the discovery of oil & gas in the area later spurred the growth of Strawn and created a melting pot of immigrants from European countries. Oil and gas development and the livestock industry remain important economic influences today.

Strawn serves as the gateway to the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. Nestled in the crook of the cedar-covered hills forming the Palo Pinto Mountain Range, this small, rural community is home to friendly people, caring neighbors and a laid-back lifestyle. In the September 2013 issue of Texas Highways Magazine, Strawn made the exclusive list of "Coolest Small Towns." Contributing to the "cool factor" is Strawn's reputation for six-man football (5-time State champions) and the famous chicken fried steak from Mary's Cafe (#47 on Texas Monthly's "Texan Bucket List").

Offering affordable living and a great school system, the town is an easy commute to the DFW Metroplex or Abilene and communities in-between. For outdoor enthusiasts, beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake is less than a 30-minute drive away, as is public access to the Brazos River. Palo Pinto Lake and the soon-to-be built Turkey Peak Reservoir are a quick 20 minute drive. The area truly is a hunter’s paradise, rich in majestic views and abundant wildlife, including white tail deer, wild hog, turkey and dove.

In 2011, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) purchased 4,300 acres just outside Strawn city limits, surrounding the town reservoir, Lake Tucker, for the creation of Texas' newest state park. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2026; The park will offer an amazing variety of amenities including hiking/biking trails, equestrian trails, fishing, swimming, camping, star gazing all within a short drive of downtown Fort Worth. Since 2011, TPWD has acquired additional acreage and PPMSP now emcompases just under 5000 acres.

Recognizing that the future state park is a huge opportunity for Strawn, a Chamber of Commerce was established in October 2012. Since that time, the Chamber has been the driving force behind bringing various individuals, groups and organizations together to improve our community and spearhead efforts to create a better business environment, more amenities and a family friendly atmosphere.

DCOS MEETING AGENDAS

DCOS MEETING MINUTES

404

Sorry! The page you are looking for can't be found.

While you're here, you might want to check this out: Home

The Development Corporation of Strawn (DCOS) is committed to assisting progressive, quality companies with relocation and expansion to the Strawn Area. The City of Strawn and Palo Pinto County both offer tax abatement programs based on the following criteria:

The number of jobs created
The average wage and the gross annual payroll generated
Capital investment
The amount of new taxes generated by the project

Local Incentives

We know that to compete in today's business world, businesses need access to various resources and capabilities. Strawn and Palo Pinto County offer access to a wide-range of such resources that can enhance your business success:

Easy access to Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the largest economic markets in the U.S.
Easy access to Abilene & West Texas
Access to a large, trained labor pool
Access to excellent schools and training programs
Access to public officials without lengthy bureaucratic delays
Access to one of the most unique living environments that includes beautiful Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, easy access to the Brazos River and Palo Pinto Lake, and the southern gateway to Possum Kingdom Lake.

Property Tax Abatements

Tax abatements are considered on a case-by-case basis. The city and county will give consideration to providing tax abatement on the increment in value added to a particular property by a specific development proposal which meets the economic goals of the city and/or county. Tax abatement will not be considered for projects which would be developed without such incentives unless it can be demonstrated that higher development standards or other development and community goals will be achieved through the use of the abatement.

Grants & Loans

Local Government Code provides very significant legislative authority for Texas municipalities and counties in the area of economic development. When a city/county wants to provide a grant or a loan of city/county funds or services in order to promote economic development, it generally cites its powers under Chapter 380/381. Cities/Counties have utilized the provisions under this law to provide a myriad of incentives that have drawn businesses and industries to locales throughout Texas. This statute basically allows the provision of loans and grants of city/county funds, as well as the use of staff, facilities, or services at minimal or no charge.

Workforce

The DCOS works in close partnership with the local Texas Workforce Commission office and Weatherford College to help craft customized training programs for the labor needs of our businesses.

Retail

A vital part of the DCOS's strategy is to promote retail investment in the community. Strawn, Palo Pinto County, understands that retail development leads to new sales tax dollars as well as enhancements to the quality of life in the area. If you are interested in retail sites or information about Strawn, Palo Pinto County, please call the DCOS at (254)312-8428. Please also review our list of retailers and businesses that are members of the Chamber of Commerce.