In the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Eye On Leander we recapped Leander's economic growth for 2010, which had a theme of adaptive reuse. Looking forward, 2011 is forecasted to be a year of opportunity amid local and global crises and recovery. In the annual City Address (Jan. 25), Mayor John Cowman articulated the dangers and opportunities that abound in any economy, affecting residents, businesses and local and state governments. The challenge is being aware--having the foresight to recognize and act upon opportunities to improve living conditions, jobs and municipal resources. Development and diversification of our primary employers, vendors and suppliers relocation, our real estate community and various development part- ners (like the Governor's office, Austin Chamber of Commerce and federal agencies) aide with Leander's economic growth. The City actively coordinates with nearly 3,000 development partners nationally to retain, expand and relocate business to the community. This continuous effort to recruit business improves our relocation efforts--primary employers bring new money into the community and retail development distributes money through the com- munity. Leander's primary employers represent three industry clusters: metal fabrication, wood products and manufacturing, and construction. As a result, Leander is fortunate to have a healthy tax base, diverse indus- trial growth and a more vibrant economy. The City of Leander is the 43rd fastest growing city in Texas out of more than 1,500 political entities, and the 13th fastest growing city in Texas based on population growth, adding nearly 19,000 residents over the last 10 years. Our cumulative growth in sales tax, 14.29% in 2010 alone, nearly matched the previous 11 year total. Leander's forecast for 2011 and beyond remains bright and sustainable despite national averages. | 
