City of Texarkana Awarded $2 Million Grant

by: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams

The City of Texarkana has received a major boost to its economic and community development efforts with a newly awarded $2 million grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. The funding is expected to accelerate a range of initiatives designed to attract talent, grow small businesses, and revitalize the local economy.

City officials announced the grant at a press conference on Friday, highlighting the collaboration between public and private partners to secure the investment. A significant portion of the grant, $1.25 million, will be allocated to The Assembly Line, a nonprofit innovation hub located in downtown Texarkana. The funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge equipment, renovate facilities, and expand programming for entrepreneurs and startups.

“This is a transformative moment for our city,” said Dr. Brandy Eldridge, executive director of The Assembly Line. “The resources provided by this grant will allow us to foster innovation, support local business ideas, and strengthen our regional workforce.”

In addition to supporting The Assembly Line, the remaining funds will fuel two key initiatives aimed at talent attraction and business development. One of those is the REDI Set Move-Texarkana program, an incentive-based campaign designed to bring remote workers and entrepreneurs to the area. Participants may qualify for relocation bonuses, reduced housing costs, and discounted tuition at local higher education institutions.

The grant will also bolster Pitch-It Texarkana, an annual entrepreneurial pitch competition. This event offers budding innovators the opportunity to compete for funding to launch or scale their business ventures, with prizes awarded to the top three entries.

Mayor Bob Bruggeman praised the grant as a “strategic investment in Texarkana’s future,” emphasizing its role in strengthening the city’s economic resilience. “This funding aligns perfectly with our long-term vision to grow as a hub for business innovation and inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.

The grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation reflects a broader commitment to uplifting communities across East Texas through sustainable development, education, and workforce initiatives.

Local leaders expect the programs funded by the grant to begin implementation over the next few months, with measurable impacts anticipated as early as next year.

Texarkana residents and business owners can learn more about the programs and how to get involved by visiting the city’s website or contacting The Assembly Line directly.