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When seeking to impart proper praise for Tomball’s prosperity, the answer is not as straight and narrow as the railroad tracks that helped put the town on the map more than a century ago. Multiple city partners, each presenting different perspectives yet proud to be on the same page, have collaborated to co-author Tomball’s success story.
As generation after generation of families choose to keep their roots in Tomball, Mayor and Tomball native Lori Klein Quinn credits another “family” for helping make the city so appealing.
“Just like a family, we all work together in a true partnership for common goals,” Mayor Klein Quinn said of her city’s advisory groups and organizations. “Families don’t always agree on everything, but what they do agree on is doing what’s best for the family.”
Admitting that it “takes a village” to keep Tomball thriving, Mayor Klein Quinn acknowledges how her administration’s partnership with the Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) has helped move the city forward. The TEDC, governed by a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by Tomball City Council, strengthens the overall economic environment of the city by providing unmatched living and working opportunities.
“Collaboration is absolutely key in what we do – and that is a testament to our leadership,” Kelly Violette, Executive Director of the TEDC, shared. “We’re fortunate to have strong leadership to give good direction and allow all of us to continue down the path of building the best future for Tomball.”
Positioning Tomball for favorable outcomes in the present and future requires a comprehensive vision from city partners.
“Everyone is not merely willing – but wanting to collaborate,” Violette noted. “That’s not something you find in every community, and it’s what helps make Tomball special.”
Guided by a Strategic Work Plan approved by the TEDC Board of Directors and Tomball City Council, the TEDC focuses on partnerships, planning and thoughtful investment as it carries out its vision of ensuring Tomball remains the community of choice. 16 project grants in 2024-25 awarded by the TEDC and accepted by City Council helped create 486 new jobs and lead to $53,822,000 of capital investment in Tomball. Additionally, meaningful aesthetic improvements have been made throughout Tomball because of the city and TEDC working in concert to distribute Business Improvement (BIG) and Façade Improvement Grants (FIG).
“We’re here to serve the citizens and businesses who call Tomball home,” Mayor Klein Quinn revealed. “We want the people and the businesses to know what’s going on and how it’s going to affect them, so we opened a lot more communication. The EDC has been a great partner with those efforts to be transparent.”
While many of Tomball’s strengths appeal to current and prospective companies, the city’s quality of life also helps attract residents and visitors.
“We listened to our citizens and helped bring jobs to Tomball,” Mayor Klein Quinn asserted. “Now, the people that have come here want to educate their children here and build their families here, so parks and sidewalks and things like that are important to them.”
Recently, the city partnered with the TEDC, Tomball Regional Health Foundation, HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball and other community entities to fund and complete extensive improvements to the playground, pool, splashpad, walking trails and parking lot at Jerry Matheson Park. A separate collaboration between the TEDC, City of Tomball and Tomball Legacy Fund cultivated the construction of Louie’s Together Playground – an inclusive playground inspired by Tomball resident Louie Munson and his family.
“We’re proud to bring people here, but we want to make sure we can offer them something exceptional to come home to,” Violette conveyed. “For us, the quality of life and recreational aspect – especially as inclusive as our projects are – appeals to a wide audience.”
Soon, Tomball will have another community gathering space to enjoy. The redevelopment of First Baptist Church and Legacy Square into a dynamic, multi-functional arts and cultural district is a holistic endeavor fostered by the City of Tomball, community stakeholders and the TEDC.
“Having an arts and cultural center right there in the center of town will be good for Tomball,” Mayor Klein Quinn acknowledged. “Our citizens will no longer have to drive to Houston to attend the theater. The way the development will preserve the church’s 1949 chapel while offering a space for local artists to display their work will be a great addition.”
“This is one of the most exciting projects we as an organization can undertake,” Violette admitted. “Tomball’s First Baptist Church has been here since 1909, so people have memories there – and we will embrace those and carry them forward. The legacy this project will leave is incredibly special because it’s not just what First Baptist Church means to the people of Tomball, but it’s the legacy we’re leaving for future generations.”