Economic Development

Downtown Denton in EveningBusinesses and residents alike are drawn to Denton's authenticity and opportunities. Characterized by a vision for smart growth and business investment, our community has a friendly, small-town feel paired with big-city amenities, two thriving state universities, and a sustainability commitment.

Denton offers a favorable business climate, exceptional livability, and a diversity of choices in employment, lifestyle, and neighborhoods.

The Economic Development Department helps Denton grow by:

  • Expanding Denton's economy through the location of new businesses and the retention and expansion of current employers
  • Fostering Denton's thriving culture of a business, technology, and artistic creation and innovation
  • Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled and talented workers to support existing and future employers
  • Building relationships with Denton businesses and residents through outreach, education, and engagement
  1. DentonSE_AreaPlan_BoundariesMap_2023_0405

    Help Plan the Future of Southeast Denton

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  2. Photo of AppleJack owner, Interim City Manager, and Mayor with award

    Meet the 2021 Award Winners

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  3. three stacked gold stars with text mayor & City council Annual Business Award Winners

    2021Mayor-Council Business Awards

    Recipients of this year's Mayor-Council Business Awards have been selected Read on...

Incentives & Programs

Economic Development offers support and services to businesses in all sectors and of all sizes. From facilitation of the training grants and incentive programs to the support of local merchants through the SH.O.P. Denton and Shop Small Saturday programs, the City is invested in supporting Denton's diverse business community.

As part of Denton's business recruitment and expansion efforts, the City Council has awarded a total of 30 economic development incentives to foster tax base and employment expansion in the community. Since 1999, the City has invested $22 million in tax-related incentives, and in return, has benefited from a net increase in property and sales tax revenues totaling more than $71 million. The return on investment for all incentives awarded is about 324%. In total, there have been 8,400 jobs created or retained by incentivized projects.

Downtown Reinvestment Grant Program

Denton promotes its unique character and culture through redevelopment and revitalization of Downtown. The Downtown Reinvestment Grant is a reimbursement program to assist downtown projects with facade  improvements; roof and foundation repair; new signs and awning; reimbursement of impact fees; and utility upgrade costs. The 2022 updated grant program guidelines and application can be found on this page under Helpful Resources.