Let’s face it—industrial property for rent isn’t exactly the sexiest topic in the world, but it plays a huge role in how goods move, how jobs are created, and how local economies grow. So it makes sense that cities across the country are putting a lot of thought (and money) into making industrial properties for lease more attractive to businesses.
Why? Because when manufacturers, logistics companies, and tech firms move in, they bring jobs, tax revenue, and a whole lot of economic ripple effects with them.
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So what exactly are cities doing to attract these businesses? Let’s break it down.
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Zoning and Infrastructure: Getting the Basics Right for industrial property for rent
Before any company moves in, they want to know that the land is ready to go. That means it’s properly zoned for industrial use and already hooked up to reliable infrastructure—roads, water, power, and especially fiber internet.
Cities that invest early in infrastructure tend to win big. They work with utility providers, upgrade transportation access (think wide roads for 18-wheelers and proximity to interstates or rail), and make sure there are no bureaucratic nightmares involved in setting up shop.
In short, cities are learning that if they build it—smartly and efficiently—businesses will come.
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Incentives and Tax Breaks: Sweetening the Deal
Another major strategy? Incentives. These can include:
- Property tax abatements
- Reduced permit fees
- Fast-track permitting
- Grants for job creation
- Workforce development programs
Some cities even partner with state governments to create special zones—like Opportunity Zones or Enterprise Zones—where companies get additional benefits just for moving in.
It’s all about reducing the upfront costs and making the long-term numbers more appealing. And honestly, it works. Companies are constantly comparing locations based on total cost of ownership—and incentives can tip the scales.
- Developing Spec Buildings and Ready Sites
Time is money, especially in industrial sectors. Cities and economic development groups are starting to invest in “spec buildings”—pre-built industrial spaces that companies can move into quickly.
Some also create “shovel-ready” sites, which are fully permitted and prepped for immediate construction. No delays. No red tape. Just plug and play.
This approach is especially attractive to fast-scaling logistics firms, which might need to open a new distribution center in just a few months. Being ready at a moment’s notice gives a city a huge competitive edge.
- Partnering With Local Schools and Colleges
Businesses don’t just want space—they want skilled workers. That’s why cities are getting serious about workforce development.
Local governments are teaming up with community colleges, trade schools, and even high schools to create specialized training programs in welding, logistics, automation, and more.
If a company knows it can move into a city and immediately tap into a pool of trained talent—or even help shape a custom curriculum—it makes the move a whole lot more appealing.
- Spotlight: Johnson County, Texas – A Booming Example
Now let’s talk about a real-world example that’s getting a lot of attention lately—Johnson County, Texas, and Johnson County industrial property for rent.
Located just south of Fort Worth, Johnson County has seen an industrial boom over the last few years. Why? For starters, it hits all the right notes we just talked about:
- Prime location: With easy access to I-35W and US-67, businesses can reach Dallas-Fort Worth in under an hour—without the big-city traffic headaches.
- Incentive-friendly environment: The county and its cities (like Cleburne and Burleson) have been proactive in offering incentives to attract companies, from tax abatements to infrastructure assistance.
- Available land: While Dallas-Fort Worth is running out of industrial space, Johnson County still has large tracts of developable land—making it perfect for companies looking to build large facilities.
- Skilled labor: The area is close to a strong labor pool, and local schools are working closely with employers to keep that talent pipeline flowing.
Just in the past couple of years, there’s been a noticeable uptick in interest from logistics firms, light manufacturing companies, and even aerospace suppliers. Developers have broken ground on new industrial parks, like FM 157 in Venus, and spec buildings are popping up left and right.
Johnson County is proving that with the right mix of infrastructure, incentives, and vision, even a relatively quiet area can become an industrial hotspot.
Examples in Johnson County industrial properties for lease:
FM 157 is a brand-new multi-tenant industrial park located in Venus, TX, near Mansfield, TX just minutes from Hwy 287. Here are a couple examples:
Building 300
#301
- 2000 sq. ft.
- 1 bay door
- 50′ building depth
#302
- 2000 sq. ft.
- 1 bay door
- 50′ building depth
#303
- 2000 sq. ft.
- 1 bay door
- 50′ building depth
#304
- 2000 sq. ft.
- 1 bay door
- 50′ building depth
Final Thoughts
The bottom line? Cities that want to attract industrial business can’t afford to sit back and hope for the best. They need to invest, plan, and partner.
And if they do it right—like Johnson County is doing—it can transform the local economy in a big way.
So the next time you drive by a shiny new warehouse or see cranes on the horizon, just know: a whole lot of strategy went into making that possible.
A final word about RDS Real Estate
RDS Real Estate is locally owned and operated, and we believe that makes a huge difference in our ability to find the right property for your needs. Call us today and find out just how good we are at what we do.