February 14, 2025 

AllianceTexas, Hillwood’s 27,000-acre master-planned development in north Fort Worth, recently celebrated surpassing $130 billion in economic impact for North Texas. Over the past 35 years, AllianceTexas has grown into one of the most powerful economic engines in the nation, creating more than $10.2 billion in economic impact in 2024 alone. 

AllianceTexas is not only the world’s first industrial airport; the area includes mobility hubs, manufacturing centers, corporate workspaces, and residential housing. Hillwood, an almost 40-year member of the Fort Worth Chamber, lays infrastructure for economic growth, driving connection and commerce for cities across the globe. 

When Tom Harris, Executive Vice President of Hillwood, moved to Fort Worth in 1990, the land that would eventually become AllianceTexas was mostly undeveloped.  “Coming up on my 35^th work anniversary with Hillwood at Alliance, I’m often reminded of the visual of my first day at work in April of 1990. I stood on the aircraft parking ramp at Alliance Airport next to the 10x20 foot trailer that housed a single air traffic controller and looked full circle at the horizon and there was no commercial vertical development within sight. Any trepidation I had with my decision to join the team on that day was quickly diminished with the advancement of the American Airlines Wide-body Aircraft Maintenance Base being developed soon thereafter,” Harris recalled.  

Mike Berry, president of Hillwood and 2004 Board Chair of the Fort Worth Chamber, spoke about the Chamber’s long-standing connection to the development. "The $130 billion cumulative impact of AllianceTexas is truly a shared success story for our region and each of our partners," said Mike Berry, president of Hillwood. "The Fort Worth Chamber has been inextricably linked to AllianceTexas' success from the very beginning. For nearly three decades, former (and longtime) Fort Worth Chamber President and CEO Bill Thornton and I, with our teams at the Chamber and Hillwood, worked on dozens of projects and initiatives that were instrumental in the success of AllianceTexas and the economic development of Fort Worth. The Chamber has always been there for us to assist with the heavy lifting. And, as we've achieved success together, we've taken a broader approach to supporting the Chamber and the region-wide issues it spearheads, including those that impact areas well outside of the Alliance Corridor. Hillwood understands the importance of the Chamber's mission and how the positive business climate has translated into the prosperity and growth we're experiencing today." 

Today, AllianceTexas is home to 590 companies and employs more than 66,000 people. It’s attracted some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Amazon, FedEx, Meta, Charles Schwab, and UPS. The development has also seen significant investment, with $16.3 billion invested in AllianceTexas as of 2024. The region continues to grow, with new projects such as the 3.5 million square feet of industrial space being developed, further cementing AllianceTexas as a critical hub for industry and commerce in North Texas. 

As the region continues to expand, the Fort Worth Chamber remains a key partner in fostering collaboration to ensure the ongoing success of the businesses that call this area home.