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Welcome to Richmond, Texas.
The Future of Richmond is Taking Shape—With You at the Center
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📢 Join Us for the Development Corporation of Richmond's Monthly Board Meeting! 📢
The Development Corporation of Richmond invites you to our Monthly Board of Directors Meeting—stay informed and engaged in shaping Richmond's future! Held on the second Tuesday of every month.
📅 Tuesday, May 12, 2026
🕔 5 PM
📍 City Hall Annex, 600 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469
🔹 Join via Zoom 👉 Link
🔹 Meetings & Agendas 👉 Link
This is your opportunity to learn more about economic development, business growth, and city projects impacting our community. Don't miss out!
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Are you ready to grow your business in a community built for opportunity?
Richmond isn’t just growing—it’s thriving. With a strategic location in the Houston Metro, a highly skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment, it’s no surprise more companies are choosing to call Richmond, TX home.
At Develop Richmond, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from site selection and data insights to connecting you with the right local resources to succeed.
Whether you're expanding, relocating, or just getting started, let’s make it happen—together.
Reach out today to learn how we can help your business grow in Richmond.
https://developrichmondtx.com/
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Richmond has properties available that are well-suited to many different types of businesses. The Development Corporation of Richmond is happy to provide this interactive map to assist with site selection property searches.
Please use the link provided to view our available properties.
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Are you ready to submit your business proposal & plans?
The purpose of a pre-application conference is to create a “one-stop shop” meeting with all department representatives who form the Development Review Committee (DRC). These meetings help introduce the developers to the city’s development regulations and permitting processes. The meeting is generally attended by representatives of the following City departments: Planning Department, City Engineer, Public Works Department, Building Department, Fire Marshal, and the Fire Department.
These meetings are strongly encouraged for new development projects, and before you purchase or lease any property, as they allow the developer/ owner to discuss their proposal with the DRC.
Richmond, Texas is a ZONED city.
The City of Richmond utilizes a Unified Development Code (UDC) and an official zoning map to divide the city into specific districts, regulating land use, building, and development to maintain community standards.
One-hour long pre-application conferences may be scheduled every Tuesday morning, at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., depending on availability.
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Economic Development Week 2026: Celebrating 100 Years of Impact May 4–8, 2026
We join IEDC - International Economic Development Council in celebrating Economic Development Week, a time to elevate the remarkable importance and impact of economic development organizations and professionals.
This year’s celebration takes on extraordinary meaning as part of IEDC’s centennial year, guided by the theme 100 Years of Impact. It also coincides with National Small Business Week, creating a powerful opportunity to spotlight the entrepreneurs and small businesses that drive local economies forward.
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Economic Development Director, Lacie Chambers
Economic Development Coordinator, Selma Nellie Piña
Development Corporation of Richmond (DCR), Board of Directors
"Communities have always needed people whose job it is to think strategically about growth, investment, talent, and opportunity.
One hundred years ago, those people were called industrial bureau managers. Today, we call them economic developers. The title has changed. The mission has not.
Today, there are more than 11,000 economic development organizations in the United States alone, employing nearly 170,000 professionals and generating $18 billion in annual activity. That is not just a profession. It is an industry—one built over 100 years by practitioners who believed that where you live should not limit what you can become."
~ Tracye McDaniel, President at TIP Strategies
Your team at the City of Richmond Development Corporation of Richmond,
Develop Richmond TX, works diligently to execute this vision, motivated by a singular goal: enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls our city home.
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For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
National Small Business Week 2026 takes place May 3-9, and Develop Richmond TX officially recognizes these local business owners and organization leaders for their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and contributions to the economy: La Cocina Mexican Restaurant & Catering, Patton Insurance & Financial Services, Inc, and Texas Regional Bank-Richmond/Rosenberg Branch, among many.
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La Cocina Mexican Restaurant & Catering, Andres Novoa
Nominated by Kristie Phillips, Director of Development, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, "For 19 years (would be 21 if not for covid), Owner Andres Novoa has hosted a fundraiser for our organization."
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Andres Novoa fled his native country of Nicaragua in the late seventies, seeking refuge in the United States. He got his start in the restaurant business as a server and worked his way up to general manager.
Andres moved to Fort Bend County 35 years and opened his own business, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant & Catering in Richmond, TX in 2000. Five years later, he discovered Fort Bend Seniors. Novoa says “I believe that hard work and dedication will bring success in whatever you do. I have learned to be grateful and to give back to the community and I have a special place in my heart for Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.”
Upon learning of local elders’ struggle to afford or prepare meals, Andres launched one the longest running fundraisers in Fort Bend Seniors (FBS) history. For 19 years, he and his restaurant have hosted the Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser in Richmond, TX and show no signs of slowing down. Andres’ Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser has made the largest individual impact on FBS, raising over $700,000.
He supports countless fundraisers by donating food and gift certificates and is always promoting Fort Bend Seniors. In 2022, he was honored by the Houston Texans & Modelo as a Campeon De La Communidad (Champion of the Community). Andres supports, in addition to Fort Bend Seniors, Fort Bend Women’s Shelter, Saving Our Companion Animals - Fort Bend County (SOCA-FBC) West Fort Bend Women’s Charity, The LEAF Foundation, and the Wounded Warriors Project. He truly is a local champion.
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Patton Insurance & Financial Services, Inc, Kevin Patton
Kevin Patton proudly represents our community, by being an active member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. His State Farm agency has proudly presented our annual State of the City Richmond event for the City of Richmond. He has provided insurance services, with State Farm, since 1993. He truly believes in Caring For Customers. In addition, he is a member of Ever Ready Masonic Lodge #506, Rotary International, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where he teaches Country Dance to Houston area students. He is also a member of State Farm's Chairman Circle. Mr. Patton enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Fort Bend County Seniors " Meals On Wheels", and our local Fort Bend County school districts (Lamar CISD, Katy ISD, Stafford MISD, and Fort Bend ISD). His goal is to, "Earn your business, Daily. We Thankfully SERVE."
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Texas Regional Bank is a Texas based community bank that was built on the foundation of developing a regional banking franchise committed to the success of the community. Lisa Ta joined Texas Regional Bank, Rosenberg/Richmond as Market President in 2023 and was primarily drawn to the bank’s mission of Be ‘The people you know’ in the communities we serve.
Having started her banking career in 1997 after graduating from the University of Houston with a business degree in Marketing/Sales, she has worked with retail banking, premier banking and investments and most recently with business banking, managing a robust portfolio of clients. She has always had a passion for working with clients in being able to provide personalized banking services and solutions. The Market President role combined both of her passions of building strong relationships and making an impact in the community through engagement, involvement and leadership.
“Meeting and getting to know clients to fully understand their business dynamic and provide comprehensive solutions to not only help their business grow but deepen the relationship has always been a driver for my success over the past 29 years,” she notes. “This truly aligns with TRB’s vision of Banking Texas, one relationship at a time.”
Lisa is fully committed to making an impact in Fort Bend County through her service with various local organizations. She serves on the board for Central Fort Bend Chamber and is a board member for Behind the Badge Charities that supports Fort Bend County first responders with financial assistance and scholarships. Averaging over 150 volunteer hours annually, her involvement includes serving as the vice chair for Central Fort Bend Chamber’s RISE Total Resource campaign for the past two years and is the 2026 campaign Chairperson. Additionally, she is a Class of 2026 Leadership Fort Bend participant, actively supports Lamar Consolidated ISD, and in its 2025 inaugural year, volunteered in Richmond Youth Program for Entrepreneurs’ RYPE program to assist students develop business plan financial projections. A strong community advocate, Lisa proves through her actions what it means to be committed to serving our community.
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Calling all young entrepreneurs in Richmond 🍋
Lemonade Day is coming up on May 16th, and registration is now open. This is an incredible opportunity for kids to learn how to start and run their own lemonade stand while building confidence and real-life business skills.
We are proud to support this initiative and encourage families and local businesses to get involved. Whether you are registering a young entrepreneur or planning to stop by and support a stand, your participation makes a difference.
Sign up today and be part of something special in our community:
Let’s show up for our future business leaders and cheer them on every step of the way 💛
If you have already registered and just need to add your stand, you can do so here:
https://local.lemonadeday.org/central-fort-bend/brand-your-stand
If this is your first time participating, start your registration here:
https://local.lemonadeday.org/central-fort-bend
Then click “Stands” and complete the Brand Your Stand section.
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Starting a business but don't know where to begin?
Kimberly Thomas, director of the Fort Bend SBDC, shares how their expert advisors help small businesses grow from startups to thriving operations. And the best part? Their services are FREE!
1116 Myrtle @ Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469
www.sbdc.uh.edu
(713) 743-5550
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Doing Business In Richmond TX!
The Fort Bend County Small Business Development Center (Fort Bend SBDC) is housed right here in Richmond. Learn what resources SBDC offers, from virtual training to one-on-one business assistance and mentoring. The SBDC team is available to support Richmond small businesses and those looking to start a small business. Learn more!
| | On Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, the SBA and America's SBDC will host the free National Small Business Week Virtual Summit. This year’s summit will feature educational workshops, access to critical federal resources, and networking opportunities to help our nation’s entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand their businesses. Register now! | | | | |
📈 Take your business to the next level with
SBA's free online learning platform!
SBA created MySBA Learning and packed it with in-depth information to help you grow your business.
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JOIN the Richmond Team
Check out the Careers tab at top of City's website Homepage to explore career positions-
https://richmondtx.applicantpro.com/jobs/.
Richmond is more than a city — it’s a community built on P.R.I.D.E.
Pride in our neighborhoods.
Pride in our history.
Pride in our growing business community.
Pride in the people who call Richmond home.
Every day we work to build a city that residents and businesses can be proud of.
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📚 WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE | Building Richmond's Workforce
Did you know that Richmond residents have access to one of the region's most accessible and impactful higher education institutions—Wharton County Junior College?
WCJC offers a variety of programs from healthcare to technology to skilled trades. Whether you're jumpstarting a new career, transferring to a four-year university, or exploring workforce certifications, WCJC provides local, affordable, and flexible learning options to help you succeed. 👩 🔧👨 💻
🎯 Why WCJC?
- Strong partnerships with regional universities
- Career-ready certification programs
- Workforce-aligned training for our growing economy
- Convenient Richmond-area campus options
Education = Opportunity. And at Develop Richmond, we're proud to support the institutions building the talent of tomorrow.
🔗 Learn more: wcjc.edu/campuses/richmond
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Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 6pm
Location: Sugar Land Marriott
Theme: 80 Years of Luck and Laughter
Dress: Dress for the Decade Chic (Pick your favorite decade)
You may register for the event here.
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WELCOME TO THE BOOKEND
Step into The Bookend, your cozy nook in the heart of Richmond, TX. Where stories, ideas, and connections come alive.
Inspired by the warmth of a library and the charm of a well-loved bookshop, our intimate event space is perfect for book clubs, creative workshops, or private gatherings with friends and colleagues.
Here, every detail is designed to make you feel at home—from the soft glow of reading lamps to the comfortable corners made for conversation.
At The Bookend, every event is more than just a gathering; it’s an experience, wrapped in warmth, curiosity, and a love of stories.
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Richmond's Premier Speakeasy and Cigar Lounge
A Hidden Sanctuary
A Secret Haven of Fine Bourbon & Cigars
Tucked away in the heart of Historic Downtown Richmond, Texas, The VaulTX redefines the traditional speakeasy with a private, members-only experience dedicated to the art of fine bourbons and premium cigars. Discreetly concealed behind an unmarked door, we await those who seek an elevated refuge from the ordinary—where every pour, every cigar, and every moment is cloaked in timeless sophistication.
📍300 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469
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✨ Richmond Hot Spot: Art of Skin 💆♀️🌿
Looking for a little "me time" right here in the #RichmondTX area? Say hello to Art of Skin, your local retreat for head-to-toe beauty and wellness! Now located in the heart of downtown Richmond at 111 S 3rd St, they offer:
✨ Medical-Grade Facials
💉 Injectables & Anti-Aging Treatments
🧖♀️ Body Treatments
✂️ Hair Services
👁️ Lash Lifts & Tints
🤌 Brow Styling
💅 Pedicures
Whether you're treating yourself or someone you love, this locally owned gem is proof that you don't have to go far to feel incredible. Tag a friend who deserves a day of pampering and check them out at Home | Art Of Skin or give them a call at (832) 868-2064! 💅✨
📍 111 S 3rd St, Richmond, TX 77469 🕐 Mon–Fri: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Born in the Bend is THE podcast for Fort Bend locals, highlighting local gems, entrepreneurs, and awesome stories originating in Fort Bend County, TX.
🎙️You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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Key Insights & Timestamps:
[01:10]: Introducing Guest Host Noell Myska and “Two Hometown Boys” Jimmy & Steve
[05:00]: Sharecropping, Cotton Chopping, and Jimmy’s Early Years in Beasley
[10:30]: Fulshear in the 60s: Valley Lodge, $0.55 Gas, and Weekend “Hub of Activity”
[20:00]: High School Friendships, Church Life, and Wild Clover-Field Adventures
[27:00]: Building Careers From Property Tax Consulting to Starting a Flying Business
[35:00]: How Steve Became a Pilot and the Story of Teaching Justin to Fly
Listen now: https://borninthebend.com/jimmy-myska-steve-holmes
or search @BornintheBend wherever you get your podcasts!
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🎥 Discover Richmond History with Mayor Haas – Part 1
Step back in time with Mayor Becky Haas as we explore the historic buildings of Downtown Richmond.
From the original Davis Bank (now home to The George Foundation) to Sandy McGee's, the Exchange Hotel, Gino's Pizza's former bank building, and even a long-waiting theater restoration—our past is still standing all around us.
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🎥 Discover Richmond History with Mayor Haas – Part 2
Join Mayor Becky Haas in Part 2 of her series and step back in time through Downtown Richmond—where historic buildings, restored homes, and hidden stories bring our city’s past to life.
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It’s Showtime in Richmond!
👉 First Fridays Happens This Friday in Downtown Richmond❗🌟
📆 Plan for First Fridays in Historic Downtown Richmond on Friday, May 8
beginning with-
🌶️ Richmond Farmers Market, 4- 8 pm. at City Hall Plaza, 402 Morton Street.
🍿 Check out the Free outdoor movie- The Mitchells VS The Machines at 8:15 pm. at Wessendorff Park- Free Popcorn provided by Rotary Club of Richmond!
Support Local and grab a bite to eat at the Farmers Market or one of the downtown restaurants, then wind into the weekend relaxing under the stars at an outdoor movie! 🌟🌳
Join for the RESCHEDULED free family movie night at the City of Richmond's First Fridays movie, featuring The Mitchells Vs The Machines at Wessendorff park Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:15 pm! Bring family and friends to watch the quirky antics of a dysfunctional family's roadtrip upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope!
A drink truck will be on site for drink purchase and Rotary Club of Richmond will be popping free popcorn for all attendees!
Bring snacks, blankets, and your best movie crew!
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Fiesta at the Market Has Been Rescheduled!
Due to the weather forecast, our Fiesta at the Market has been moved to Friday, May 8, 2026 so we can give everyone the fun, safe, and vibrant market experience you deserve!
City Hall Park – Historic Downtown Richmond
4PM – 8PM
New Date: Friday, May 8th
Join us for an evening filled with:
50+ Local Vendors
Live Music
Delicious Food
Family Fun
Shopping Under the Oaks
We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to celebrate with y’all next Friday
for an even bigger and better Fiesta!
| | The City of Richmond offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day, an employee holiday. Essential personnel will continue to work to serve citizens. Please call 281-342-5456 for further information. | | |
Chamber Marketing Available for All Members!
For more information or to purchase your business marketing campaign, please contact Volunteer, Liz Moreno at
Lmoreno@servpro9731.com
| | Enter "Richmond" in the search boxes for Richmond, TX Businesses | |
2026 Vegas Texas Style
Saturday, August 15th
Join the Volunteer Services Council of the Richmond State Supported Living Center for the 10th Annual Vegas Texas Style on Saturday, August 15th. This year will feature live and silent auctions, casino gaming, and lots of fun and fellowship! Reserve your spot TODAY!
Are you a company in Richmond, TX / Fort Bend County that might be interested in donating items to spread the word about your business?
Donations are being accepted for unique items or baskets, tickets, or gift certificates can also be packaged with a basket.
For more information, please contact: thomas.cassidy@hhs.texas.gov
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Lacie Chambers
Economic Development Director
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Greetings to our Richmond Businesses and Residents,
The Development Corporation of Richmond is a dedicated resource that facilitates the development and business expansion in Richmond, Texas.
Sharing our office is the University of Houston Fort Bend Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers a wide range of no-cost services to help your business thrive, including strategic planning, financial guidance, and marketing assistance at the same location!
We would love the opportunity to connect with you in person, virtually or by phone to discuss your business needs and learn more about how we can support you. Please feel free to book a time that works for you using the link below or on the feedback form.
Book a Meeting 📅
Thank you for your time and for being a valued part of the
Richmond business community.
We remain dedicated to fostering a thriving and prosperous community.
Sincerely,
Develop Richmond TX Team
The Richmond Way
We work diligently and collectively as one organization to continue Richmond's legacy of being a wonderful community for employees, citizens, and visitors to work, play and live.
Professionalism - We show up prepared and reliable.
Results - We strive for innovation and improvement.
Integrity - We do the right thing, always.
Dedication - We work with purpose for our residents.
Empathy - We listen, understand, and care.
For more information about the Development Corporation of Richmond, visit DevelopRichmondTX.com
| | Get to know our DCR Board of Directors | | | | |
