PHOTO #1: Mayor Duane Crocker presents his 2026 State of the City address during the Growing Victoria Summit on March 12 at the Victoria Community Center.
The City of Victoria is helping residents to stay informed about the lessons shared during the first-ever Growing Victoria Summit, even if they were unable to attend the event.
The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs this week released an episode of the City’s Town Talk podcast focusing on the Growing Victoria Summit, which was held March 12 at the Victoria Community Center. In the episode, staff discussed highlights from the event and important takeaways for residents.
Also, the City on Wednesday released a full recording of the summit, including all speakers and panelists from the free half-day event.
Both programs are available on YouTube at Victoria Texas Videos and on TV15 (local cable channels 15 and 115 and online at www.victoriatx.gov/tv15). Town Talk can also be found on Spotify at Town Talk (City of Victoria).
About the summit
PHOTO #2: From left, Robert Hess, practice leader and senior principal with Newmark Group, and Mayor Duane Crocker discuss strategic growth as part of a fireside chat during the Growing Victoria Summit on March 12 at the Victoria Community Center.
PHOTO #3: From left, Victoria ISD Superintendent Sheila Collazo, Victoria College President Dr. Jennifer Kent and Texas A&M University-Victoria President Christian Hardigree listen as St. Joseph High School President John H. Gilley IV answers a question during the education panel at the Growing Victoria Summit on March 12 at the Victoria Community Center.
The Growing Victoria Summit aimed to engage residents with the Growing Victoria initiative, which seeks to promote prosperity in Victoria through strategic growth in retail recruitment, small business development, quality of life, workforce development and housing development.
The summit began with a welcome from Mayor Duane Crocker, followed by a presentation from Robert Hess with Newmark Group, a growth strategy consulting firm with operations around the globe. Hess discussed economic development strategies that have been successful in other communities, then answered questions from the audience as part of a fireside chat with Mayor Crocker.
The summit also included a panel on local education featuring Victoria ISD Superintendent Sheila Collazo, St. Joseph High School President John H. Gilley IV, Victoria College President Dr. Jennifer Kent and Texas A&M University-Victoria President Christian Hardigree. The panelists shared how their institutions contribute to workforce readiness and discussed how strong schools can help a community prosper. The panel was moderated by former State Representative Geanie Morrison.
Finally, the mayor presented his State of the City address, where he highlighted recent and ongoing City initiatives that align with the goals of the Growing Victoria initiative. The mayor reminded attendees that Growing Victoria is not solely a City effort and encouraged attendees to become involved in supporting economic and community development.
Stay connected
To learn more about the Growing Victoria initiative, visit www.growingvictoriatx.com.
To stay informed about the City of Victoria, visit www.victoriatx.gov/communications.