A Community Letter from Chancellor Elva LeBlanc, PhD
Why TCC matters to Tarrant County
More than an educational institution, Tarrant County College is an investment. A strategic investment in the future of North Texas. As stewards of the public trust and taxpayer dollars, we are committed to delivering measurable impact in agreement with business and industry and our K-12 and university partners.
This past year, TCC sustained momentum, tackled new challenges and made significant progress — all to educate individuals and strengthen the regional economy.
TCC’s tax rate is one of the lowest in the county — 56th of the 58 major public taxing entities — yet our economic punch through education, workforce development and community service is huge — $2.3 billion annually. That’s $1.30 in taxpayer value for every dollar invested.
In 2023, the College approved a $5,000 (or 1% of value) homestead exemption, lowering the average property tax bill and returning an additional $10 million in tax revenue. TCC has provided $65 billion in tax exemptions total, which equates to $74 million in forgone tax revenue returned to taxpayers. In addition, the College has supported economic growth and community development through tax increment funds (TIFs) on more than $8 billion in evaluated property.
All these positives are crucial to note as the College positions for state-mandated tuition freezes, adjustments in state performance funding equations, and increased business personal property exemptions. Our Board of Trustees has taken steps — waiving dual credit tuition and earning $30 million this year in state, federal and private funding — to provide a top-notch higher education experience for generations to come. Vigorously pursuing such opportunities plus expanding our community collaborations will strengthen anyone’s investment in TCC.
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Strategic vision and community investment
Results like these come from effective leadership built on collaboration, communication and courage.
Make no mistake, resource oversight is a top priority, and we hold ourselves accountable.
Our new multiyear strategic plan, Trailblazing Together: 2030, makes certain that our efforts reflect the needs of this great place we all call home. It ensures that every dollar invested in TCC translates into better student outcomes, stronger workforce pipelines and enhanced community engagement.
Campus redevelopment and infrastructure
Despite a challenging timeline, TCC Southeast and Northwest are almost fully redeveloped, thanks to strong leadership and adaptable faculty, staff and students. Other campuses will begin their physical improvements soon. The childcare centers at South and Northwest should be finished by December, and classroom technology upgrades across all locations are ongoing.
Student success and workforce impact
House Bill 8 continues to shape curriculum and programming, and we are prepared, being a proven leader in career and technical education, seamless university transfer opportunities, and dual credit offerings. This year we increased the number of dual credit students completing 15 hours and the number of students who earned certificates or associate degrees in high-demand fields. Already this fall, we have enrolled 47,069 students — fewer than 3,000 short of our goal.
TCC works with K-12 independent school districts countywide to create higher education pathways, including 100 dual credit campuses, 14 Early College High Schools and 17 Pathways in Technology campuses. We continue to be the catalyst for the work of Tarrant To & Through.
We’re adding more Early College High School opportunities — with Birdville and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISDs at Northeast and ResponsiveEd Texas at Trinity River — and growing our first adult high school partnership at the TCC Opportunity Center.
TCC, Tarrant County Workforce Solutions, the Small Business Development Center and hundreds of industry partners are involved in the auto industry with Autobahn and Toyota; in aviation with Embraer, Bell, Bombardier and Gulfstream; in EMS continuing education training on the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base; in law enforcement and fire rescue training for municipalities; and in healthcare by crafting in-demand programs for local hospitals. And we continue to fast track our film industry certifications as the state invests $1.5 billion over the next decade to boost the Texas film industry.
Performing operations with effectiveness and responsibility
We took a daring step this year with zero-based budgeting to transform the College’s budget development process. Zero-based budgeting centers stakeholder needs, economic trends and legislation at the core of resource prioritization and allocation.
Increased enrollments and their related favorable outcomes derive from faculty and staff working in concert and delivering what we promise to the community.
Thank you
For 60 years, when we lift each other, our entire community soars. One student, one class, one life-changing connection at a time. This work is not possible without the trusteeship of our board and the dedication of more than 3,000 employees who proudly serve the mission of Tarrant County College.
Investing in TCC means investing in the future of Tarrant County. We thank the taxpayers of Tarrant County for their trust and steadfast support.
Bold Steps. Better Futures.
Elva LeBlanc, PhD
Chancellor
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