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IACCGH Hosts “Power of Dialogue” with Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon
By Somdatta Basu
Houston, TX – July 17, 2025 – The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) hosted its latest Power of Dialogue series at Indian Summer Restaurant, featuring Carol McCutcheon, Mayor of Sugar Land. The discussion offered a comprehensive look at the city’s economic vision, redevelopment priorities, and strategies to position Sugar Land as a competitive hub for business and innovation.
Mayor McCutcheon opened by acknowledging the importance of visionary leadership in shaping the city’s future. “Without economic development, cities fall behind,” she said. “We risk losing jobs, top talent, and tax revenue. A strong business base not only creates stability but funds the things people care about – public safety, mobility, parks, and overall livability.”
With only 4% of developable land remaining, McCutcheon explained that Sugar Land is channeling its efforts toward strategic redevelopment. She spotlighted two transformative projects: the Imperial Historic District and Lake Pointe Green.
On the city’s recent acquisition of the 40-acre Imperial site, she remarked, “Contrary to popular belief, the city has never owned this site before. This investment is pivotal in our efforts to preserve and revitalize our namesake – a top priority for City Council.”
Discussing the planned Lake Pointe Green development on the former Fluor campus, McCutcheon said, “This will be a pedestrian-friendly community centered around parks, trails, and green spaces. We are removing barriers to redevelopment and investing in infrastructure to make it a reality.”
She also highlighted Sugar Land’s growing reputation as an innovation hub, celebrating the arrival of Plug and Play, a global innovation platform. “Just in our first cohort, we welcomed 10 startup companies focused on Smart City solutions – from energy to transportation. Their presence here reflects our commitment to connecting startups with corporate partners and improving quality of life for residents.”
Another economic milestone came with the expansion of AOI, a technology manufacturer investing nearly $80 million and creating over 500 jobs. “AOI has been an anchor of our local economy for over 25 years, and this expansion reinforces Sugar Land’s role as a center for innovation, manufacturing, and global competitiveness,” she noted.
McCutcheon credited much of the city’s success to its two economic development corporations – the Sugar Land Development Corporation and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation – which use voter-approved sales tax revenue to fund growth and quality-of-life initiatives.
She concluded with a call to collaboration: “There has truly never been a better time to grow in Sugar Land. By working together, we can ensure our city remains a place of personal and professional fulfillment for generations to come.”
The event reinforced the IACCGH’s mission of fostering dialogue between community leaders and business stakeholders, underscoring the shared commitment to sustainable economic growth.
Photo Credit: Bijay Dixit , Unique Photo Images