Manor-Elgin-Taylor Talks holds third meeting
It’s no secret growth is coming to Manor, Elgin and Taylor, a fact that has officials from those cities and three counties brainstorming on how to deal with challenges posed by Austin and beyond.
A collective group of officials called Manor Elgin Taylor Talks, or METT, held a recent luncheon at the Taylor Independent School District administration building to share concerns about infrastructure, housing, businesses and increased traffic.
“This is a collaboration, conversation and community,” said Heather Bloom, president of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.
“This brings together leaders, businesses and residents from three cities to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities and spark ideas for how to move forward.”
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I don’t think any of us were prepared for the growth that we have all experienced.”
— Adena Lewis, Bastrop County economic development director According to Bloom, the first METT event took place in 2023 in Elgin. The second was in Manor and the third came to Taylor Nov. 12.
“It’s perfect timing with Samsung (Austin Semiconductor) and everything that’s going on,” said Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola. “It’s amazing that we’re getting together to share ideas and let each other know what we’re working on.”
During the event, Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce President Tia Rae Stone served as the emcee for a questionand- answer panel with officials from Bastrop, Travis and Williamson counties.
They included Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles, Travis County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Travillion and Bastrop County Economic Development Director Adena Lewis.
“I’ve been with Bastrop County for 13 years and I promise that I will never be an elected official,” Lewis quipped. “I appreciate those of you who take on those roles. I don’t think any of us were prepared for the growth that we have all experienced. We knew that east of Austin was going to someday have some growth, but for us, the minute Elon (Musk) planted his flag for Tesla (near Bastrop), everyone started to look in our direction.”
In addition, other high-tech industries that have moved to the region, including Samsung in Taylor, are bringing new businesses, new talent pools and the headaches that accompany fastpaced development, officials said.
Lewis said the rapid growth is affecting the infrastructure in Bastrop County.
“We’re playing a huge ‘catch-up’ on our infrastructure,” Lewis said. “I give a lot of grace to Bluebonnet Electric (Cooperative) and Aqua Water (Supply Corp.) and other companies who supply us and new housing.”
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Travis County has seen growth during the last five decades and is home to the 11th largest city in the U.S. – Austin. Nonetheless, Travillion oversees the northeast portion of the county, which is now seeing explosive growth.
“Our infrastructure is adequate and growing,” he said. “Historically, my precinct has been underdeveloped until Tesla and Samsung came in. We have a number of companies who are developing. We’re preparing for not only residential development, but also commercial and industrial development.”
Like Travillion, Boles’ precinct in east Williamson County — which includes Taylor and Hutto — is not as developed as other parts of the county, but development is ramping up.
“I love the name ‘METT’ and we could call it the ‘METT Triangle’ with FM 973, U.S. 290 and Texas 95,” Boles said. “Things are changing in this part of Central Texas and when it’s your turn to develop, it’s your turn to develop.”
Boles believes living in a capitalist society is contributing to the growth in east Williamson County. He also indicated projects such as the East Wilco Highway and others help get ahead of the curve.
“We’re planning and setting the footprint to get the Samsung Highway from FM 973 to Texas 95,” Boles said. “We’re also studying 95 because it needs to be done. (The Texas Department of Transportation) will have a hard time developing it when the need comes. We’re always working with our cities and we’re going to see more new players such as water providers. There are a whole bunch of moving parts that require us moving together.”
The event was sponsored by Broaddus & Associates, the Taylor and Elgin chambers and the Manor Chamber of Commerce.
