Small-town feel must not vanish with high-tech industries
What do the next 10 years look like for residents of eastern Williamson County?
Population growth is steady, Samsung Austin Semiconductor goes operational this year, the University of Texas plans to build a campus and Hutto and Taylor both celebrate 150th anniversaries.
Given all the new developments and trends, we asked city leaders to peer into their crystal balls and give us a peek into the future.
Dwayne Ariola, Taylor mayor
“Over the next 10 years, I see East Williamson County — what (former Assistant City Manager) Jeff Jenkins used to call ‘the Beast in the East’ — reclaiming its role as the economic center of the county. We will continue to attract more corporate investment and community development than any other part of Williamson County. As industrial properties come fully onto the tax rolls and incentives begin to ‘sunset,’ our tax rate will continue to decline while our quality of life rises. Small businesses will thrive from increased foot traffic, national brands will follow population and wage growth, and residents will no longer need to leave Taylor to find opportunity.
ARIOLA
“Just as importantly, all of our communities — working together with the county — must understand the critical role utilities play in our future. Water is like gold, and growth must be smart, sustainable and thoughtfully planned for the benefit of everyone. Most importantly, I see a future where everyone has a chance not just to survive in Taylor—but to truly thrive in Taylor.”
Mike Snyder, Hutto mayor
“In the next 10 years, I see East Wilco dealing with the same issues that we have today. Sustainable growth, water scarcity and tax burdens. Our challenges will be our biggest opportunities. My personal hope is that we all work together to have growth that allows families to live great lives and safely raise their families; an eastern Williamson County where people are not fearing the next tax increase that may force them to move, but where our children graduate college and come back to raise their own family. If we continue with the old ‘eastern Williamson County’ mindset as we have been, our children will not be able to afford to achieve the American dream of home ownership and raising a family. Sustainability will be the key to our future success.”
Troy Marx, Thrall mayor
“As we look to the future of the city of Thrall, we must first look back at the preparations that have been made for the next chapter. In Thrall, the (City) Council has been very proactive with grants to upgrade the aging infrastructure throughout town, upgraded water and sewer lines, generator backups on all city facilities and widening/repaving the streets that are direct access to the main Thrall (Independent School District) crosswalks.
“A city has a responsibility to meter growth to keep progress from outpacing the infrastructure of the town. Rapid growth and outgrowing infrastructure, along with creating a situation where the tax base is not able to keep up with over-accelerated growth is not healthy growth. Hometown citizens should not be taxed out of the town they helped to build due to overgrowth. This is one reason the current City Council has been extremely mindful in the use of grant funds instead of relying on raising taxes and asking citizens to approve bonds only when absolutely necessary.
“Most people who move to Thrall do so for a certain quiet, slowerpaced lifestyle. The city of Thrall will always have limited growth in its current city limits due to being landlocked by the Stiles Farm Foundation on most of the sides of the town. Thrall will be ensured that the farming community will surround it, since Stiles is the Texas A&M (University) agricultural crop research area.
“We probably will not see high rises in Thrall, as we did in the oil-boom days, but waking up to tractors/ combines and cattle all around seems to be a reality that we will continue to see far into the future of Thrall.”
Shelli Cobb, Taylor Place 2 councilwoman
'In 10 years, I see East Williamson County becoming one of the most vibrant and opportunityrich areas of our country. With major development already here, and more moving our way, we will likely see expanded housing options, new small businesses, and improved connectivity that make it easier for families to live, work and thrive right here at home.
“Of course, growth also comes with challenges. We will need to stay ahead on infrastructure — roads and utilities — as well as support our first responders and schools so they are wellequipped for a growing population. Preserving the character and spirit of our community while welcoming new neighbors will require thoughtful planning and strong partnerships across city and county lines.
“Personally, my hope is that East Williamson County becomes a model for balanced, community-driven, responsible growth. I want our citizens to feel proud of where they live, with safe neighborhoods, quality parks and local businesses that reflect our values. Most of all, I hope we continue building a community where people feel connected, heard and supported — one that keeps its smalltown heart even as we embrace the opportunities of the future.'
Peter Gordon, Hutto Place 4 councilman
“Where I see East Wilco in 10 years depends largely on whether the elected officials in the area truly embrace an ‘East Williamson County mindset.’ By this, I mean that cities in our region should join efforts to bring the right businesses and developments to the area. With Samsung at our epicenter, there can be more than enough opportunities for all of us if we collaborate effectively, not only with each other but also with Williamson County and the state. I currently see Hutto being left behind because we have chosen to forego opportunities to build effective relationships with core businesses who want to be near Samsung. We’re getting a few, but we could be far more effective in what we’re doing.
“We should all seek out businesses that will increase tax revenue without overburdening infrastructure, especially water and roads. We should also put more focus on companies with high pay.
“A rising tide lifts all boats. We cannot be mistrustful of what other cities are doing, and we cannot assume companies will locate here without some effort on our part. Effective collaboration is the key to long term success.”
Greg Redden, Taylor District 1 councilman
“With the development that is planned and coming to Williamson County in the next several years, I see a thriving east side of the county with good paying jobs in every industry. Places to eat and go for entertainment. A community that thrives with schools that help kids learn the skills that they need to move into the workforce. The ability to make a living right here in Taylor and raise a family and being able to attend your kids’ events without being locked on the road to and from work.
“I spent several years traveling to and from Austin for work. With good paying jobs coming to the east side of Williamson County, people will be able to work here having more time with family. This will build stronger relationships with families and friends. I see neighborhoods stores and restaurants wanting to come and be a part of the robust growth.”
Aaron King, Hutto Place 6 councilman
“In 10 years, I believe East Wilco can be a place that’s grown in the right way — steady, thoughtful and still connected to the roots that make this community what it is. We’re already experiencing rapid growth, and that isn’t slowing down, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the people who already live here. My hope is that we stay focused on strengthening our infrastructure, supporting public safety, protecting our water rates and doing all of this without raising taxes or wasting money.
“Our biggest challenge will be managing this rapid development while keeping the cost of living reasonable for families. That means planning ahead, being smart with our spending and making sure local businesses have the tools they need to succeed.
On a personal level, I hope that 10 years from now, East Wilco still feels like home — where longtime residents feel appreciated, new families feel welcomed and everyone can clearly see the benefit of their tax dollars at work. A community that grows but stays true to itself.”
SNYDER
MARX
COBB
GORDON
REDDEN
KING
