Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | April 2024

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12 APRIL 16MAY 14, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Education options grow

In the 202324 school year, 681 students transferred out of Leander ISD to attend Harmony Public Schools.

COURTESY HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Budget tightens as growing percent of students leave Leander ISD

state funding as the number of students transfer- ring out of the district increases. Some parents and experts say more families are exploring other educational options as they may better meet their students’ needs.

contributed to a slowing of the district’s overall enrollment growth. District data shows many families have also left the district to attend private schools and pursue homeschooling options. Because Texas school districts are funded based on student attendance, LISD has lost millions in

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Over the past decade, a growing number of stu- dents have transferred out of Leander ISD as several charter school districts expand their footprint in the Cedar Park, Leander and North Austin area. The growth of charter school options has

CONTINUED ON 32

Also in this issue

Impacts: Nonprot Yesterday’s Gone opens in Liberty Hill (Page 9)

Government: Leander Springs agreement terminated (Page 11)

Election: Meet the candidates in the May 4 election (Pages 1721)

Business: Firey Aerospace to land rocket on the moon (Page 39)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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Impacts

3 The Alley The international boba tea company offers fruit and milk teas with tapioca pearls in a variety of flavors, such as matcha, ube taro and brown sugar, as well as pastries. • Opened Feb. 27 • 1468 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 400, Cedar Park • https://the-alley.us 4 416 & Mane Owned by Cedar Park residents Mandy Hasty and Hajer Cellura, the salon offers hair services including color, cuts, treatments and extensions. • Opened March 26 • 500 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 130, Cedar Park • www.416andmane.com 5 SmileFit Orthodontics The orthodontic clinic provides traditional braces and Invisalign treatments for all ages. • Opened in January • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 220, Leander • www.smilefitorthodontics.com 6 CorePower Yoga The business offers various forms of athletic, heated yoga through more than 300 classes and workshops. • Opened March 20 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. D-185, Cedar Park • www.corepoweryoga.com 7 Lashed by KT The eyelash extension studio opened inside Salon Lofts 1890 Ranch. Owner Katie Triplet said she does sets that range from natural and wispy to dark and voluminous. • Opened Feb. 9 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. 500, Ste. P, Cedar Park • www.salonlofts.com/katie_triplet My Chez Space The online-based business builds and sells affordable, efficient and durable prefabricated units. The business is owned by local couple Darren and Becca Christensen, and has a factory location in Leander. • Opened Jan. 1 • www.mychezspace.com

183A TOLL

281

183

HERITAGE GROVE RD.

PORTER LN.

MERRILL DR.

Leander

183

HIGHLAND FALLS DR.

183A TOLL

W. BROADE ST.

183

Cedar Park

ARROW POINT DR.

6 7

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

183

CLUCK CREEK TRAIL

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

2 19

4 LIBERTY OAKS BLVD.

LITTLE ELM TRAIL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

• 1915 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 105, Cedar Park • www.thepeachedtortilla.com

45 TOLL

Now open

620 the first Texas location of the Rhode Island-based company offers icy treats in a variety of fruity flavors. • Opened March 2 • 1525 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.dels.com 2 Del’s Lemonade Owned by Cedar Park residents Steve and Trish D’Amico, LAKELINE MALL DR.

1 The Peached Tortilla The restaurant serves Asian and Southwestern-inspired dishes, including those not found at its other locations. • Opened March 26

Na’Cole Thompson Re-Elect I have the knowledge, hands on experience and proven leadership to provide real solutions for

Fixing Water

Improving Traffic Safety

Attracting New Businesses

Leander City Council | Place 4

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, CLAIRE SHOOP & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

13 CareNow Urgent Care The facility will offer adult and pediatric primary care as well as urgent care services. • Opening in late 2024 • 144 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 180, Leander • www.carenow.com 14 Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry The practice offers preventative care, teeth cleanings, cavity treatment and laser dentistry for children. • Opening in May • 10510 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.sunnyhillsaustin.com 15 Mac Haik Leander Quick Lube Construction on the oil change and auto repair business will begin in July, Realtor Scott Hartley said. • Opening in March 2025 • 1040 Merrill Drive, Leander • Business website not yet available 16 Luxe Laser and Wellness The medspa’s services will include laser skin treatments, body contouring and massage, owner Sarfaraz Ali said. • Opening in September • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 301, Leander • Business website not yet available

Coming soon

In the news

8 Ma Bailey’s The facility offers short-term pregnancy and postpartum housing. Other services include a women’s clinic and support with newborn care, breastfeeding and recovery. • Opening April 28 • 747 Dews Road, Leander • www.mabaileys.org 9 ATX Pickleplex The complex will feature 16 indoor pickleball courts, locker rooms, a pro shop, and a restaurant and bar space. Owners Jim Sweeney and Bill Parodi said the $8 million project will break ground on July 1. • Opening in June 2025 10 Pointe 183 Animal Hospital Led by Dr. Karie Anderson, the pet hospital will provide a range of veterinary services, including routine wellness checks, vaccines, low-cost spay and neuter, dental care, surgery, boarding, and end-of-life care. • Opening in December • 10861 183A Toll, Bldg. 400, Leander • www.p183vet.com 11 School of Rock The music school will offer lessons in guitar, bass, vocal, drums and keyboard through individual instruction sessions and group band practices, which culminate in live shows at local venues. The Cedar Park franchise is co-owned by brothers Jerry and Chris Hayek. • Opening in late summer • 1850 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.cedarpark.schoolofrock.com • 501 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • Business website not yet available 12 Club Pilates The center specializes in a variety of Pilates classes, from high-intensity workouts to beginner courses. • Opening in July • 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 650, Georgetown • www.clubpilates.com

Bent Oak Winery Following the permanent closure of its Cedar Park location, Bent Oak Winery will now operate under Fat Ass Ranch & Winery in Fredericksburg. John Catalano, founder and CEO of Bent Oak Winery, said by May, the brand will no longer offer pickup orders or have any presence in Cedar Park. The new tasting room at Fat Ass Winery & Ranch opened on March 23 and will offer the same Bent Oak-labeled wine. • 153 E. Main St., Fredericksburg • www.fatassranch.com

Relocations

will become Austin Premier Mattress in early April. In addition to the name change, the company will begin selling a new line of its own mattresses manufactured in Dallas, said Shannon Reeves, general manager of the Central Austin store.

17 Randolph Texas Development The residential developer’s offices relocated from Liberty Hill to the James Avery Plaza. The company developed and designed the DeerBrooke neighborhood in Leander and Liberty Parke in Liberty Hill. • Relocated in early February • 6300 183A Toll, Ste. 240, Cedar Park • www.randolphtexas.com

• 4701 183A Toll, Ste. 17, Cedar Park • www.austinpremiermattress.com

19 Pure Barre The low-impact workout studio changed ownership on Feb. 1. Current owner DeeDee Vitek said the previous owner, Rebecca Dunn, is still an instructor and confirmed no further changes to business operations are planned. • 1525 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. H, Cedar Park • www.purebarre.com

In the news

18 Urban Mattress The Austin-owned and -operated mattress franchise

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Impacts

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

200

Coming soon

Liberty Hill

183

214

1869

332

INDEPENDENCE DR.

SOUTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER

STAUNTON DR.

MANASSAS DR.

332

BROWN BRIDGE RD.

1869

MACARTHUR DR.

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4 Bojangles Specializing in Southern recipes, the fast-food restaurant’s menu features hand-breaded chicken, buttermilk biscuits, fresh iced tea, a variety of sides and dessert. • Opening in December • Northeast corner of Hwy. 29 and Independence Drive, Liberty Hill • www.bojangles.com

Liberty Hill

Mariann Fisk Laughlin, great-great-great granddaughter of Judge Greenleaf Fisk, recently approached the city’s parks and recreation board requesting the park be renamed in an effort to preserve the land’s history. • 228 Manassas Drive, Andice • www.libertyhilltx.gov 2 Community Barbershop Caeden Kieper took over ownership of the barbershop, which offers haircuts, buzz cuts, beard trims, head shaves and hot towel straight razor shaves, on April 1. Kieper said previous owner Anthony Kendig and his

Now open

Yesterday’s Gone Founded and led by Loree Tamayo, the nonprofit provides transitional housing—in the form of tiny homes—for women rebuilding their lives after trauma and abuse. The property currently has three tiny homes, a clubhouse and a bunkhouse, and the organization will eventually be able to support nine women. • Opened March 22 • Location not publicly available • www.yesterdaygone.com Kerri’s Kandles The home-based business offers hand-poured soy wax candles, which are made in small batches to ensure “high quality fragrance,” owner Kerri Paris said. • Opened in February • Facebook: Kerri’s Kandles

family will be moving to pursue ministry. • 15100 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 300, Liberty Hill • www.communitybarbershop.com

5 Elena’s Mexican Restaurant The restaurant’s owners announced they were closing in a Facebook post. The restaurant served dishes such as enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. • Closed March 15 • 14801 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Facebook: Elena’s Mexican Restaurant 6 Ginger Roots Boutique Owner Whitney Petroski said she will move to the Stephenville area to focus on the boutique’s Hico location. She is planning to offer the store’s clothing, accessories and decor in another Liberty Hill shop. • Closing July 31 • 104 Brown Bridge Road, Liberty Hill • www.gingerrootsboutique.com

Closings

3 Liberty Hill Outfitters Since June 2022, the downtown storefront offered gear, clothing and accessories for men and women. Owner Danyel Cake said she closed the store because of increasing rent prices and ongoing construction in the area. Cake said she plans to partner with other shops to sell Liberty Hill Outfitters’ men’s apparel and accessories. • Closed March 16 • 923 Main St., Liberty Hill • Facebook: Liberty Hill Outfitters

In the news

1 Fisk-Cashion Park Parkland located within the Larkspur neighborhood will now be called the Fisk-Cashion Park following Liberty Hill City Council’s unanimous approval March 27.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

Natural gas companies raise residential rates Cedar Park and Leander residents will soon see a $2-$6 increase on their monthly utility bills for natural gas services. Natural gas companies are filing for rate increases under the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program, or GRIP, statute. The GRIP statute allows companies to cover return on capital costs associated with infrastructure through interim

Leander names Todd Parton city manager Leander City Council announced Todd Parton as the city’s next city manager at a March 7 meeting. The gist Parton is a Denton native with over 19 years of city management experience in cities including Kerrville and Cibolo, and most recently, in California, according to a city news release. What’s next Parton will replace Interim City Manager Isaac Turner on April 16 and assume his duties managing the city budget, enforcing policy, and overseeing all city operations and personnel. Parton’s five-year contract includes an annual salary of $275,000.

The breakdown

Texas Gas Service

Natural gas provider

Atmos Energy

$6.73 per month

$2.64 per month

Base rate increase

Effective date

June 7

May 24

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

per month, excluding taxes, according to city documents. What else? The new rates were initially scheduled to go into effect in April. However, both Cedar Park and Lean- der City Council approved a 45-day suspension. Now, the new rates will go into effect May 24 for Texas Gas Service and June 7 for Atmos Energy. “I mean this is unfortunate, because it's a real cost to consumers,” council member Eric Boyce said. “But there’s not much we can do about it.”

rate adjustments, officials said. What residents should know

Leander residents and Cedar Park residents in Williamson County receive natural gas services from Atmos Energy. For them, the base rate will increase by $6.73 per month, bringing the current rate of $41.23 to $47.96 per month. For the Cedar Park residents in Travis County who receive natural gas services from Texas Gas Service, the base rate will increase by $2.64

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Two Leander Fire Dept. propositions on ballot Brad Moore, Leander Professional Fire- fighters Association president, said two propositions on the May 4 ballot would help the department recruit and retain more experienced employees. What’s on the ballot? If approved, Proposition A would establish civil service, a system that standardizes the department’s internal hiring and disciplinary processes, keeping them free from political influence, Moore said in an email. Proposition B would allow collective bargaining, giving firefighters the opportu- nity to negotiate benefits, pay and working conditions with the city. Moore said collective bargaining gives firefighters a “seat at the table to work on those items with administra- tors in a formalized and transparent setting.”

City nixes agreement for Leander Springs project The city of Leander has pulled out of a deal that would have allowed the $1 billion Leander Springs development, after nearly four years of planning. As proposed, Leander Springs would encompass 78 acres and feature a 4-acre crystal lagoon as well as restaurant, retail, entertainment, hospitality, residential and office elements. The site for the proposed development is at the southwest corner of RM 2243 and 183A Toll. What happened Leander officials sent a notice of termination letter to the Leander Springs developers March 18. The letter informed the developers the 2020 development agreement with the city of Leander was canceled due to their failure to meet the construction deadlines and requirements outlined in the agreement, according to a copy of the letter provided to Community Impact .

2243

LEANDER SPRINGS SITE

183A TOLL

183

As of press time, Leander Springs developers have not responded to Community Impact ’s request for comment. The bottom line The developers still own the property and are allowed to pursue commercial development, as long as it’s in accordance with Leander’s develop- ment regulations, according to the letter. However, the crystal lagoon portion is no longer cleared for development, officials said, and the developers will not receive economic incentives from the city.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

WilCo seals deal with auto parts supplier Williamson County commissioners approved a Chapter 312 agreement, or tax abatement, March 19 with South Korean automotive parts supplier Hanwha Advanced Materials America LLC. The overview The automotive parts supplier will be building a 200,000-square-foot manufactur- ing facility on 38 acres of land just north of Georgetown on I-35. The county is expecting an estimated $100 million capital invest- ment from Hanwha, which includes taxes from the property and building, as well as the interior assets. The tax abatement agreement covers 70% of the taxable value of tangible personal property on the company’s premises, including equipment, for 10 years.

Hyliion incentives deal changes following layoffs The city of Cedar Park has revised its million-dollar incentives deal with Hyliion Hold- ings Corp. after the energy technology company underwent mass layoffs in November. The rundown Hyliion, headquartered in Cedar Park, announced it would lay off 67% of its workforce Nov. 8, halt production of electric semitruck engines and transition to electric generators. The move left only 60 local employees, bringing the company out of compliance with Cedar Park’s 2018 incentives deal, which included the promise to create over 200 local jobs. On March 7, City Council unanimously approved a plan that will require Hyliion to immediately pay $745,000 back to the city of the $1.15 million it received prior to the layoffs. The amended incentives deal will allow them

The specifics Under the revised incentives deal, the following commitments are expected from Hyliion by 2029: 60 new local jobs

Average salary of $90,000 for local jobs

$80 million in capital investment at the Cedar Park site

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

to receive up to $1.1 million based on new job creation and capital investment targets over the next six years. Quote of note “It’s not easy to be a pioneer, to be on the cut- ting edge of innovation. Sometimes that requires a pivot, and I think that requires us to be adaptable in supporting those businesses that are looking to do exciting things here in Cedar Park,” said Petri Darby, a board member of the city’s Economic Development Corporation, at a Feb. 26 meeting.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Liberty Hill council cuts mayor salary by 55% After council’s unanimous decision March 27, Lib- erty Hill’s mayor will now receive a yearly stipend of $18,000—a 55% reduction from the previous annual salary of $40,000. “I worry that if you have a large amount of compensation someone might not be doing it for the right reasons, potentially,” council member Amanda Young said at the March 27 meeting. How we got here The last time Liberty Hill City Council reviewed and approved council compensation was in Decem- ber 2020, according to city documents. Per the December 2020 city ordinance, council members elected during or after the May 2 general election received $12,000 per year, while mayors elected on or after that date earned $40,000 per year. City staff recommended council review compensation again ahead of the May 4 election.

Liberty Hill utility rate increases in effect An approximately 8% increase to Liberty Hill utility customers’ rates went into effect March 26, raising minimum charges to $41.05 and $62.58 for water and wastewater, respectively. How we got here The utility rate adjustments come from the city’s 2018 Water and Wastewater Rate Study, which recommended rate increases every year for a five-year period. The first set of recommended utility rates from the study went into effect April 2019. Until last year, utility rates were not raised or adjusted, which caused the city to lose revenue, officials said. Council approved the first rate increases since 2019 in late August, which went into effect in October and are the current rates.

What’s the pay?

Position

Yearly stipend

Council member

$12,000

Mayor (prior to March 27) $40,000

Mayor (as of March 27)

$18,000

SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A majority of the council members agreed the mayor may be tasked with more duties; however, council members have similar responsibilities. Because of this, council reduced the mayor’s salary to be more consistent with the annual stipend for council members. Acting mayor Crystal Mancilla recused herself from the vote. “I know that the mayor has more responsibility from a time standpoint ... because they’re sort of the figurehead of the city and they need to show up,” council member Angela Jones said. “But $40,000 is way too high, in my opinion.”

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Election Voter Guide

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

2024

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

**EARLY VOTING LOCATION *INCUMBENT

Leander City Council Mayor Damon Burger Christine DeLisle* Fred Summers John David Cowman Andy Hogue Place 2 Michael Herrera Esmeralda Mattke Longoria* Place 4 Monica Roussel-Methena Na’Cole Thompson* Place 6 Pulla Reddy Yeduru Becki Ross* Anna Yelaun Liberty Hill City Council Mayor Devin Vyner Crystal Mancilla Liberty Hill ISD Place 4

Dates to know

Polling locations

April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Early voting hours vary by county, but election day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. All early voting locations listed are also open on election day. This list is not comprehensive. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections and https://elections.traviscountytx.gov for a full list of polling locations. Williamson County First Baptist Church Leander 10000 FM 2243, Leander

Where to vote

Both Williamson County and Travis County residents can vote at any polling location in the county in which they are registered to vote during early voting or on election day.

Leander Public Library Annex** 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander Liberty Hill High School 16500 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex** 301 Forest St., Liberty Hill Pat Bryson Municipal Hall 201 N. Brushy St., Leander Santa Rita Ranch-Ranch House 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd., Liberty Hill Travis County Christ Episcopal Church** 3520 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park Round Mountain Baptist Church 14500 Round Mountain Road, Leander Whitestone Elementary School 2000 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander

Sample ballot

City of Leander Proposition A Adoption of the fire fighters’ and police officers’ civil service law for the Leander fire department. Proposition B Adoption of the state law applicable to fire fighters that establishes collective bargaining if a majority of the affected employees favor representation by an employees association, preserves the prohibition against strikes and lockouts, and provides penalties for strikes and lockouts.

Kathy Major* Sharon Yager

SOURCES: CITY OF LEANDER, CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, LIBERTY HILL ISD, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT

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leander residents: keep the person who puts you first.

RE-ELECT ESMERALDA MATTKE LONGORIA Leander city council place 2 • Worked to improve Leander's water system. • Voted for the biggest tax rate CUT in Leander's history. • Improved our business environment to attract Home Depot andmore. • Slowed residential growth, easing water demand and traffic. • Voted to install traffic lights at dangerous intersections. The choice is clear. Esme is for everyone. Political Advertising paid for by Leander City Council Place 2 Campaign, Esmeralda Mattke Longoria, Treasurer.

Proudly endorsed by your trusted Leander public safety associations.

For giving them what they need to protect us!

I'm asking for your vote on May 4th or during early voting April 22-30. - Esme

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Leander Mayor

If elected, what are your goals for the city of Leander?

How would you ensure infrastructure, such as water and roads, keeps up with population growth? By aligning the council around the future of Leander and ensuring Leander’s best interests are being met, I would look at current contracts involving water rights and accessibility and make changes when, where and if needed. I would also create a multiyear plan for growth of the city to ensure proper plans are in place for roads and accessibility inline with the anticipated growth. We do modeling now for water and wastewater and check in on that modeling frequently. We’re keeping an eye on growth, usage, supply and projections. Roads can be a little harder, but we did recently implement a system that requires developers to pay into a fund for roadway improvements by district, so if someone is redeveloping in your area of town, they’re also paying in to widen a road in that same area. I honestly can not fathom the beauty of our current water and wastewater system, and so glad we have engineers and operators running it. Common sense tells me that it must be predictable to some degree by square footage in residential, and by type of commerce in commercial. Sooo why and how do we push it to the limit? A couple of phases come to mind—“betting on the come” & “robbing peter to pay paul” When I left office in 2012, we estimated we were three years ahead with our water/wastewater infrastructure. We now seem to be two years behind. Lack of maintenance and unanticipated weather events have put us where we are today; in a bad place. It is critical that we get in front of the next wave of growth, and it’s going to happen. Roadways; we will look at creative ways to get said built. By picking up the phone. Improved communication between the city, developers and other government entities is an absolute must. Developers want infrastructure that works for their future residents and tenants, and so do we; it’s up to elected representatives to advocate for what the taxpayers expect from everyone involved. Though I believe we’re on a sustainable path as we grow in population, improved planning/coordination can avoid any future Stage 4-like scenarios.

*INCUMBENT

If elected, I would immediately work to align the City Council on priorities of the people of Leander and ensure that the tasks of the council will make an immediate and positive impact of those who live and visit Leander. Water accessibility and restrictions as well as a well-defined growth strategy for both commercial and residential developments and public safety would be my top priorities.

Damon Burger Occupation: Security executive Relevant experience: Leadership; finance/budgeting; operations; project management; people development; physical security; safety www.damonburger4leander.com

I’m looking forward to being able to focus more on quality-of-life issues. I’d like to see our city’s communications become more robust to ensure we’re able to engage our citizens wherever they are. I’m also looking forward [to] implementing advanced metering infrastructure which will allow residents to know their usage in real time. We also have a critical shortage of city facilities, and we’ll need to put a focus on getting that resolved. My Leander goals lean towards residential over commercial/commerce. a. End property tax, (never allowed to be explored, discussed, or considered) Why? (The idea was a proposal on the recent primary ballot for the state) b. Explore possibilities for endowment resources for “world class” anything other than football ha ha. Trades, inventors/ innovators., etc. c. In development that has already broken ground, finish it and find out what “promises” we’re made and why. [My plan,] Leander 2050, will include a hi-tech landing zone. Also, more medical as it is recession proof. We must attract business, sometimes through incentives. Making Leander more “business friendly” is a major goal. Fire and police expansion is and will be essential. Quality of life is most important to our city. More parkland, shopping, and enjoyment in Leander using and through our old motto “Live, Work, Play, Learn, Shop, Stay.” I want to hear what your goals are! While going door-to-door and hearing more about what issues are important, what needs to be fixed, and what’s worth preserving about Leander, I’ve learned more about my city than I ever would have otherwise. Therefore, it will be my top priority to make sure we’re not simply listening to concerns from constituents, business owners, and developers, but following up with them and responding in a proactive manner.

Christine DeLisle* Occupation: Marketer

Relevant experience: Mayor 2021-present; council member 2018-2021; chair, City Charter Review 2017; CAMPO 2021-present www.mayorchristine.com

Fred Summers Occupation: Generator technician Relevant experience: People, places and things; 45 years in business; seven years in community service; pace car provider www.fixyourgenerator.com

John David Cowman Occupation: Real estate broker/ developer Relevant experience: Mayor, city of Leander 2003-2012 www.johncowman.com

Andy Hogue Occupation: Political communications Relevant experience: Strong background in political analysis, journalism, constituent relations for city of Austin, civic/church leadership www.tinyurl.com/andy4leander

Candidates on Pages 17-20 were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election

*INCUMBENT

Leander City Council, Place 2

If elected, what are your goals for the city of Leander?

How would you ensure infrastructure, such as water and roads, keeps up with population growth?

The overall goal is “Making Your Hometown Your Destination.” How do we do it? By using our sales tax dollars to benefit Leander residents and not the cities around us. By having water reliability that has escaped Leander for years, but is promised at every step. By creating a partnership between the city, the chamber, and developers to attract top-tier development. The status quo will not “Make Your Hometown Your Destination” nor our neighbors’ destination.

Growth has to be paired with the infrastructure needs. The current City Council has tried to balance this with some success, but they are hamstrung by the lack of funds due to current financial arrangements that need to be addressed. These funds could be used to get ahead of the infrastructure needs and prioritize what the city needs while attracting top-tier development. Getting more out of the CapMetro Interlocal Agreement would be a start.

Michael Herrera Occupation: General manager at CSSI Solutions Relevant experience: GM at CSSI 29 yrs, multistate firm with 40-plus employees providing services to investment firms www.herrera4leander.com

My goals for the city are similar to my goals last time—government transparency, working to push through previously stalled projects that make sense, appealing to large employers and commercial development to get Leander to the next stage in its lifecycle.

We really need those primary employers and commercial development to help pay for things that are really needed—capital improvement projects such as roads and water infrastructure. We need to understand that our population will grow very rapidly and we need to plan for having a city that could be 200,000 or more.

Esmeralda Mattke Longoria* Occupation: IT contractor at local tech company Relevant experience: I’ve been in office for almost three years on the City Council www.esmeforleander.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CLAIRE SHOOP & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

*INCUMBENT

**INDICATES ANSWER HAS BEEN CUT FROM THE END FOR LENGTH

Sustainable growth. We need to allow business development at a faster pace, build the infrastructure to support it, concurrently with support services like police, fire, utilities. But above all, water. We must find a long-term solution that doesn’t rely on Lake Travis. These are difficult long- term goals. They require creativity, perseverance, cooperation, and humility. I believe I have the training and character necessary to make it happen in partnership with our city staff and council. My goals, should the voters re-elect me to my second term on the Leander City Council, include 1) focus on long-term infrastructure planning and projects; 2) increase support for small-business programming; 3) continue funding and supporting Leander’s public safety departments as they expand to meet the needs of our growing population; and 4) support our citizen’s quality of life by establishing a centralized database of local public resources for residents, especially those in crisis. If elected, what are your goals for the city of Leander?

Water is the tough one, and as stated [previously] it will require more than Lake Travis to supply our needs. So, we need to find it elsewhere. How? I don’t know. But I plan to make sure the city puts resources towards finding out and implementing a solid long-term plan. Infrastructure needs to be built in partnership with developers, account for expected growth in the planning stage, not after everything is built. How would you ensure infrastructure, such as water and roads, keeps up with population growth? With our rapid population growth and commercial development expansion, long-term planning, conservation of our natural resources and exploring new technologies are key. Leander’s proactive approach includes creating collaborative opportunities with energy providers like Atmos, [Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc.] and [Lower Colorado River Authority]; developers; and the county and state to maintain and update infrastructure needs throughout our growing city. This approach ensures access to more resources, accountability and relevant communication, which ultimately benefits our city and our residents. To ensure infrastructure keeps up with population growth in Leander city, I will focus on generating new revenue streams by attracting new large, medium, and small businesses. This will not only create jobs but also increase the tax base, providing funds for infrastructure development. Additionally, I will work with surrounding cities to find and develop groundwater sources, reducing duplication of costs and ensuring a sustainable water supply for our growing population. Together, we can build ... ** How would you ensure infrastructure, such as water and roads, keeps up with population growth?

Leander City Council, Place 4

Monica Roussel-Methena Occupation: Director of sales and operations at HomeSmiles Austin Relevant experience: MBA in management, project management; chair of Leander Public Arts Commission, Charter Review Commission, Board of Adjustments www.monica4leander.com Na’Cole Thompson* Occupation: Local small-business owner, Leander Beauty Supply Relevant experience: Experienced leader, seasoned professional, longtime resident, business owner, trustworthy, balanced, community oriented, focused, dependable, collaborative www.nacolethompson.com

If elected, what are your goals for the city of Leander?

Leander City Council, Place 6

If elected, I will focus on creating policies that attract and support business-friendly environment to improve the quality of life for all residents, improve and speed up decision-making processes, champion building backup water systems, uphold fiscal responsibility, and prioritize the rule of law. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Leander for everyone. #Reddy4Leander

Pulla Reddy Yeduru Occupation: Senior director of technology Relevant experience: Technology executive, innovator and business owner www.reddy4leander.com

My goals are to continue to prioritize water and wastewater projects, focus on commercial development and primary employers, support streamlined processes and clear communication with residents and those that choose to conduct business in Leander, and to continue work on maximizing our partnership with CapMetro.

By making improvements to our water supply and delivery systems, and approving roadway impact fees, we are working to put Leander in front of the growth.

Becki Ross* Occupation: Small-business owner Relevant experience: Current council member, Leander Chamber board, CapMetro board, planning and zoning commission, 21-year area resident and voter www.becki4leander.com Anna Yelaun Occupation: Business owner, Texas State director Math Kangaroo USA, teacher Relevant experience: Education: MBA, master’s in geophysics, Ph.D. in finance; chief financial officer; business owner www.annayelaun4leander.com

Truly listen to the concerns of the people of Leander and be a resource for solutions, progress, and positive change; enhance safety; nurture a sense of community for all of Leander and strengthen community bonds; economic growth—improve small-business, support infrastructure, and boost our local economy; implement sustainable water management practices and improve our water resources; set the foundation for a thriving Leander and foster a prosperous new generation.

1) Water: Develop and implement new methods of acquisition, conservation and recycling; 2) CapMetro: Comprehensive evaluation of its current impact on our community: ridership, cost-effectiveness, alignment with the city’s growth, current and past investments; thorough analysis of its benefits and drawbacks along with input from residents; 3) Urban development: Use my finance background to work with city planners.

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election

Liberty Hill mayor

If elected, what are your goals for the city of Liberty Hill?

How would you ensure infrastructure, such as water and roads, keeps up with population growth?

We must be transparent, encourage citizen input and prioritize employee retention. Our city employees are our most valuable resource to our citizens, and employees who feel valued provide better service to our citizens. We must be open to citizen input and transparent in all of our governmental actions, understanding that we answer to the people, not the other way around. Being available and approachable as public servants promotes citizen ownership of their government. If elected, my focus for Liberty Hill is twofold: revitalizing our downtown into a vibrant community and building partnerships with ESD, ISD, and the county. I aim to nurture local businesses, support our parks and trails, and address infrastructure needs collaboratively. By working closely with these key entities, we’ll enhance public services, tackle challenges, and ensure the city’s healthy development. Together, we’ll cultivate a thriving, resilient community that residents are proud to call home.

No doubt we’re experiencing growing pains, but we’re still a place where people want to raise their families. More investment, by the city and by the state, in our roadways should be prioritized with the end goal of easing congestion through the city. Sometimes the large price tags attached to building infrastructure are daunting, but done correctly, they’re seldom poor investments in the long run for the citizens.

Devin Vyner Occupation: Police sergeant

Relevant experience: 14-year public servant; former Home Rule Charter Commissioner; youth baseball coach; father of three Facebook: Devin Vyner for Liberty Hill Mayor

Historically we have been a small town, and now are growing to become a much larger city. So, the leadership of Liberty Hill must be strategic in their fiscal planning which I have worked on with the council and I am excited to see it implemented.

Crystal Mancilla Occupation: Project manager

Relevant experience: I have been serving as City Council, as mayor pro tem and now as mayor. www.crystal4libertyhill.com

KILLEEN

190

TEMPLE

LAMPASAS

195

183

LIBERTY HILL

GEORGETOWN

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ROUND ROCK

DISCOVER LIBERTY HILL’S NEWEST COMMUNITY! VISIT US OFF OF HWY 29 WEST. Welcome to Lariat, the new master-planned community for those in pursuit of a good, quality, meaningful life. Whether it’s pond fishing, staying cool in our future resort-style pool, getting competitive on one of our planned sport courts—or playing frisbee with the dog on one of our many green spaces coming soon, Lariat will be sure to keep you and your family entertained, fit, and connected for years to come.

• Short Drive to Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park • Planned Trail System • Sports Courts in Future Phases • Dock & Fishing Pond AUSTIN

• The Watering Hole Pool Complex and Splash Pad, Coming Soon • The Junction Pavilion, Coming Soon • Future Dog Park

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