BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Project highlights
Staying local
What’s next?
$19 million capital investment $645,000 public park improvements
1.2‑mile walking trail 65,000 square feet
Dowling said the tenants are being curated to complement each other rather than compete, including local restaurants, entertainment options, health and wellness services, and professional o ces. With a focus on local and Texas-based busi- nesses, the development is about 50% leased and looking to nish lling the space.
Dirt work at The Roundabout in Buda started in late October, with a projected completion date for the entire development by the end of 2027. Dowling said Phase 1 should be shell‑ready for tenant build‑outs in November, with the second and final phase starting in mid‑2026.
SOURCE: DERRINGTON BUILDING STUDIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“Those local businesses keep dollars in town, create jobs, and give people more reasons to stay, shop, and spend time right here in Buda,” he said.
“We’re focused on bringing in local ... concepts that are unique, homegrown and add real character
to the site. The goal is for every tenant to enhance the overall experience, not just fill a space.” TIM DOWLING, DEVELOPER
Partnerships for growth
owners and other local entrepreneurs interested in opening in Buda should reach out to city o - cials to learn about available incentive options. “Just sit down and talk about it, and you can come up with something that bene ts every- body,” he said.
Buda has limited land for development—about 14% within city limits and 33% in its extraterritorial jurisdiction—so the city prioritizes wellness-fo- cused, pedestrian-friendly projects, City Manager Micah Grau said. Dowling said developers, small business
AND BROKER FOR THE ROUNDABOUT IN BUDA
A Brighter Future for San Marcos: PAC Seeks Unity, Vision, and Progress
“National politics don’t have anything to do with the work we need to get done here,” Dupont said. “We’re not interested in divisive debates that don’t impact daily life in San Marcos. We’re focused on local issues that matter to everyone – aordable housing, job opportunities, safety, and a better quality of life.” For Olson, the spirit of the eort is simple: optimism. “It’s encouraging to see people from across the political spectrum donating, volunteering, and coming together to build a brighter future for San Marcos,” he said. “is is about creating a community where our kids can thrive, our businesses can grow, and everyone can feel proud to call San Marcos home.” A Brighter Future for San Marcos is supporting Josh Paselk in the San Marcos City Council Place 2 runo and encourages the community to get out and vote. Early voting Dec. 1-9, Election Day Dec. 13th . For more information or to join the movement, please go to BrighterSMTX.com .
the importance of expanding the local tax base through business-friendly policies and strengthening the city’s relationship with Texas State University. “If the city and the university can walk together toward common goals, we can move mountains,” Olson said. “We can make meaningful progress on challenges like downtown parking, public safety, and infrastructure – issues that have lingered for decades.” Laura Dupont, PAC treasurer, agreed, and said the organization’s mission goes beyond policy. It’s about building relationships and restoring a sense of vision for the city. “For too long, we’ve had a reactive mindset,” Dupont said. “Meanwhile, communities around us are thriving. We love San Marcos – its people, its river, its history – but we also believe we can protect what’s sacred while embracing smart, responsible growth. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.” Dupont said that improving collaboration between local institutions, the city, county, school district, and university – is central to the group’s goals. “It’s about partnership,” she said. “It’s about being for some- thing, not just against things. We want leaders who promote ideas that unite us and move our community forward.” Both Dupont and Olson stressed that A Brighter Future for San Marcos is intentionally non-partisan. e group includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents – all focused on improving their hometown rather than national politics.
A new, non-partisan political action committee in San Marcos is aiming to do something that hasn’t been seen in the city for some time – bring people together for the common good. Formed by locals who say they’re passionate about improv- ing the community they call home, A Brighter Future for San Marcos is working to inspire a renewed focus on collaboration, economic vitality, and quality of life. Roughly 90 percent of the group’s partners are in San Marcos, with the remainder maintaining business and personal ties to the city. “e PAC was created to change the trajectory of San Marcos – to make it a better place to live, work, and play,” said Brian Olson, an active supporter of the PAC. “We want to see more opportunities for families, more entertainment options, and stronger support for local businesses, while also maintaining the character and natural beauty that make San Marcos special.” Olson said the group believes the best way to accomplish those goals is through leadership that encourages growth, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. He emphasized
POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR SAN MARCOS
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
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