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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 7 MARCH 25 APRIL 23, 2026
2026 Voter Guide
Schools stand still
INSIDE
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I don’t believe in gambling with the community’s money. ... It was more important to me to be scally conservative. DEVIN PADAVIL, GISD SUPERINTENDENT
Middle School No. 5 was approved by voters in the district’s $649.5 million bond election in 2024. In February, Superintendent Devin Padavil announced his decision to delay the opening of Ames and MS 5 until August 2027 as the district prepares for enrollment growth to slow over the next 10 years.
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Georgetown ISD will nish building a new $106 million middle school and a $66.57 million elementary school this summer, yet these campuses will not welcome students for an additional year. Funding for Jessie Daniel Ames Elementary and
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Middle School No. 5
Ames Elementary
RONALD RD.
Also in this issue
Key:
Located o the toll road in southeast Georgetown, the two new campuses won’t welcome students until next year. COURTESY AMERICAN CONSTRUCTORS
PATRIOT WAY
Ames Elementary Middle School No. 5
Impacts: Learn about a new ramen and sake restaurant now open in downtown (Page 9)
Election: Read Q&As with candidates running for Georgetown City Council District 6 (Page 16)
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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Enroll Now Opportunities for every learner. Choose GISD. Join us for an enrollment event this spring - April 1 & April 11 Learn more: www.georgetownisd.org/enroll
5
GEORGETOWN EDITION
Impacts
4 Lululemon Located in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, the fitness brand carries a variety of athletic and athleisure clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. • Opened March 6 • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.lululemon.com 5 Signarama The local franchise, owned by Katie Brewster, offers vehicle wraps, illuminated signs, window decals, banners, murals and real estate signs. • Opened March 3 • 113 Cantera Way, Ste. 720, Georgetown • www.signarama.com
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Coming soon
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6 PickleTex The facility will feature nine outdoor pickleball courts with full coverage and lighting. The business plans to offer open play, court reservations, coaching, clinics and events for both members and nonmembers. • Opening in the summer • 6827 Hwy. 29, Georgetown • www.pickletex.com including self-service wash, professional dog grooming, and a dog bath and brush service. Specialty services include flea treatment, specialty shampoos, spa facials, nail buffs and sanitary trims. • Opening in the summer • Southwest intersection of Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.petbarinc.com 7 Petbar The business offers a range of grooming services, 8 Wells Fargo Bank A new branch of the bank is coming to the Parmer Ranch Marketplace shopping center. • Opening March 23 • 28707 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Georgetown • www.wellsfargo.com
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Georgetown
its signature offerings, including groceries, an optical department, pharmacy, hearing aid center, food court and tire center. • Opened March 11 • 595 US 183, Liberty Hill • www.costco.com 3 Daniel J. Leeman MD Dr. Daniel J. Leeman, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and ear, nose and throat specialist, opened a third Central Texas clinic near the Georgetown and Round Rock border. • Opened Jan. 5 • 1115 Westinghouse Road, Ste. 100, Georgetown • www.drleeman.com
Now open
1 Machi Sushi The new Japanese restaurant in Wolf Ranch Town Center features all-you-can-eat sushi, sashimi and hibachi, along with cocktails and boba tea. • Opened Feb. 20 • 1019 W. University Ave., Ste. 101, Georgetown • machisushigeorgetown.com 2 Costco The membership-based wholesale store is equipped with
Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certified (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 68 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST
• 3610 Shell Road, Georgetown • www.wp.thematernityhome.org
What's next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
Now open
9 Chick-fil-A Construction on a second Georgetown location of the fast-food chain is slated to begin in June. The $4.5 million restaurant is expected to be complete in November. • 4631 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.chick-fil-a.com 10 Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery The cobranded store—coming to the Bluebonnet Plaza shopping center—will offer a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, ice cream cakes, fresh-baked cookies and cookie cakes. Construction on the location is expected to wrap up in June. • 1314 W. University Ave., Georgetown • greatamericancookiesandmarbleslabcreamery.com
Closings
12 Firo Fire Kissed Pizza The quick-service restaurant, which opened in March 2019, offered a handful of signature pizzas and salads, as well as build-your-own options. The business also served Italian-style gelato. • Closed Jan. 26 • 3702 DB Wood Road, Georgetown • www.firopizza.com 13 Lionheart Children’s Academy The Christian-based preschool, day care and child care service operated out of Celebration Church for the last seven years. • Closed in late January • 601 Westinghouse Road, Georgetown • www.facebook.com/lionheartcelebration
14 Potbelly Located in Wolf Ranch Town Center, the restaurant offers a menu of toasted sandwiches, wraps, shakes and sides. The new location is led by franchisees Jignesh and Nitin Patel. • Opened Feb. 17 • 1013 W. University Ave., Ste. 150, Georgetown • www.potbelly.com
In the news
11 Annunciation Maternity Home The support home, which offers housing, counseling, education and access to health care for women and babies, will celebrate 25 years operating in Georgetown on April 8.
Exceptional Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens and Adults
We love Georgetown Family Orthodontics- they have taken tremendous care of our family! They are attentive, caring and work diligently to meet the needs of our family! We HIGHLY recommend them for anyone (adults or kids) looking for orthodontic care!
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Aaron J. White, DDS 4507 Williams Drive • 512.869.4100 GTFamilyOrtho.com
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
Join us at Crestview Baptist Church this Easter Sunday as we celebrate our risen Lord and Savior!
HEIS Risen
Sunday, April 5 at 8:30 or 11:00 AM th 2300 Williams Drive Georgetown, TX 78628 | peoplesharingjesus.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
VFW PARK
BY CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST
• 1004 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown • www.san-pedro-limon.com
5TH ST.
Relocations
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2 Haji Moto Ramen & Sake Bar The local spot serves authentic ramen with housemade noodles as well as Japanese cocktails, sake and whiskey. • Opened in mid-March • 114 E. Seventh St., Ste. 116, Georgetown • www.haji-moto.com 3 Teleo Title The business offers title insurance for commercial and residential real estate transactions, both at the time of purchase and for refinancing. • Opened Jan. 5 • 501 S. Austin Ave., Ste. 1220-306, Georgetown • www.teleotitle.com
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5 Sanctuary Holistic Kitchen The business moved its store inside Lark & Owl Booksellers. Additionally, it is completing the permitting process to take over Alouette Bistro, which it has been managing since the summer. Owned by Robin Cervantes, the shop— formerly located at 103 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 310, Georgetown—offers grab-and-go meals, apothecary services, skin care, and natural health products. • Relocated March 17 • 205 W. Sixth St., Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.sanctuaryholistickitchen.com
Downtown
Coming soon
Now open
4 The Second String Sports Consignment Owned by Georgetown resident Kimri Crawford, the resale store aims to provide affordable sports equipment for children participating in a variety of activities. • Opening April 15 • 609 E. University Ave., Ste. 110, Georgetown • www.linktr.ee/secondstringsportsgtx
1 San Pedro Limon Owner Yuri Paz and her husband, Victor, opened a second location to house their tortilla machine and serve as a to-go restaurant. The original location remains open for sit-down dining. • Opened Jan. 26
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY GRACIE WARHURST
WilCo historic jail site sold
Digging deeper
The history
Delightful Development co-founder Craig Cavileer told commissioners the team does not yet have a speci c development plan but will incorpo- rate the historic jail building into the project. The opportunity for adaptive reuse of the more than 100-year-old structure was a major factor in the company’s interest, Cavileer said. The sale follows rezoning approvals by George- town City Council in January. City Council gave nal approval Jan. 27 to rezone the property from split residential single-family and mixed use downtown to fully mixed use downtown. The change allows for a broader range of potential uses, including hotels, restaurants, residential units, parking lots, personal services, and banking or nancial services. Georgetown Planning Director Edgar Garcia said the jail is considered a “high priority historic resource,” meaning any development will have additional regulatory oversight to ensure the building’s preservation.
In November 2024, Williamson County began deconstructing nonhistoric additions near the jail and stripping the interior to prepare the site for sale. Built in 1888, the jail served as Williamson County’s primary detention facility until 1989 and was later used for county and professional o ces. The site has been vacant since 2020 due to safety concerns.
Delightful Development purchased the historic Williamson County jail site in downtown Georgetown, with plans for a future mixed-use development that could include a restaurant and boutique hotel. County commissioners approved the sale Feb. 10, transferring ownership of the property at 102 W. Third St. to the developer.
S. AUSTIN AVE.
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Williamson County sold the historic jail site to Delightful Development.
GRACIE WARHURST COMMUNITY IMPACT
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11
GEORGETOWN EDITION
Government
Carver Center home to new library lockers The Georgetown Public Library has started a new service, GPL Express, to deliver items on hold from the library to lockers at the Carver Center for Families. What else? Library users can select the Carver Center as their pick up location, and the lockers are open 24/7. There is also a book drop available near the lockers for users to return items.
Schematics presented for downtown changes KPA Engineers has finished the initial schemat- ics for proposed changes to the Austin Avenue corridor from Second Street to Leander Road, with plans to improve safety and walkability along the major north-south route. A closer look The proposed upgrades, presented during a Feb. 24 City Council workshop, include removing parking spaces from the downtown square to accommodate expanded sidewalk use, narrowing roadways to three lanes in some sections to slow vehicle speeds, and expanding roads in other areas to five lanes to allow for better traffic flow. This history The schematics were developed following the 2024 Austin Avenue corridor study by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Public
The specifics Changes proposed the presented schematics include: Converting Seventh and Eighth streets to one-way between Rock Street and Main Street Redistributing traffic volume through intersection improvements Creating a three-lane road with one center turn lane from Third Street to 21st Street Removing parking spaces in the downtown area for cafe seating and pedestrian uses Improving crossings, sidewalks, bicycle access and streetscape design throughout
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
feedback showed residents favored increased walkability and safer road crossings, but were concerned about reduced parking and increased neighborhood traffic. What’s next The city has earmarked $2.88 million in fund- ing for the project this fiscal year, and will seek proposals for final design consultants.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRACIE WARHURST
Mayor, District 2 race unopposed in May The Georgetown mayoral and Place 2 race will be uncontested during the May 2 election, clearing the way for these candi- dates to be elected to City Council. The breakdown Incumbent Mayor Josh Schroeder filed to run for reelection. For Place 2, Doug Noble will be uncontested. Currently, the Place 2 seat is held by Shawn Hood. The Georgetown mayor and City Council members serve three-year terms. While the mayor is elected at-large, council members represent single districts. Place 4 is also on the ballot in May. Incumbent Jake French will face challenger Emily Kaye Kipp. To see important election dates and read Q&As with the candidates, visit Page 16.
Police dept. addresses staffing, response times The Georgetown Police Department is working to add patrol personnel over the next few years amid a steady rise in calls for service, Police Chief Cory Tchida told City Council on Feb. 10. The gist Overall crime rates have dropped in the city, despite a rise in population, Tchida said. The police department reported a 7.38% decrease in the most serious offenses—murder, robbery and drug violations—year over year in 2025. Still, calls for service increased by 4.25%, amount- ing to more than 30,000 calls last year. Increased call volume and the large geographic area that GPD covers has caused slower officer response times, Tchida said. The average response time for the highest priority calls rose to 9 minutes and 15 seconds in 2025, up from about 8 minutes and 30 seconds in 2024.
Calls for service The total number of calls to the Georgetown Police Department rose to over 30,000 in 2025.
35K 30K 25K 20K 15K 10K 5K 0
+15.94
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Staffing has also contributed to slower response times, Tchida said. While the department hired eight new officers, it lost 13 from retirement, termi- nation and resignation. Staffing models recommend adding 15-17 patrol officers over the next five years. “We have historically, in this job, sold the sense of adventure, and we need to focus much more on a sense of purpose because the purpose is what is going to drive people to be willing to do the hard things,” Tchida said.
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
Jesus is the answer
This is for you. Whether church has always been part of your story or you’re just beginning to explore faith, you’re invited to encounter hope, peace, and life with Jesus this Easter.
CENTRAL AUSTIN Sunday April 5 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am
LAKE TRAVIS Sunday April 5 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am
GEORGETOWN Friday April 3 7pm Saturday April 4 3pm, 5pm Sunday April 5 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm
LEANDER/LIBERTY HILL Sunday April 5 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY JESSICA MCLAREN, CLAIRE SHOOP & GRACIE WARHURST
Court rejects ballots from extended voting hours On election night, two Williamson County polls stayed open late after a legal injunction. However, the Texas Supreme Court suspended that order, meaning provisional ballots cast by approximately 150 to 200 voters who joined the line after 7 p.m. will not be counted unless the Texas Supreme Court ultimately rules otherwise. What happened Ahead of polls closing, the Texas Civil Rights Project filed a lawsuit against the local party chairs to extend voting at two Georgetown locations due to long lines. District Judge Betsy Lambeth granted the extension, ordering the polls at the Georgetown Annex and NorthStar Georgetown to remain open until 10 p.m. In response, the Attorney General’s Office filed an emergency appeal, and the Texas Supreme Court suspended Lambeth’s ruling after 10 p.m.
WilCo counts 69 misplaced ballots
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A total of 69 Republican ballots cast on primary election day March 3, but misplaced and not initially counted, were tabulated and included in the final canvassed results following a March 12 court order. What happened While processing post-election paperwork March 11, the Williamson County Election Department discovered presiding judges at two Republican polling locations misplaced a total of 69 ballots cast on election day, a county spokesperson confirmed in an email. The ballots, 40 from the Andice Com- munity Center in Florence and 29 from the Cedar Park Randalls, were put in a box of election-related paperwork instead of the ballot box.
WILCO WAY
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The background The Williamson County Republican Party opted for precinct-specific polling locations on election day this year, which required the Democratic Party to follow suit. On election day, the line to vote at Hutto Discovery United Methodist Church spilled onto the sidewalk outside. Several voters in line at the Democratic polling location said they were unaware of precinct-based voting. Some said they were turned away from previous polling places.
Williamson County Precinct 2 race goes to runoff In Williamson County, Republican voters in Pre- cinct 2 cast ballots for who they want to be county commissioner during the primary elections. More details Final unofficial election day results show uncontested in the November general election, since no Democratic candidate filed to run. McDonald is a former Leander City Council mem- ber, while Mayes is a commercial real estate broker and former high school agriculture teacher.
Results breakdown
Headed to runoff
Williamson County Precinct 2, Republican primary 29.48% Jeff Mayes
24.46% Rupal Chaudhari
The primary comes as sitting Precinct 2 commis- sioner Cynthia Long decided not to seek reelection after nearly 20 years of service.
David McDonald and Jeff Mayes edging out Rupal Chaudhari to advance to a runoff for the Precinct 2 seat. The winner of the May 26 contest will be
46.06% David McDonald
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
Election
BY GRACIE WARHURST
Local Voter Guide
2026
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 20: First day of early voting April 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 4 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Williamson County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY: *Incumbent
Georgetown City Council, District 6
What would your top priorities be if elected?
What projects are most important for the city to focus on for the future?
My priorities if elected are to complete a long-term water service agreement to bolster the city’s water supply for decades to come. finalize the Blue Hole Park Master Plan and work on those improvements, restore and improve amenities at Chautauqua Park, present the voters with a thoughtful road bond package.
The city’s project to secure long-term water, which includes downsizing Georgetown’s water CCN and increasing treatment capacity may be the most important project. With the population growth not just in Georgetown but in the region, our roads projects are very important, the planned new Customer Service Center is also important.
Jake French* Occupation & experience:
Construction Project Manager, Two- Term City Council Member, Long- time resident raising my family in Georgetown. www.jakeforgeorgetown.com
My top priorities are balanced growth, long-term water security, traffic relief, public safety, and expanded mental health support. As a therapist and small business owner, I understand how growth impacts families. I will advocate infrastructure planning, first responder support, and stronger mental health partnerships across our community.
Securing sustainable water sources and expanding roadway capacity must align with growth. We should preserve downtown’s historic character and support small businesses. Strengthening partnerships with police, fire, hospitals, and mental health providers will ensure a safe, resilient, and compassionate community.
Emily Kaye Kipp Occupation & experience: Small business owner; Licensed Therapist; Mom of four; Southwestern University & Leadership Georgetown Graduate
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 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.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY GRACIE WARHURST
Voters will need to approve the sale of portions of Georgetown’s water service territory in a May 2 election before a $60 million agreement with National Utility Infrastructure can be nalized. A certi cate of convenience and necessity, or CCN, is the geographical area an organization is required to provide water service. National Utility Infrastructure plans to buy portions of Georgetown's CCN within Salado, Florence and Liberty Hill. Additionally, the cities of Killeen and Jarrell are moving forward with purchasing their water territories. If approved, the nal order for the CCN transfer is scheduled for Nov. 30, 2027, according to city documents. Voters to decide water area sale
The why
Georgetown water territory for sale Transferred to the city of Killeen
Currently, 40% of Georgetown’s CCN customers live outside the 174-square-mile area of the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, as Georgetown’s CCN spans a total of 400 square miles. Selling parts of the water territory reduces risks from outside development, decreases the burden on taxpayers, and better accounts for growing water demand, o cials said. The proposed sale would reduce long- term water needs by 60%. “Cities don’t typically establish water utilities to serve large regions, largely because that accompanies a lot of risk,” said Caroline Stewart, Georgetown’s strategic projects manager. The city will use the revenue from the sale to pay o $20 million in debt for the water territory, Stewart said.
Transferred to the city of Jarrell
Territory to be sold pending May 2 election
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Retained territory within city of Georgetown and Georgetown ETJ
Retained Territory within City of Georgetown and Georgetown ETJ
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Congratulations 2026 AWARD WINNERS
Michele Glaze I Michelle Johnson I Nancy Krenek Amy Merida I Becki Ross I Loree Tamayo Celina Estrada-Thomas
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
GISD rezones Wolf Ranch ES
A closer look
1 San Gabriel 2 Wolf Ranch 3 Frost
LAKEWAY DR.
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Some Wolf Ranch Elementary School students will begin attending Frost and San Gabriel elementaries this fall after the board of trustees gave nal approval to new attendance zones Feb. 17. The rezoning is intended to relieve overcrowding at Wolf Ranch while maximizing the existing open capacity at the smaller elementary campuses, Chief of Strategic Operations Lannon He in said. Families may complete a transfer application to remain at their current school or move to another campus. Incoming fth graders and their siblings will be given priority consideration to stay at Wolf Ranch, He in said.
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2026-27 projected enrollment with rezoning 2026-27 projected enrollment without rezoning
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SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Construction Complete — Limited Availability! RESERVE YOUR UNITS NOW
FOR SALE OR LEASE
4-way stop light on Hwy 29 for easy ingress/egress Unit Sizes: 1,800 – 21,600 SF (+ Optional Mezzanine Level 600 – 3,240 SF) Units from 24 ft to 28 ft outside height Large Grade Level Frosted Glass Roll-up Doors Community Loading High Dock Parking Spaces Ratio 3.33 per 1000 SF High Speed Fiber Internet Access & 3 Phase power available Option to add a fully enclosed yard
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355 Cross Creek Road, Georgetown, TX 78628 www.tbndevelopment.com/ crosscreek
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Incumbents to remain on GISD school board Georgetown ISD trustees Laura Kincheloe and Anthony Blankenship will run unopposed in the May 2 election, and assume three-year terms for places 4 and 5, respectively. “I’m in a place in my career and in my personal life [where] it just makes sense that I can give back in this way.” LAURA KINCHELOE, GISD PLACE 4 TRUSTEE “Experience in this role is important. I believe that leadership at this level matters, especially in times of chan e and rowth.” ANTHONY BLANKENSHIP, GISD PLACE 5 TRUSTEE
2026 27 Teacher Incentive Allotment designations
Designation
Top % of teachers
Allotment amount
Master
5%
$12K-$36K $9K-$25K $5K-$15K $3K-$9K
Exemplary Recognized
20% 33% 50%
Acknowledged
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
GISD teachers eligible for up to $36K in stipends High-performing teachers in Georgetown ISD may be eligible to receive additional compensation beginning this summer. In February, the district received nal approval to join the Teacher Incentive Allotment program. The setup The TIA currently provides Texas teachers anywhere from $3,000 to $32,000 in additional pay on top of their salary based on the level of
designation they receive, including recognized, exemplary and master. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the state will introduce a new acknowledged designation for the top 50% of Texas educators. The state is also increasing funding allocations for existing designations next school year. The local impact In June, 202 GISD teachers are expected to receive a payout through the TIA, according to GISD information. The district applied to join the TIA in April 2024 and submitted performance data collected from teachers last school year in mid-October.
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19
GEORGETOWN EDITION
Transportation
Hero Way, RM 2243 expansion underway near Georgetown
increased tra c, address safety concerns and foster economic growth along the corridor, county and city o cials said. “It is going to revolutionize the way tra c moves through Leander, and it’s critical that it starts and opens,” said Bridget Brandt, president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce.
expanded into two main lanes running in each direction alongside two three-lane frontage roads. For Phase 1A, the county will build the rst frontage road from 183A Toll in Leander to Garey Park in Georgetown with one lane in each direction alongside a center turn lane. Phase 1A is scheduled to be completed by early 2028. The new roadway is anticipated to accommodate
In January, Williamson County broke ground on a $132 million road project that is expected to improve west-to-east mobility between Leander and Georgetown. The project would transform Hero Way and RM 2243, a state road, into a divided, controlled-access highway from 183A Toll to the Southwest Bypass. The existing rural two-lane roadway is set to be
Georgetown
Hero Way/RM 2243 expansion
LEANDER RD.
E S
FUTURE PHASES
35
PHASE 1A
183A TOLL
2243
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
GAREY PARK RD.
GAREY PARK
PHASE 1A: WESTBOUND FRONTAGE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
183
Leander
2243
183A TOLL
2243
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
N
©GOOGLE EARTH
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
The context
RM 2243 average daily tra c over time The annual average daily tra c, or AADT, count measures the average daily number of vehicles on the road each year.
Leander resident Josh Howard said the road is constantly congested with heavy tra c, result- ing in a 30-minute commute from Leander to Georgetown. Long said she hopes the realignment of RM 2243 with Hero Way helps smooth out dangerous curves along RM 2243 that have resulted in fatalities. From 2016 to 2025, there were nearly 500 crashes along the corridor, according to TxDOT data.
Tra c along RM 2243 has more than doubled over the last 20 years, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation. “Anybody that currently drives Leander Road [known as RM 2243] … knows the need for this project,” Williamson County Precinct 2 Commis- sioner Cynthia Long said. “Both cities have been two of the fastest growing in the county, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down.”
+248%
20K 15K 10K 5K 0
15.3K
4.4K
2004 2008 2012 2016
2024 2020
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
The cost
The impact
“In ve to 10 years, I think we will see enormous potential for commercial growth along that corridor.” RANDALL MALIK, DIRECTOR OF
The city of Leander has seen the Hero Way and RM 2243 corridor explode with economic growth, welcoming new commercial, retail and warehouse developments, said Randall Malik, the city’s director of economic development. Plans to develop the roadway have already attracted many new developers and employers to the area, Malik said. Future projects coming online include a Home Depot; a 1.3-million-square-foot industrial warehouse space that will house large employers; as well as a new hotel, event center and Big Air trampoline park by ARS Developers. The availability of undeveloped land and proximity to I-35 have created an unparalleled economic opportunity for the city, Brandt said. Access to major roadways is a main factor many companies consider when deciding where to locate their business, she said. “It is such a wide-open opportunity that does not
County o cials said they spent years acquiring $100 million worth of right of way from about 60 landowners along the corridor. The majority of this funding comes from the county’s $412 million road bond package in 2019. “There’s not a county that I know of in the country that is as proactive as we are in transportation,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said at a Jan. 29 groundbreak- ing ceremony. U.S. Rep. John Carter of Williamson County helped secure $20 million in federal funding to construct the project, Long said.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY OF LEANDER
exist anywhere else near us,” Brandt said. “I think you have an opportunity to see some really big-scale unique o erings in that vicinity [near Leander].” Although Georgetown has not seen as much commercial development along the road, the city has issued more than 1,400 permits for new homes in the Parkside on the River subdivision over the last decade, according to city of Georgetown data. This spring, the city is slated to complete its second phase of improvements at Garey Park, including an expanded event center, amphithe- ater, an 18-hole disc golf course and skate park.
Project funding breakdown Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Williamson County Federal government City of Leander
Design
Stay tuned
$2M
Design work is underway for Phase 2—the construction of a second frontage road from 183A Toll to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. This year, the county will begin designing the continuation of the rst frontage road from Garey Park to the Southwest Bypass for Phase 1B. Phase 3 will include the construction of the highway’s main lanes. “We’re going to see real progress very soon,” Long said.
Utility relocations along Hero Way will begin this year, while the majority of roadwork will not occur until next year, according to county information. No lane closures are anticipated, while some tra c may be shifted onto short-term driving surfaces, known as temporary pavement. Years of ongoing construction could temporarily impede some tra c at existing businesses, Brandt said.
Construction
$2M $8M
$30M
$20M
Right of way
$100M
$14M
$86M
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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21
GEORGETOWN EDITION
Transportation
BY GRACIE WARHURST
The extension of CR 110 o cially kicked o Feb. 5 with county and city o cials celebrating the project’s groundbreaking. About the project Williamson County will extend CR 110, con- necting Rockride Lane and CR 105 to Patriot Way and Sam Houston Avenue. The project to build a three-lane road also includes drainage structures, signs and pavement markings, according to a county news release. The connection will help facilitate safe access for residents and emergency services, according to county documents. The project is also necessary because of the WilCo o cials break ground on CR 110 extension
“What makes [the CR 110 extension] even more important is that it shows the community that the county has a plan and that we’re working for our citizens. We see the tra c, too. We wish we could build roads overnight, but sometimes it just takes us time to fund it and get
there, but we’re working on it.” RUSS BOLES, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER
Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the CR 110 extension will improve safety and ease tra c.
“tremendous residential growth in this part of the county,” Williamson County Precinct 4 Commis- sioner Russ Boles said at the groundbreaking ceremony. Project costs come out to $6.5 million, funded through the 2023 Williamson County Road Bond. Joe Bland Construction is the contractor for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in the fall. Engineering company RPS began the initial project design phase in spring 2024.
PATRIOT WAY
CR 110 extension
105
110
N
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22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY GRACIE WARHURST
City programs could see higher costs, fewer hours Georgetown o cials are considering changes to public transportation programs rideGTX and GoGeo to address a budget shortfall. The overview GoGeo o ers services for residents age 65 and older, as well as limited services for those with a disability for $2 per trip through CapMetro. It is available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The rideGTX program launched in 2025 and provides users 10 vouchers per month for 24/7 rideshare services. Riders pay the rst $4 of the trip, and the city subsidizes the next $10. The user pays any amount after the subsidy. The city saw a steady increase in activity for the rideGTX program in its inaugural year, with over 2,000 total trips in December. At this pace, sta projected a funding shortfall of about $70,000 for the program for the remainder of the scal year.
New bus routes connect to downtown The Capital Area Rural Transportation Sys- tem will launch two new regional commuter bus routes March 2, o ering express service to downtown Austin. One route will serve Bastrop and Smithville, while the other will have stops in Georgetown and Round Rock. Learn more The rides will be free for a limited time, according to a Georgetown news release. The service is funded by Austin’s Climate Pollu- tion Reduction Grant program, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency. The new routes are intended to relieve heavy tra c on Hwy. 71, Hwy. 290 and I-35. “These routes are about getting cars o the road and giving people a smarter way to commute,” CARTS General Manager Dave Marsh said in the release.
Possible program changes
Reducing rideGTX service hours from 24/7 to 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Increasing rideGTX fares from $4 to $6
Capping the rideGTX program when its funding runs out
Combining rideGTX and GoGeo into one transit program
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY IMPACT
The action taken During a Feb. 10 City Council workshop, city sta suggested a number of changes to the programs, including reduced hours and increased fares as well as moving to a single transit program for scal year 2027-28 by combining GoGeo and rideGTX. Council members directed city sta to return with a plan that will combine the programs but allow exibility in hours and accessibility services.
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23
GEORGETOWN EDITION
Transportation
BY GRACIE WARHURST
195
35
Upcoming projects
1 Williams Drive Project: Construct medians with turn lanes on Williams Drive from I-35 to Serenada Drive, including a shared- use path on the north side of Williams Drive, a new waterline, and street lighting from DB Wood Road to Jim Hogg Road and Serenada Drive to I-35 Update: The project’s design is complete, and o cials anticipate it to go out to bid in March. • Timeline: 2023-27 • Cost: $18.6 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, traf ic impact fees, federal grants, tax increment inancing 2 SE Inner Loop Project: Widen 2.91 miles of SE Inner Loop to a four-lane, divided road from Hwy. 29 to FM 1460, and add a shared- use path for pedestrians and bicycles on one side Update: The city is in the process of acquiring the right of way needed for the project. Design is complete and o cials anticipate it to go out to bid in July. • Timeline: 2022-28 • Cost: $70.6 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation 3 Hwy. 29 West Project: Construct additional travel lanes, lengthen turn lanes and improve tra c signals on Hwy. 29 from Wolf Ranch Parkway to I-35 as well as add shared-use paths Update: TxDOT is expected to begin construction in July. • Timeline: 2023-27 • Cost: $12.31 million • Funding source: Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation 4 Austin Avenue pedestrian bridges Project: Construct two pedestrian and bicycle bridges crossing the San Gabriel River, east of the existing Austin Avenue vehicular bridges Update: The revised design is tentatively scheduled to complete in July 2027. • Timeline: 2023-TBD • Cost: $21 million • Funding sources: city of Georgetown, developer fees 5 Shell Road Project: Widen Shell Road from Williams Drive to Sycamore Street to four lanes with a raised median, shared-use path, and left- and right-turn lanes Update: As of February, crews were working on utility installation for waterlines and storm water.
DEL WEBB BLVD.
JIM HOGG RD.
SERENADA DR.
SYCAMORE ST.
5
SHELL RD.
NORTHWEST BLVD.
LAKE GEORGETOWN
130 TOLL
1
35
OAK RIDGE RD.
RIVERY BLVD.
WOLF RANCH PKWY.
9
UNIVERSITY PARK DR.
3
DAVIDSON RANCH DR.
2
SOUTHWESTERN BLVD. U
29
1 TO
CHURCHILL FARMS DR.
7
1460
A
8
SAM HOUSTON AVE.
35
N. AUSTIN AVE.
4 6
S. ROCK ST.
W. 2NDST.
1460
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
• Timeline: 2024-26 • Cost: $12.78 million
roadway with a continuous center left-turn lane and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along one side from SE Inner Loop to Sam Houston Avenue Update: Substantial construction is expected by the end of September • Timeline: 2022-26 • Cost: $12 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown 9 DB Wood Road Phase 1 Project: Add four 12-foot-wide lanes, a center turn lane and a 10-foot shared-use path from Hwy. 29 to Oak Ridge Road Update: All roads will be open for tra c in May, with substantial completion planned for July
1431 Boulevard to two lanes with a center turn lane and other improvements from University Park to SE Inner Loop Update: Crews have installed the curb as well as about 80% of the new sidewalk along Southwestern Boulevard from Davidson Ranch to SE Inner Loop as of February. • Funding source: city of Georgetown 7 Southwestern Boulevard Project: Reconstruct and expand Southwestern • Timeline: 2020-26 • Cost: $6.58 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown, Williamson County 8 Rockride Lane Project: Upgrade Rockride Lane to a two-lane collector
• Timeline: 2022-27 • Cost: $18.17 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown
35
Ongoing projects
1431 Project: Rehabilitate the Austin Avenue bridges to include new safety-rated rails, required maintenance and a new bridge deck Update: Construction is ongoing, and is expected to wrap up in the spring. 6 Austin Avenue vehicular bridge rehabilitation
• Timeline: 2023-26 • Cost: $29.6 million • Funding source: city of Georgetown
24
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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