San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | February 2026

Government

BY MICHAEL MILLIORN

$1.68M San Marcos land buy to boost growth The U.S. General Services Administration, or GSA, announced the transfer of over 240 acres of land in San Marcos on Feb. 5. A portion of the land was sold to the city of San Marcos earlier this year for $1.68 million, removing it from the federal inventory. At a glance The former U.S. Department of Labor land is located east of the San Marcos Regional Airport. The city purchased nearly 170 acres for a future airport expansion. The project is expected to increase economic activity and tra›c into the city, according to the GSA. How we got here The purchase was approved by the San Marcos City Council on Aug. 5, 2025. City o›cials said a future development on the land will attract new businesses and create local jobs.

Buda EDC to launch interest-free loans The Buda Economic Development Corpora- tion will soon launch a program oering small businesses interest-free loans. The overview The Targeted Help for Retention, Innova- tion, Ventures, and Expansion, or THRIVE, program is a partnership between Buda EDC and LiftFund—a nonpro t nancial lender. Buda EDC approved a $105,000 program investment at a Dec. 8 meeting. LiftFund will provide up to $400,000 in loan volume. How it works Buda EDC CEO Jennifer Storm said they will buy down the interest rate on loans to Buda-based shops. “I’m excited that we’re able to listen to ... our businesses and nd solutions,” she said.

The specics

The city of San Marcos recently purchased the mapped land for future expansions of the regional airport.

Recently purchased land

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San Marcos regional airport

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SOURCE: SAN MARCOS‡COMMUNITY IMPACT

Why it matters San Marcos City Manager Stephanie Reyes said the purchase will help the city ensure compatibility between the airport and nearby land for develop- ment as San Marcos grows.

Hays spends $100M for oce and facility upgrades

The COs will fund ve major county projects: A closer look

The development of the Eastside Campus, a county administration building located in Kyle The development or acquisition of animal shelter facilities The remodeling and upgrading of the existing Hays County Government Center The development or acquisition of a Hays County, Precinct 4 o ce building The development or acquisition of a Hays County, Precinct 5 o ce building

and must be repaid within 30 years. Breaking it down City documents show revenue from an esti- mated tax rate levy of $0.0102 per $100 assessed property value will pay for the debt service. Agenda documents indicate net revenues from solid waste services may also be considered.

The Hays County Commissioners’ Court on Jan. 20 authorized the issuance of Certi cates of Obligation, or COs, to fund major county projects. The big picture The authorized COs allow the county to fund major public projects by using debt without voter approval. The sum of the certi cates for the approved projects may not exceed $100 million

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SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY‡COMMUNITY IMPACT

Friday, April 10, 2026 6 p.m. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos

Benefiting CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - San Marcos and Central Texas community

Honoring First Responders

ENTERTAINMENT The Texas Jamm Band featuring members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band

Presented by

Scan QR code for sponsorship opportunities or visit Christus.io/CSRSMFoundation

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SAN MARCOS  BUDA  KYLE EDITION

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