BY JARRETT WHITENER
Cibolo population projection
The need
The outlook
Between 2010 and 2020, the population of the city of Cibolo increased by more than 10,000 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bureau projections show the city nearing a population of about 68,000 by 2050. While most residents live in the northern and central parts of the city, I-10 is being eyed for residential development. One primary initiative for city sta is preserv- ing the community feel in Cibolo, which Vasquez said will be a focus when urbanizing the I-10 area. He said city sta have sat with developers to have discussions about holding on to traditions and cultural expression of the rural environment in the design of new developments. Incentives may be provided to meet this goal.
Vasquez said that the current city tax base is around 85% residential area, and the long- term goal is to make it 50% residential and 50% industrial. Through a new tax base, the city can work to improve infrastructure around I-10 and for the older communities in the city. Vasquez said that many of the older communities throughout the city were not adequately planned for long-term sustainability in the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure. For development on I-10 to move forward, Vasquez said the city would need to focus on transportation network capacity and the capacity of public services, such as water, sewer and stormwater needs. “We need to look at what we need to do to position the city for the opportunities coming forward,” he said. The city’s limited I-35 frontage will remain entertainment and retail, while the southern corridor focuses more on residential development opportunities and light industrial developments that promote workforce growth. Workforce projections from AAMPO show the number of employment opportunities in Guada- lupe County to increase by 107% by 2050, increas- ing from 71,100 in 2020 to 146,895.
80,000
64,000
48,000
32,000
16,000
0
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, CITY OF CIBOLO COMMUNITY IMPACT
“I think we want to respect the rural culture that existed before that is under pressure now to urbanize,” he said.
Who it’s for
of Guadalupe, is extremely fortunate that TxDOT has endeavored to reconstruct the entire section of interstate highway 10 from [Loop] 1604 to the 130 toll road near Seguin,” Allen said. Vasquez said the goal is to take steps to get the ball rolling to ensure that the future of the city is secure and planned for. “You want to think about what Cibolo is going to look like 30 years from now, but plan for that today,” he said.
With an expanded tax base, the city can utilize revenue generate from the developed I-10 corridor to help support infrastructure projects in the areas of the city that are deteriorating. Despite the limited short-term impacts from I-10 development, the realization of Cibolo, TxDOT and AAMPO plans will provide more jobs and bene ts for residents, including the opening of AISIN Texas Corporation in 2021, Allen said. “The city of Cibolo, as well as the entire county
I 10 workforce in Cibolo
The current workforce breakdown of I-10 in Cibolo. Manufacturing is projected to remain the dominant industry in 2050.
Real estate, rental and leasing: 0.2%
Looking ahead
Other services: 0.4%
By 2050, TxDOT expects most of the Bexar and Guadalupe County workforce to be focused around manufacturing. Vasquez said developers are talking with city sta about residential projects. “We are already meeting with developers that have large land plays and they are waiting to see how the infrastructure will be built out,” he said. While no industrial projects have been o cially announced, Vasquez said the city is in talks with developers. With ports like Port Houston on the corridor, the development will strengthen I-10 as a trade route and an economic advantage for cities on it.
"We have to start working on diversifying the tax base today to generate
Motor vehicle parts and dealers: 0.7%
the revenue tomorrow that is going to need to replace that older infrastructure. " RICK VASQUEZ, CIBOLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Retail trade: 1%
Wholesale trade: 1.3%
Construction: 1.6%
Professional, scienti c and tech services: 3% Arts, entertainment and recreation: 1.7%
“We think that a diverse tax base is critical to the long-term sustainability of Cibolo and to protect that rural character and the quality of life that citizens enjoy today,” Vasquez said.
Manufacturing: 89%
SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
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