The Building Texas Show recently featured Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore in an episode examining how the Texas Hill Country city is managing significant growth while preserving community values and addressing public safety needs. The conversation with host Justin McKenzie revealed how Lakeway's population has nearly doubled over the past decade, creating both opportunities and challenges for city leadership.
Mayor Kilgore emphasized that growth requires disciplined planning and cooperation rather than isolation. "You can't turn up the tap and pull up the drawbridge in Texas," Kilgore stated during the interview. "Growth brings opportunity, but it also requires discipline, planning, and cooperation." The city's approach balances private property rights with infrastructure investment, economic development, and quality of life considerations.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Lakeway's community spirit, particularly its role as host city for the Special Olympics of Texas Winter Games and Leadership Conference. For five consecutive years, Lakeway has partnered with neighboring communities like Bee Cave to host this event, which brings more than 1,200 athletes and thousands of family members, coaches, and supporters to the area. The event generates substantial economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while showcasing regional hospitality.
"We get far more out of hosting the Special Olympics than the event itself," Kilgore noted. "We get to cheer on incredible athletes, welcome families from across Texas, and see our community at its very best." The episode highlighted Lakeway's volunteer culture, which consistently supplies hundreds of volunteers to support the Games, reflecting a broader spirit of service that defines the community.
Beyond community events, the conversation addressed Lakeway's proactive approach to public safety and long-term planning. The city has implemented wildfire mitigation strategies and emergency response coordination systems, with much of this planning occurring years before residents see council votes. Kilgore discussed the realities of volunteer city leadership in Texas and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration with surrounding cities.
As Lakeway prepares for the future, including the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, the city continues to anchor itself in community traditions. These include the iconic Fourth of July parade and city-wide volunteerism that maintain social cohesion during periods of change. The Building Texas Show episode provides insights into how municipal leaders can manage growth while preserving community identity, offering valuable lessons for other rapidly developing regions.
The full episode is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms, with additional information about the series at www.buildingtexasshow.com. The discussion demonstrates how strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and regional cooperation can help communities navigate the complex challenges of rapid growth while maintaining their core values and quality of life.
