As Texas communities navigate rapid expansion, Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore detailed his city's approach to balancing growth with community values in a recent episode of The Building Texas Show. The Hill Country city has nearly doubled in population over the past decade, creating both opportunities and challenges for infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.
"You can’t turn up the tap and pull up the drawbridge in Texas," Mayor Kilgore said during the conversation with host Justin McKenzie. "Growth brings opportunity, but it also requires discipline, planning, and cooperation." The episode explores how city leadership manages private property rights alongside infrastructure investment while preserving Lakeway's small-town character.
A significant focus of the discussion centered on Lakeway's civic engagement and volunteer culture, particularly its role as host city for the Special Olympics of Texas Winter Games and Leadership Conference. The city has hosted this event for five consecutive years in partnership with neighboring communities like Bee Cave, bringing more than 1,200 athletes and thousands of family members, coaches, and supporters to the area annually.
"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 event fills local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while showcasing regional hospitality, supported by hundreds of Lakeway volunteers who reflect the community's broader spirit of service.
Beyond community events, the conversation addressed Lakeway's proactive planning for wildfire mitigation, emergency response coordination, and long-term comprehensive strategies. Much of this planning occurs years before residents see council votes, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain public safety in a growing city.
Mayor Kilgore also discussed the realities of volunteer city leadership in Texas and the importance of regional collaboration with surrounding municipalities. As Lakeway prepares for future development, civic engagement remains critical to maintaining the community's identity while accommodating growth.
Looking toward 2026 and the nation's 250th anniversary, the episode highlighted how Lakeway's traditions—from its Fourth of July parade to city-wide volunteerism—continue to anchor the community during periods of change. The full conversation is available through The Building Texas Show website and major podcast platforms.
