Round Rock, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and its leaders are grappling with how to manage that growth while maintaining the community's character. In the latest episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, released on September 30, 2026, host Bryan Eisenberg speaks with Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens about her journey in public service and her vision for the city's future. The episode, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing a city that has transformed from a farming community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s to a bustling city approaching 150,000.
Stevens, the daughter of longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper, reflects on inheriting a stewardship mindset. She left a 22-year career in speech pathology to serve on City Council, driven by a desire to give back. "We have a very accepting and welcoming and warm culture here," Stevens tells Eisenberg. "We expect the best, right? But we accept and we bring in and we welcome everybody and all ideas and all businesses and the stories of the people that come here." That inclusive spirit, she says, is key to balancing ambitious goals with responsible growth in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation.
The conversation delves into the challenges of public service in the social media age. Stevens emphasizes the need for "thick skin" and direct engagement with constituents to combat misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances. Her approach underscores the importance of transparency and dialogue in local governance, especially as the city faces increasing scrutiny amid rapid development.
Stevens also highlights the role of community organizations such as Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping her family's service ethic. She credits her father's lesson to remain accessible and mentors through Leadership Round Rock, Ascend, and YMCA leadership classes. For newcomers, she urges strategic volunteering rather than diluting one's impact—a message that resonates in a community where civic engagement is a cornerstone.
A poignant full-circle moment surfaces when Stevens recounts being the first person ever to get engaged at Dell Diamond, during the inaugural Friday night fireworks game after voters passed the hotel-motel tax that funded the stadium. Her husband coordinated a heart-shaped fireworks display on Good Friday nearly 26 years ago. Today, her father takes her older two sons to dollar hot dog nights with Papa, and her youngest son works as a parking lot attendant for the Round Rock Express. These personal anecdotes illustrate the deep ties that bind residents to the city's evolution.
The episode is unique as it features the daughter of a former guest, marking a familial continuity in civic leadership. As Round Rock continues to grow, Stevens's insights offer a roadmap for balancing progress with preservation. Her emphasis on service, inclusivity, and direct engagement provides a model for other fast-growing communities across the nation. The podcast, hosted by New York Times bestselling author Bryan Eisenberg, spotlights the people and ideas fueling one of America's most dynamic cities. Episode 93 is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
