In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson outlined the city's strategic economic development initiatives, emphasizing how large-scale projects can generate tax revenue and fund community improvements without straining public services.
Mayor Thompson highlighted the transformative potential of a third-generation data center currently under consideration, valued between $7 billion and $12 billion. Such a facility would provide a massive surge in tax revenue without the public safety or infrastructure strain typically associated with residential growth. “Economic development really subsidizes all the improvements that move your city forward,” said Mayor Thompson. He noted that the city utilizes 380 agreements to ensure these projects are performance-based, protecting taxpayers while funding green spaces, parks, and roads.
Transportation remains a key focus, as San Angelo is currently the largest town in Texas without an interstate. Mayor Thompson is working to change that through the Ports to Plains and I-14 corridor projects, a 20-to-30-year vision to create a diagonal commerce route from Mexico to Canada, providing critical relief for the congested I-35 corridor. Additionally, the San Angelo Regional Airport is expanding, supported by the Angelo State University (ASU) flight program and international training partnerships with the Canadian Air Force.
Recognizing that “water is economic development,” the city is aggressively pursuing a reclamation project on the Concho River. This initiative aims to reduce daily groundwater reliance by 40-60% through reuse, ensuring the city remains resilient regardless of rainfall patterns.
Education and talent retention are also critical. With over 10,000 students at ASU and a nationally recognized cybersecurity program, San Angelo is focused on keeping talent local. The synergy between the university, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and recent investments by the FBI creates a robust ecosystem for engineering and intel-based careers.
“San Angelo is a can-do city. People are ready and willing to make the investment to move forward. Economic development provides the revenue to subsidize those improvements,” Thompson added regarding the city's outlook on growth.
For the full interview with Mayor Thompson, visit the Building Texas Show YouTube channel.
