Six Economic Development Leaders Unite to Position Hays-Caldwell Corridor as Central Texas Growth Engine

More than 140 developers, brokers, investors, and city leaders gathered at Buda City Hall on Tuesday for a rare joint appearance by six economic development leaders from Hays and Caldwell Counties, signaling a new era of regional collaboration that could reshape Central Texas growth. The event, hosted by the Buda Economic Development Corporation, underscored a unified message: one region, two counties, five communities working together to attract investment and talent.

The panel featured Jennifer L. Storm of the Buda EDC; Victoria Vargas of the City of Kyle; Helen Ramirez, AICP, of the City of San Marcos; Holly Malish, CEcD, of the Lockhart EDC; Ari Arias of the Luling EDC; and Mike Kamerlander, CEcD, of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership. Organizer Tim Dowling of The Roundabout in Buda noted the turnout was unprecedented in the meetup's four-year history. "Getting six regional economic development leaders in the same room, all sharing their real priorities for where their communities are headed, is a rare opportunity," Dowling said. Storm echoed the sentiment, emphasizing collaboration: "I am proud to partner with my esteemed colleagues and economic development leaders across the region to collaborate and work together for the future of our connected corridor."

The implications of this united front are significant. As Austin's growth pushes outward, the Hays-Caldwell corridor is positioning itself as a cohesive alternative, offering businesses access to a regional labor market of more than 2.7 million workers within a 60-minute drive while maintaining distinct community identities. Storm highlighted Buda's advantage as "Austin access without Austin friction," citing roughly three million square feet of Class A industrial space available or under construction and the upcoming The Depot on Main, a revitalized historic train depot set to open in early 2027 as a launchpad for makers and retail startups.

Each community showcased complementary strengths. Kyle pointed to healthcare expansion, including St. David's new emergency center and ACC's growing health sciences presence, plus new industrial inventory at Kyle Commerce Center. San Marcos positioned itself as the region's education and innovation powerhouse, leveraging Texas State University, STAR Park, and an advancing aerospace and defense ecosystem. Lockhart celebrated Hill Country Foodworks' expansion from 10,000 to 62,000 square feet and new downtown redevelopment frameworks. Luling, the gateway to I-10, spotlighted X-Bow's production campus and a widening aerospace and retail footprint.

The leaders repeatedly stressed partnership over competition, describing economic development as job creation and "dot connecting." Shared priorities emerged around workforce readiness, regional job fairs, career and technical education, and business retention. Small business support, including microloan partnerships, was hailed as essential to the quality of place that attracts and retains talent. Kamerlander framed the Austin-San Antonio Innovation Corridor as Central Texas' next defining opportunity, with aerospace and dual-use defense technology accelerating alongside advanced manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

For site selectors and investors, the coordinated approach reduces friction and expands options. The Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup meets the second Tuesday of each month, serving professionals shaping commercial real estate and economic growth across the region. This collective effort signals that the corridor is not just a collection of cities but a unified economic force, poised to capture the next wave of Central Texas expansion.