More than 140 developers, brokers, investors, city leaders, and service providers filled Buda City Hall on Tuesday morning for the Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup, marking the largest gathering in the event's four-year history. The session featured a rare joint appearance by six economic development leaders from Hays and Caldwell Counties, who presented a unified regional vision under the theme "one region, two counties, five communities."
The panel included Jennifer L. Storm of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, 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 unprecedented response, saying, "We've run this meetup for four years, and we've never seen a response like this. 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."
The significance of this gathering extends beyond attendance numbers. It signals a maturing regional approach to economic development in one of Texas's fastest-growing corridors. By presenting a coordinated front, these leaders aim to attract businesses seeking choice across five distinct communities while benefiting from shared infrastructure, permitting support, and a regional labor market of more than 2.7 million workers within a 60-minute drive.
Jennifer Storm highlighted Buda's role as "Austin access without Austin friction," citing roughly three million square feet of Class A industrial space available or under construction and the upcoming grand opening of The Depot on Main in early 2027. She emphasized, "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 and our shared vision for growth in our communities."
Each community showcased its unique strengths. Kyle pointed to healthcare expansion with St. David's new emergency center and ACC's growing health sciences presence. 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, while Luling spotlighted X-Bow's production campus and a widening aerospace footprint.
The panel repeatedly stressed partnership over competition, describing economic development as job creation and "dot connecting," not blank checks. Workforce readiness, regional job fairs, career and technical education, and business retention emerged as shared priorities. 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.
The implications are clear: as the region continues to grow, this collaborative model could serve as a blueprint for other corridors. By aligning priorities and resources, Hays and Caldwell Counties are positioning themselves to compete globally while maintaining local character. The Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup meets the second Tuesday of each month, fostering ongoing dialogue among professionals shaping the region's future.
