The Building Texas Show recently featured Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore in an episode exploring how the Texas Hill Country city is navigating rapid growth while preserving its community character. Lakeway has nearly doubled in population over the past decade, creating both opportunities and challenges for city leadership.
Mayor Kilgore emphasized that growth requires careful planning and cooperation. "You can’t turn up the tap and pull up the drawbridge in Texas," Kilgore said. "Growth brings opportunity, but it also requires discipline, planning, and cooperation." The city is balancing private property rights, infrastructure investment, economic development, and quality of life while working to maintain its small-town atmosphere.
A significant portion of the conversation highlighted Lakeway's role as host city for the Special Olympics of Texas Winter Games and Leadership Conference, an event the community has hosted for five consecutive years. Each year, the event brings more than 1,200 athletes, thousands of family members, coaches, and supporters to the area, providing economic benefits to local businesses while showcasing community spirit. "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 episode also explored Lakeway's proactive approach to public safety, including wildfire mitigation and emergency response coordination. Much of the city's planning occurs years before residents see council votes, reflecting a long-term approach to governance. Kilgore discussed the realities of volunteer city leadership in Texas and the importance of regional collaboration with surrounding communities like Bee Cave.
As Lakeway looks toward the future, including the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, community traditions remain central to the city's identity. From its iconic Fourth of July parade to the hundreds of volunteers who support the Special Olympics, Lakeway's culture of service continues to define the community even as it evolves. The full episode is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms, with more information at www.buildingtexasshow.com.
