The Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup drew more than 140 developers, brokers, investors, and city leaders to Buda City Hall on Tuesday, marking the largest turnout in its four-year history. The event featured a rare joint appearance by six economic development leaders from Hays and Caldwell Counties, who presented a unified vision for regional growth under the theme “one region, two counties, five communities.” The collaboration matters because it demonstrates a deliberate shift from competition to coordination, a strategy that could reshape how the Austin-San Antonio corridor attracts business and investment.
Panelists 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 said the response confirmed strong market demand for direct engagement with decision-makers. “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 framed Buda’s role as Austin access without Austin friction, citing a responsive business climate on I-35, a highly educated talent base, and roughly three million square feet of Class A industrial space available or under construction. She also highlighted The Depot on Main, a revitalized historic train depot designed as a launchpad for makers and retail startups, with a planned grand opening in early 2027. Storm emphasized partnership, stating, “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.”
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, anchored by Texas State University, STAR Park, the regional airport, 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, gateway to I-10, spotlighted X-Bow’s production campus and a widening aerospace and retail footprint.
The implications extend beyond individual wins. Leaders stressed that companies gain 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. Kamerlander and colleagues 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. Workforce readiness, regional job fairs, career and technical education, and business retention emerged as shared priorities, alongside support for small businesses through microloan partnerships.
The meeting’s tone was confident and collegial, with leaders describing economic development as job creation, honest deal-making, and “dot connecting,” not blank checks. By presenting a coordinated front, the region aims to strengthen its competitive position and ensure that growth benefits all five communities. The Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup meets the second Tuesday of each month and serves professionals shaping commercial real estate and economic growth across Hays County, Caldwell County, and the Texas Innovation Corridor.
