The Building Texas Show recently featured Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore discussing how the Hill Country city navigates rapid growth while preserving community values and addressing public safety needs. Lakeway has nearly doubled in population over the past decade, creating both opportunities and challenges for city leadership. Mayor Kilgore emphasized during the conversation with host Justin McKenzie that growth brings opportunity but requires discipline, planning, and cooperation. The episode examines how city officials balance private property rights, infrastructure investment, economic development, and quality of life while maintaining Lakeway's distinctive character.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Lakeway's community service culture, particularly its role as host city for the Special Olympics of Texas Winter Games and Leadership Conference. The city has hosted this event for five consecutive years in partnership with neighboring communities including Bee Cave. Each year, the event brings more than 1,200 athletes, thousands of family members, coaches, and supporters to the area, providing economic benefits while showcasing regional hospitality. Mayor Kilgore noted that the community gets far more out of hosting the Special Olympics than the event itself, with opportunities to cheer on incredible athletes, welcome families from across Texas, and see the community at its very best.
The episode emphasizes Lakeway's volunteer culture, which consistently supplies hundreds of volunteers to support the Games, reflecting what city leaders describe as the broader spirit of service defining the community. Beyond community events, the conversation addressed Lakeway's proactive approach to wildfire mitigation, emergency response coordination, and long-term comprehensive planning. Much of this planning occurs years before residents see council votes, according to the discussion. Mayor Kilgore also discussed the realities of volunteer city leadership in Texas, regional collaboration with surrounding cities, and why civic engagement remains critical as Lakeway prepares for the future.
Looking ahead to 2026 and the nation's 250th anniversary, the episode underscores how Lakeway's community traditions—from its Fourth of July parade to city-wide volunteerism—continue to anchor the city even as it evolves. The Lakeway episode is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, with more information available at https://www.buildingtexasshow.com.
