Pflugerville Mayor Doug Weiss detailed the city's approach to managing significant growth while maintaining the community qualities residents value during a recent interview. With a population exceeding 84,000, Weiss emphasized that intentional planning is crucial to preserving what he describes as a "small-town feel" characterized by safety, neighborly connections, and civic engagement.
Weiss, who previously served on the City Council and economic development board, highlighted the importance of creating a live-work balance for residents. "If COVID taught us anything, it's that the daily commute eats into our quality of life," Weiss said during the interview. He pointed to the city's strategic location advantages, including proximity to major employers like Tesla and Samsung, as key factors in economic development that keeps taxes manageable and allows people to work closer to home.
The mayor cited the hometown growth of media brand Community Impact as a local success story, noting it was among the first businesses to establish itself along the SH-130 corridor and now operates nationwide from its Pflugerville headquarters. Infrastructure planning remains a top priority, with Weiss stating, "Water has to come before the people," in reference to the city's capital improvement plan designed to secure water resources for decades to come.
A significant achievement discussed was Pflugerville's official designation as the Trail Capital of Texas, recognized for having more hike-and-bike trails per capita than any other Texas city. "These trails connect our parks and link us to neighboring communities like Round Rock, Georgetown, and Austin," Weiss explained. The extensive trail network supports active lifestyles and enhances regional accessibility, reinforcing the city's appeal to both families and businesses.
The city also prioritizes parks, shaded playgrounds, and youth sports facilities, which contribute to quality of life and drive sports tourism. Weiss transitioned to the mayor's office after term limits concluded his council service, motivated by community encouragement and a desire to continue serving. "Cities are where people interact with government every day - through water, roads, trash, and parks," he said, emphasizing Pflugerville's tradition of leadership focused on long-term planning and putting people first. The full interview is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2CLwj6qiX8.
