Six economic development leaders from Hays and Caldwell Counties made a rare joint appearance in Buda on Tuesday, signaling a unified push to position the region as a diversified, collaborative alternative within the booming Austin-San Antonio corridor. The Hays (Caldwell) Commercial Real Estate Meetup drew more than 140 developers, brokers, investors, and city officials to Buda City Hall—the largest turnout in the event's four-year history.
Organizer Tim Dowling of The Roundabout in Buda said the response reflects intense 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.
The panel featured Jennifer L. Storm of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, Victoria Vargas of the City of Kyle, Helen Ramirez of the City of San Marcos, Holly Malish of the Lockhart EDC, Ari Arias of the Luling EDC, and Mike Kamerlander of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership. Their message centered on a single theme: one region, two counties, five communities.
Storm framed Buda as "Austin access without Austin friction," citing roughly three million square feet of Class A industrial space available or under construction, a highly educated talent base, and a responsive business climate along I-35. She also highlighted The Depot on Main, a revitalized historic train depot designed as a launchpad for makers and retail startups, with a grand opening planned for early 2027. "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," Storm said.
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 Class A 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, the gateway to I-10, spotlighted X-Bow's production campus and a widening aerospace and retail footprint.
The implications for the region are significant. By presenting a coordinated front, the five communities aim to attract companies that might otherwise overlook smaller markets. Leaders stressed that businesses gain choice across distinct communities while still accessing shared infrastructure, permitting support, and a regional labor market of more than 2.7 million workers within a 60-minute drive. Workforce readiness, regional job fairs, career and technical education, and business retention emerged as shared priorities, alongside small business support and microloan partnerships.
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. The tone was confident and collegial: leaders, backed by regional partnership, presenting not as rivals but as a coordinated front. As competition for corporate relocation and investment intensifies across Texas, the Hays-Caldwell corridor's ability to speak with one voice could prove decisive in landing the next wave of high-value employers.
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.
