MEMO FROM THE MAYOR | Brandt Rydell
This column was submitted by former mayor Brandt Rydell May 9.
I recently spoke with another elected official from the Central Texas region who praised the city of Taylor on its recent progress and prospects for the future. Of course, Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s presence in Taylor figured prominently in the discussion, with the company having recently pledged to commit a mind-blowing $44 billion in investment for its project here.
This sets Taylor up as the “epicenter of the technology revolution, the likes of which we have not seen since the Manhattan Project,” as U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, has remarked.
In addition to a rosy economic outlook, my colleague highlighted the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan and corresponding Land Development Code updates as being models for other communities to follow, firmly rooting growth and development decisions in principles of fiscal sustainability and adherence to a traditional development pattern.
Notably, the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan is used in universities as a leading example of smartgrowth practices. Cities nationwide are looking at Taylor as we manage rapid growth while adhering to tenets of fiscal sustainability and infrastructure, community character, diverse housing, inclusive growth and economic resilience.
However, the recent noise around the just-concluded City Council election cycle hasn’t escaped notice.
In fact, my conversation partner was puzzled why there was so much rhetoric on dismantling recent gains and taking Taylor backwards. This person specifically referenced comments made from the dais in recent months expressing hope for a changeover in the composition of the council allowing for the undoing of some of that progress.
My colleague commented, “Taylor has struggled for decades. Now, with everything that has happened in the last few years, it will be interesting to see if Taylor can handle success.”
That is the question. But I have confidence in our capable staff at City Hall, and I have faith in the new council that it will continue to lead Taylor forward. It will be crucial to resist the temptation to revert to outdated methods and modes of thinking, as comfortable as it may feel to settle into those old ruts.
Taylor’s recent successes have been marked by a forward-looking approach willing to engage and adapt for changing times. That’s exactly what we’ll need if Taylor is to continue as a case study of best practices or risk becoming a cautionary tale of a community that fumbled at a critical time.
Rydell was elected to Taylor’s District 3 spot in 2012 and named mayor in 2017. He chose not to seek re-election in the May 4 race.
