FROM THE EDITOR
Williamson County is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.
The challenges that come with managing such growth will put elected members of local government to the test.
It’s easy to chalk up successes such as the decision by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. to construct a $17 billion semiconductor factory in Taylor, which in turn has led to the establishment of many more high-tech businesses.
However, the leaders of Williamson County also would do well to remember the region’s still thriving — but shrinking — agricultural concerns and the small businesses that support so many jobs in the area. They are still important to local prosperity.
During a swearingin ceremony Jan. 1 at the historic Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown, County Judge Bill Gravell told fellow officeholders, “To remember that our responsibility is to preserve, protect and defend to the very smallest to those that are very frail.”
He added, “That is our gift from God.”
The assembled men and women he addressed would do well to remember that charge as the county embraces the successes, and the failures, the 21st century — now a quarter past its beginning — will bring.
With everything from microchips to rocket engines being planned, designed and fabricated in the area, the possibilities for growth are
endless. However, the county’s humble roots, including its prominence based on a series of 1800 rail towns and the cotton trade, must never be forgotten.
According to the Texas Demographic Center, the majority of growth in Central Texas has been in Williamson County, which has added more than 104,000 residents from 2020 to Jan.
1, 2024. It may surprise some to learn Taylor is not the fastest-growing city in the county. That distinction belongs to Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill and Round Rock in descending order of population.
However, a rising tide lifts all boats, as the saying goes. As the county continues to see population expansion and more industry, the public servants in the courthouse, city halls and school boards must take the appropriate action to look after both the youngest to the most needful residents.
One of the biggest issues is ensuring housing needs are met, but at affordable prices and supported by the necessary infrastructure. Bringing more industry to the area creates additional jobs, but also environmental challenges.
Big companies and new subdivisions raise concerns about having enough water and treatment facilities.
The swearing-in ceremony on the first day of the year rang with much hope and optimism. Let’s hope these folks we put into office can maintain that level of commitment and positivity as the year unfolds.
Thomas Edwards is the executive editor of Granite Media Partners Inc., owners of the Taylor Press. Reach him at thomas. edwards@ granitemediapartners.
com.
