Mayor Ishmael Harris recently discussed Bastrop's approach to managing rapid growth while maintaining community values during an appearance on The Building Texas Show. The historic Texas city has added approximately 6,000 residents since 2019, driven by its proximity to Austin and appeal to major companies including SpaceX, Starlink, and LS Electric. Harris emphasized that regional collaboration between city, county, and school district entities is essential for managing this expansion effectively.
Harris, a lifelong Bastrop resident who previously served as Planning & Zoning chair before becoming mayor, stressed the importance of long-term planning rather than temporary solutions. His civic engagement began with speaking at public meetings, experience he credits with preparing him to lead during this period of transformational growth. "I want to build long-lasting things - an impact for the next hundred years," Harris stated during the interview. "We're not here for temporary fixes. We're setting Bastrop up for the future."
The mayor addressed the arrival of Elon Musk-affiliated companies, noting both opportunities and community concerns. Harris highlighted direct engagement efforts to ensure corporate responsibility, stating, "We expect them to be excellent community partners - not just take from us." Initiatives like SpaceX's involvement in Bear Tech robotics and LS Electric's internship programs demonstrate corporate commitment to local investment according to city officials.
Bastrop's historic downtown remains central to community identity, hosting annual traditions including the August Homecoming Parade celebrating WWII veterans' return and the Lighted Christmas Parade that attracts over 10,000 visitors. Upcoming events include the third annual Mardi Gras festival featuring live music, a gumbo cook-off, and community gatherings. These events contribute to what Harris describes as "community-first partnerships" that balance growth with preservation of local character.
Key priorities for 2026 include establishing a regional hospital to serve Bastrop County's 115,000-plus residents and surrounding rural areas, developing a sustainable community recreation center, and strengthening partnerships to create a self-sustaining community where residents can live, work, and thrive locally. The full conversation offers additional insights into Bastrop's growth strategy and quality-of-life investments available through The Building Texas Show's platform.
This growth management approach has implications for similar communities experiencing rapid expansion near major metropolitan areas. Bastrop's model demonstrates how municipalities can leverage corporate investment while maintaining local values through structured partnerships and long-term planning. The emphasis on regional collaboration rather than isolated municipal planning represents a shift in how growing communities approach infrastructure, services, and economic development. For residents, these initiatives aim to create a balanced community where employment opportunities coexist with preserved cultural traditions and improved local amenities.
