In a new episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Round Rock Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens to discuss the city's transformation from a small farming community to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The episode, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," was released on September 30, 2026, and offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing Round Rock as it approaches a population of 150,000.
Stevens, the daughter of longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper, reflects on inheriting a stewardship mindset and now helping steer the city through a period of significant growth. The episode traces Round Rock's arc from a community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s to its current status as a thriving city in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation. Stevens and Eisenberg explore key themes such as balancing ambitious goals with responsible growth, the role of service organizations like Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping her family's service ethic, and the challenges of public service in the social media age.
Stevens left a 22-year career in speech pathology to serve on City Council, a decision that underscores her commitment to public service. She emphasizes the need for 'thick skin' and direct engagement with constituents, particularly when combating misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances. "We have a very accepting and welcoming and warm culture here," Stevens tells Eisenberg. "We expect the best, right? But we accept and we bring in and we welcome everybody and all ideas and all businesses and the stories of the people that come here."
The conversation also surfaces a full-circle Round Rock moment: Stevens was the first person ever to get engaged at Dell Diamond, during the inaugural Friday night fireworks game after voters passed the hotel-motel tax that funded the stadium. Her husband, who studied architecture and now works in construction, coordinated a heart-shaped fireworks display on Good Friday nearly 26 years ago. Today, her father takes her older two sons to dollar hot dog nights with Papa, and her youngest son works as a parking lot attendant for the Round Rock Express. This familial continuity in civic leadership marks the episode as unique, as it features the daughter of a former guest.
Stevens credits Charlie Culpepper's lesson to remain accessible, mentors through Leadership Round Rock, Ascend, and YMCA leadership classes, and urges newcomers to volunteer strategically rather than dilute their impact. The episode provides valuable insights for residents, business leaders, and policymakers navigating the complexities of rapid urban growth. It highlights the importance of maintaining community identity and fostering a culture of service as cities like Round Rock continue to expand. For those interested in the future of one of America's fastest-growing communities, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging perspective.
