Mayor Ishmael Harris, a lifelong Bastrop resident and former Planning & Zoning chair, joined The Building Texas Show to outline how the historic city is navigating rapid expansion while preserving its unique character and fostering community-first partnerships.

Navigating Rapid Growth with Regional Collaboration
Bastrop has grown by nearly 6,000 residents since 2019, driven by its proximity to Austin and strategic appeal to companies like SpaceX, Starlink, and LS Electric. Mayor Harris emphasized that collaboration between the city, county, and school districts is essential to managing regional impact.

“The counties rely on the cities, and the cities rely on the county,” Harris said. “We have to make things happen here that serve everyone - because people come to Bastrop for work, shopping, and community.”

From Planning & Zoning to the Mayor’s Office
Harris first engaged civically by speaking at public meetings, later serving as Planning & Zoning chair before running for mayor. He credits that experience with preparing him to lead during a period of transformational growth.

“I want to build long-lasting things - an impact for the next hundred years,” he shared. “We’re not here for temporary fixes. We’re setting Bastrop up for the future.”

Balancing Global Brands with Local Values
The arrival of Elon Musk-affiliated companies brought both opportunity and concern. Harris highlighted direct engagement to ensure corporate responsibility.

“We expect them to be excellent community partners - not just take from us,” he noted.

Initiatives like SpaceX’s involvement in Bear Tech robotics and LS Electric’s internship programs reflect a shared commitment to local investment.

Downtown Vibrancy & Signature Events
Bastrop’s historic downtown remains a cultural anchor, hosting annual traditions like the August Homecoming Parade (celebrating WWII veterans’ return) and the Lighted Christmas Parade, which draws over 10,000 visitors. Upcoming events include the third annual Mardi Gras festival, featuring live music, a gumbo cook-off, and community-wide gatherings.

A Forward-Looking Vision for 2026
Key priorities for the coming year include:

• Establishing a regional hospital to serve Bastrop County’s 115,000+ residents and surrounding rural areas.
• Developing a community recreation center designed for long-term sustainability.
• Strengthening partnerships to make Bastrop a self-sustaining community where residents can live, work, and thrive locally.

Watch & Subscribe
The full conversation offers deeper insights into Bastrop’s growth strategy, quality-of-life investments, and the mayor’s hometown perspective. Subscribe to The Building Texas Show on YouTube, like the episode, and turn on notifications for more Texas community stories.

Watch Here:
Bastrop, Texas Is Changing Overnight - Here's Why

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About The Building Texas Show:
Hosted by Justin McKenzie, The Building Texas Show delivers in-depth interviews with leaders, builders, and innovators shaping Texas communities. From economic development to local heritage, the show highlights what makes Texas towns thrive.

About Bastrop, Texas:
Bastrop is a historic and growing city located in Central Texas, just 30 miles southeast of Austin in Bastrop County. Known as the "Heart of the Lost Pines" region, Bastrop is celebrated for its charming, tree-lined downtown, well-preserved 19th-century architecture, and strong sense of community. The city is home to the oldest continuously running weekly newspaper in Texas and serves as the county seat. With recent growth attracting global companies like SpaceX and LS Electric, Bastrop balances economic development with its rich heritage, offering vibrant annual events such as the Homecoming Parade and Lighted Christmas Parade. Surrounded by natural beauty, including Bastrop State Park, the city provides a unique blend of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and forward-looking opportunity.

Media Contact:
Justin McKenzie
Host, The Building Texas Show
(210) 748-2312 | justin@buildingtexasshow.com
https://buildingtexasshow.com

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