Central Texas Leaders Emphasize Partnerships at Infrastructure Summit

Transportation officials and county leaders discuss ongoing projects and economic development in the region.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Leaders from across Central Texas gathered at the Infrastructure Summit in San Marcos to discuss ongoing transportation projects, economic development, and the importance of strategic partnerships. The event featured speakers from TxDOT, county commissioners, and city officials who highlighted the collaborative efforts required to manage rapid growth in the region.

Why it matters

As Central Texas experiences significant population and economic growth, effective infrastructure planning and development is crucial to support the region's continued prosperity. The Infrastructure Summit provided a platform for regional leaders to share best practices, discuss challenges, and emphasize the value of public-private partnerships in addressing the area's transportation and development needs.

The details

The Infrastructure Summit featured panels and discussions on topics such as the importance of economic development, the state of transportation projects in the region, and lessons learned from major infrastructure initiatives. Speakers highlighted the collaborative efforts between TxDOT, county officials, and city leaders to secure funding, streamline permitting, and coordinate the implementation of key transportation projects. The event also addressed the affordable housing crisis and its impact on attracting and retaining businesses in Central Texas.

  • The Infrastructure Summit was held on March 4, 2026.
  • TxDOT Commissioner Steven Alvis noted that the city of Austin currently has $3.1 billion in ongoing construction projects, while the city of San Antonio has $5.6 billion.

The players

Will Conley

Moderated the panels at the Infrastructure Summit.

Ruben Becerra

Hays County Judge.

Steven Alvis

Texas Transportation Commissioner.

Charles Benavidez

TxDOT San Antonio District Engineer.

Tucker Ferguson

TxDOT Austin District Engineer.

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What they’re saying

“Texas is very unique. There are so many tools in the toolbox for economic development. All you county officials, city officials, look at your permitting program [and] look at your land plan approval programs. When a big opportunity comes to you: react, meet them at the front door with a permit.”

— Steven Alvis, Texas Transportation Commissioner

“We've even done workshops within our district for some of our other counties to come in and learn from Hays and Williamson counties, to learn from them what they've done and that's being replicated.”

— Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT Austin District Engineer

“Before I got elected, I said, 'Well, why don't we just focus on the county roads because we're county commissioners.' And [former commissioner Lon Shell] said, 'You could do that. You could make the best road in the entire world and spend all your dollars on that or you could be proactive and you could realize that more families are moving here, more people are going to school and you have to plan for that.'”

— Morgan Hammer, Hays County Commissioner

What’s next

The Infrastructure Summit highlighted the ongoing collaboration between regional transportation officials and local leaders to address the area's growing infrastructure needs. Future steps may include continued coordination on project funding, streamlining permitting processes, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support the region's development.

The takeaway

The Infrastructure Summit underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and a comprehensive, regional approach to transportation and economic development in Central Texas. By working together, local officials, transportation agencies, and the private sector can effectively manage growth, attract new businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents.