aviation, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and craft agriculture,” says Kerr Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Gilberto Salinas. The city has effectively triggered job growth in 3 out of 5 of its target industries that were determined to be the most beneficial for long-term growth. Megaacrete alone represents a $50 to $60 million capital investment and will add significant value to the local economy for many years. This company’s product, a lightweight yet durable concrete 4x lighter than traditional cinderblocks, is a testament to the advanced manufacturing capabilities being developed in Kerrville. Another success story is Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, which has been in the community for three years and continues to expand rapidly, enhancing Kerrville’s position in the aviation industry. While it is a priority, Kerrville’s leaders aren’t just looking to make economic milestones.They are also steadily upgrading the city’s residential amenities. “We’re building what will be called the Guadalupe River Center. It’ll be along the banks of Nimitz Lake and will be a conference center. But it’ll also allow us to enhance what we do on that lake, including handicapped accessibility for our community,” says former Mayor Judy Eychner. This center is symbolic of a larger intention that Kerrville’s current mayor holds for the city’s development. “We’re very pro-growth, pro-business, and prosustainable growth. So, we want to stay within our natural resources to make sure that the quality of life, that small-town feel, doesn’t go away… it’s a balancing act,” says Mayor Joe Herring. REFINING THE RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE Kerrville is also expanding its housing and education sectors to support its growing population. The city has partnered with Lennar Homes for an initial development that will result in 134 new homes, some of which are being considered for workforce housing. “The city partnered with Lennar to set a guaranteed price for those homes to keep it at that workforce level, and they’re already working on the design of their second development which will be upwards of 500 homes,” says Director of Developmental Services Drew Paxton. This will be developed closer to Kerrville’s High and Middle Schools, and there are even plans to convert 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
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