Cibolo, Texas

From Railroads to Renewal

A country lifestyle with the perks of the big city

Cibolo, Texas, once home to the Comanche and other indigenous tribes, takes its name from the indigenous word for buffalo. Originally a thriving agricultural center known for cotton, Cibolo became an independent township in 1965. Its early development was driven by a strategic connection to the Southern Pacific Railroad, establishing the city as a key stop along the route.

With nearly 40,000 residents today, Cibolo continues to evolve, blending its country roots with modern conveniences. ‘We are a small town with a country-style way of life but with many city-life perks,’ says Isabella Ellis, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Cibolo. As the city grows, it remains committed to preserving its close-knit community while embracing new economic opportunities.

Attracting national brands

Cibolo’s approach to economic development has been comprehensive, targeting both business retention and attraction. Ellis notes that the city has implemented several key initiatives to support its local businesses. “We have a program for business retention and expansion, where we offer everything from one-on-one consultations to marketing assistance and even grants,” she says. This program is designed to ensure that businesses survive and thrive, fostering a vibrant local economy.

One standout initiative is Cibolo’s annual Shop Local program, called “Open Rewards,” in collaboration with Bludot, which encourages locals and visitors to explore the city’s small businesses by offering a 5% cash-back incentive on purchases made at participating establishments. “It encourages the community to support our local businesses, particularly during the holiday season,” Ellis explains.

In recent years, significant development has occurred from a business attraction standpoint. The Buffalo Heights Shopping Center is one of the city’s most notable commercial projects, a 12-acre development featuring 60,000 square feet of multi-tenant space. New businesses like Chick-fil-A, P. Terry’s, Tiff’s Treats, and Jersey Mike’s have recently opened, highlighting the area’s appeal to national brands. Quickly evolving into a dining, retail, and services hub, Cibolo draws in residents and visitors alike.

Large employers also play an important role in Cibolo’s economic landscape. One major employer, Aisin Texas Corporation, recently expanded significantly, adding nearly 300,000 square feet to its facility and creating over a thousand jobs. “They manufacture transmissions for Toyota, and their growth here has been fantastic for the local economy,” Ellis shares. Another notable employer, HEB, built a 55,000-square-foot e-commerce fulfillment center in 2023, creating 200 new jobs to support the company’s curbside and home delivery services.

Modernizing infrastructure with AI

With rapid population growth comes an urgent need for infrastructure improvements. Kelsee Jordan Lee, Planning and Economic Development Director notes, “Just a few years ago, our population was only 30,000, and now we’re approaching 40,000.” To support this growth, Cibolo has undertaken an ambitious infrastructure development plan. In the last fiscal year alone, the city completed the reconstruction of three major roadways and is planning nine additional road rehabilitation projects for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling around $12 million.

Innovative solutions, such as incorporating AI technology for road assessments and using micro-surfacing techniques for road preservation, are part of Cibolo’s strategy to stay ahead of infrastructure demands. These advancements are not only about meeting current needs but also about preparing for the future. Drainage improvements, utility upgrades, and the Town Creek Trail project—an initiative to connect central Cibolo with existing parks and trails—are all in progress, enhancing residents’ mobility and quality of life.

“We’re committed to ensuring that as we grow, we are also improving the quality of life for our residents,” Lee emphasizes. One example of this commitment is the ongoing development of the Town Creek Trail, which will create a seamless connection between different parts of the city, promoting outdoor activity and community cohesion.

Residential construction boom

Housing has become a hot topic in Cibolo as developers rush to meet the needs of the growing population. The city is seeing a boom in residential construction, with several new developments coming online. Recently opened projects include the US Living apartments, which offer 288 units, and The Grand apartments, which provide an additional 265 units. Furthermore, the Sydney Cove luxury duplexes have added 23 lots to the market.

More developments are on the horizon. The Dorado at Cibolo Crossing apartments, with 321 units, are set to boost the housing supply further. “We’re seeing a lot of growth in the apartment sector, especially around major landmarks like Steele High School and Cibolo Crossing,” Ellis notes. The city focuses on creating a “live, work, and play” environment, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need within proximity.

Fostering workforce readiness

Cibolo’s accelerated growth has also spurred collaboration between the city and local educational institutions. The city has partnered with the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUC ISD) on initiatives like Job Shadow Day, which provides career exposure to students in various city departments, including fire, police, public works, and parks and recreation.

The partnership extends beyond city departments. “We’re helping connect the ISD with local business owners, allowing students to gain exposure to various career paths,” says Ellis. This collaboration strengthens the bond between local businesses and education, fostering a workforce prepared for the future.

In addition to its educational initiatives, the city’s partnerships with local chambers of commerce and the Cibolo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) play a crucial role in promoting local businesses. The EDC, in particular, is instrumental in funding projects that attract new businesses and support existing ones. For example, their Business Improvement Grant Program encourages the beautification of businesses along Cibolo’s Old Town and FM 78 corridors, enhancing the city’s visual appeal.

Celebrating community

Cibolo’s vibrant community spirit is reflected in the city’s numerous events, which bring residents together and draw visitors from surrounding areas. One such event is the Downtown Market Days, a signature event held on Main Street that encourages residents to shop locally while enjoying the charm of Cibolo’s historic downtown. “Last year, we introduced a Kids Edition of Market Days,” shares Jeanette Gonzalez, Communications Manager for Cibolo, “with about 50 young entrepreneurs setting up their booths. It was a huge success and highlighted our youth’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Another popular series is Cibolo Summer Nights, a series of themed events held once a month designed to foster connections between families and neighbors. One of the standout events in this series is Touch-A-Truck, where community partners bring in large utility vehicles for kids to explore and enjoy. “Attendance has tripled over the past two years, which shows just how much the community loves these events,” Gonzalez adds.

Cibolofest, the city’s annual fall festival, is another major attraction. It features live music, a carnival, and a vendor market with over 150 booths. The event draws visitors from across the region, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for family-friendly entertainment.

Sustainability in action

Demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the city offers spring and fall cleanup events, including hazardous waste drop-offs, bulk item collection, and shredding services, all at no cost to residents. “These events have grown year after year, and it’s great to see our community taking pride in keeping our city clean,” Gonzalez notes.

The city’s community garden, established in 2018, is another example of its commitment to sustainability. Open to all residents, the garden fosters partnerships with local organizations, including the Boy Scouts, who regularly contribute through community service projects.

A recent project that reflects Cibolo’s dedication to preserving its heritage while looking to the future is the rehabilitation of a historic schoolhouse into the City Hall annex building. “We wanted to preserve the historic character of the building while making it a functional space for city operations,” Ellis says.

A place to call home

As Cibolo continues to grow, the city’s leaders are committed to ensuring this growth is sustainable and beneficial to the community. Projections suggest that Cibolo’s population could reach 50,000 by 2030, prompting public safety and infrastructure investments. Plans for a new fire station and emergency operations center are underway to reduce emergency response times significantly.

Mobility improvements are also a priority, with IH-10 lane expansions and new interchanges planned to ease traffic flow and attract industrial investments. A north-south connector road over the Union Pacific Railroad is set to alleviate congestion further and enhance connectivity.

“Our strategic plan and upcoming comprehensive plan updates will guide these efforts, ensuring that Cibolo remains a great place to live, work, and play,” says Lee.

With a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for the future, Cibolo is evolving into a dynamic community. Through innovative infrastructure projects, strategic economic development, and a commitment to sustainability, the city is shaping its future while staying true to its roots. As Cibolo continues attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors, its welcoming spirit and forward-thinking initiatives ensure it remains a destination for those seeking tradition and progress.

AT A GLANCE

Cibolo, Texas

What: A rapidly growing community known for its blend of suburban comfort and small-town charm, recognized for its family-friendly environment, local businesses, and modern amenities.

Where: Located in south-central Texas, nestled between San Antonio and Austin.

Website: https://www.cibolotx.gov/