strain for many employers. INFRASTRUCTURE READINESS AND A FORWARD-LOOKING CAPITAL PLAN Selma’s growth story is supported by the less visible—but most critical—foundation of municipal infrastructure. Agee credits previous councils and administrations with planning ahead, particularly on water and wastewater lines in industrial growth areas.That foresight has allowed Selma to keep pace with development rather than scramble to retrofit capacity after the fact. Recently, Selma completed the reconstruction of Retama Parkway, a critical connector between I-35 and Lookout Road that serves key destinations including Retama Park and the future University Health Systems – Retama Hospital. Lookout Road improvements will follow, helping to create alternatives to I-35 congestion and enhancing bike and pedestrian access. Looking ahead, Selma plans to develop an infrastructure capital plan to assess long-term needs, identify replacement cycles, and ensure the city remains ahead of wear-and-tear realities that inevitably emerge over time. A CITY FOCUSED ON SERVICE AND STAYING POWER When asked about Selma’s long-term trajectory,Agee returns repeatedly to service, responsiveness, and maintaining the position Selma has already earned. He describes Selma as rare in its accessibility—where residents and businesses can call City Hall and quickly get the answers they need, even escalating matters efficiently when necessary without arduous layers of bureaucracy. Selma’s strategic goal over the next decade is not flashy. It is disciplined: continue being one of the premier suburbs in the San Antonio region, remain business-friendly, keep investing in parks and trail connectivity, and protect the quality of life that encourages people to stay. 84 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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