United in Vision, A Community by Choice

A Hub of Activity and Projected Growth

Once a quiet rural town on the outskirts of Austin, Manor, Texas, is rapidly transforming into one of the region’s most dynamic growth stories. With a focus on strategic development, affordable housing, workforce readiness, and infrastructure expansion, the city is carving out a new identity—one rooted in community and sustainability.

Mayor Dr. Christopher Harvey plays a key role in shaping Manor’s forward momentum, bringing thoughtful leadership that emphasizes long-term planning and a deep focus on community needs. “One of the things that we talked about when we spent some time building a vision and a mission statement with council and city staff was creating a sustainable future,” Mayor Dr. Harvey says. “That means implementing our comprehensive plan strategically and using the financial tools available to us to support growth without deficits.” His focus on sustainability and community investment has helped set the tone for how Manor approaches its rapid expansion—with care, intention, and accountability.

Expanding Amenities, Strengthening Community

Manor’s affordability, available infrastructure, and ample land make it an attractive destination for both developers and families. The city offers available commercial land, strong utility infrastructure, and a location that provides excellent access to major transportation arteries, including U.S. 290 and Highway 130. “We still have good prices,” says Scott Moore, City Manager. “Even though the market has shifted, we remain below Austin and neighboring suburbs in terms of cost, while offering a high quality of life.”

That quality of life is being enhanced through a range of amenities and development projects, many of which were greenlit through community-supported bond elections. The end of 2023 marked the approval of bonds for a new recreation center and the city’s first-ever library. “We have a site picked out in Manor Town Square,” Moore confirms. “Construction is expected to be completed by 2027.”

Long-Term Growth with Local Impact

Over the next five to ten years, Manor’s economic strategy is laser-focused on expanding its commercial base, attracting high-wage jobs, and aligning development with the city’s identity. According to Mayor Dr. Harvey, “It’s not just about bringing in the favorite stores and restaurants. It’s about ensuring that our financial return supports a sustainable future. We want retail and commercial development that aligns with community values and contributes to our financial health.” These efforts reflect a broader philosophy of growth rooted not in quick wins but in thoughtful, long-term returns that benefit both current and future residents.

There is a significant need for hospitals and healthcare access within the city, along with interest in advanced manufacturing in fields such as robotics and pharmaceuticals, fabrication and assembly, professional services, corporate headquarters locations, even sit-down restaurants and spaces that allow for both economic development and social connection. This sector diversity is designed to create a resilient economy that can weather market fluctuations while providing a wide range of employment opportunities for Manor’s growing population. The inclusion of entertainment venues and community-focused gathering spaces also speaks to the city’s commitment to quality of life alongside economic prosperity.

One of Manor’s most exciting prospects is the emergence of destination-style mixed-use developments. Mayor Harvey highlights two key projects: an 83-acre development led by a community-focused developer, and a 230-acre city-owned property. “We actually can dream big and make a statement,” Mayor Dr. Harvey says. “Whether we go large-scale entertainment or build toward a sustainable urban center, it’s about creating a destination for residents and visitors.”

Educating for Opportunity

Manor is taking a proactive stance on workforce development, integrating education and training programs that serve both students and employers. “Manor residents pay into Austin Community College with their taxes,” says Mayor Dr. Harvey. “The entire Class of 2024 will receive free tuition and fees, which is huge for local families.” This initiative removes financial barriers and provides a launching pad for students seeking to enter skilled professions without incurring debt, allowing more families to break generational cycles and build wealth through education.

Degrees that can be earned through this free tuition initiative include high-demand fields like nursing and manufacturing, many of them in areas that align with area industry partners like Tesla, Samsung and Applied Materials. This deliberate alignment ensures that students not only receive a degree but are also prepared for well-paying, in-demand careers within driving distance of their hometown. The city is also collaborating with Workforce Solutions and smaller companies, such as  Mitas Electronics, to prepare youth for real-world careers through certifications and hands-on experience, offering clear pathways from the classroom to the factory floor or clinical setting.

“We’re not just thinking about now,” Mayor Dr. Harvey emphasizes. “We’re trying to align our workforce development with emerging trends and funding opportunities, including the CHIPS Act and other manufacturing incentives.” By staying ahead of the curve, Manor is positioning itself as a talent hub that can attract and retain businesses eager to benefit from a ready and able workforce.

Community Character and Inclusivity

As Manor grows, preserving its small-town charm remains a top priority. “We’ve made decisions to include all of our key stakeholders in the planning process,” says Mayor Dr. Harvey. “The community wants new restaurants and retail, but also wants to retain our mom-and-pop culture.”

That vision is evident in plans for incubator spaces within the new city hall and library development. These incubators will help local entrepreneurs navigate inflation, launch their businesses, and thrive in a supportive ecosystem. “We work closely with the Chamber and the school district to close gaps and create community-wide solutions,” Mayor Dr. Harvey says.

An example of this intentional community-building is Manor’s commitment to workforce housing for first responders, city employees, and educators. Mayor Dr. Harvey recalls a touching example: “One apartment complex housed an entire group of teachers from the Philippines, all working in our school district. They created a beautiful community within a community. That’s what makes Manor special.”

Infrastructure that Keeps Pace

Infrastructure upgrades are keeping pace with Manor’s rapid expansion, ensuring the foundational systems can accommodate current needs while preparing for future growth. The city is investing heavily in its water and wastewater systems—extending main lines, adding redundancy to prevent outages, and resolving dead-end configurations that have historically led to service disruptions. “This improves service and allows us to expand into areas ideal for mixed-use development,” says Mayor Dr. Harvey.

Several sizable projects are currently underway, marking one of the most ambitious phases of development in the city’s history. More than 200 acres of retail development are in progress, introducing much-needed commercial diversity and bringing shopping and dining options closer to residents. An 83-acre mixed-use development, which will include the new City Hall and the city’s first-ever library, represents a major civic investment and a physical embodiment of Manor’s evolving identity.

Simultaneously, a new industrial park is taking shape, supported by strategic utility infrastructure that ensures it can attract and retain key employers. Las Entradas, a high-profile development near US 290 and Highway 130, is expected to become a key commercial and residential node.

Private-sector investment is also playing a prominent role. Wonik Materials, for instance, is building a $46 million industrial facility on Old Kimbro Road—signaling confidence in the city’s infrastructure and workforce potential. Meanwhile, over 1,200 apartment units are under construction across several developments, reflecting the city’s efforts to meet the rising demand for housing. Collectively, these developments position Manor to serve a fast-growing population, currently around 34,000, which is expected to reach 80,000 within the next five to seven years.

Mobility Solutions for a Growing City

With growth comes challenges, particularly in transportation and emergency services. “We sit at a crossroads of two major highways,” Mayor Dr. Harvey explains. “That creates congestion, especially during peak hours. A 10-minute commute can easily become a 40-minute delay.” This gridlock not only inconveniences daily commuters but also affects the timely delivery of goods and the reliability of emergency services, thereby heightening the stakes for fast and strategic infrastructure planning.

To tackle these mounting pressures, the city is actively collaborating with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority on long-range mobility studies. These studies aim to identify opportunities for bypass routes, elevated corridors, and other creative engineering solutions to alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve regional connectivity.

In parallel, Manor is also exploring new local connections between neighborhoods to disperse traffic more effectively across its road network. These improvements are expected to enhance public safety by reducing emergency vehicle response times and ensuring residents have safe, efficient travel options as the city continues to expand.

Vision of unity

For Moore, the transformation unfolding in Manor is a testament to the strength of collaboration. “Since arriving in 2022, we’ve seen incredible development come to life,” he reflects. “The fact that our residents are getting their first major grocery store after 30 years is symbolic of the progress being made.”

Mayor Dr. Harvey echoes that spirit of unity. “Our unity has allowed us to do things that otherwise would have led to division,” he says. “The current council is committed to delivering what our community has asked for—from transportation upgrades to workforce housing to job creation.”

Moore adds, “This isn’t just about growth. It’s about becoming a community of choice. When families and businesses see the investment is worth making here, we know we’re on the right path.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Manor, Texas

What: A fast-growing city located just east of Austin, known for its small-town charm, affordable living, and expanding residential and tech development.

Where: 12 miles east of downtown Austin in Travis County.

Website: www.manortx.gov