Round Rock is no stranger to development. What was once a sleepy town north of Austin is now a bustling city with businesses and people abound, and with no signs of stopping, the city has hired its first development facilitator.

Robin Vietz began working as Round Rock’s first Development Facilitator earlier this month, and she will wear a variety of hats with one goal in mind-to help applicants through the development process.

According to the city of Round Rock, Vietz's job is to assist applicants who encounter problems during any stage of the development process by examining issues and discussing solutions with staff in an effort to move projects forward with the public interest in mind. Vietz provides oversight to ensure applicants are equipped with what they need to secure an approval. She is responsible for identifying projects that have spent too much time in the the development process, and initiates contact to move them along. Vietz also handles special projects, including but not limited to, improving department performance measures and producing public announcements on development related issues.

“I am excited to be with the city of Round Rock in this newly created position, and am encouraged more municipalities may see the advantages of hiring a proactive facilitator to assist in the development process,” Vietz said.