Top issues for 2018
1. Bond project development In 2016 Leander voters approved general obligation bonds for several city projects involving streets, parks, a recreation center and a senior activity center. Leander spokesperson Mike Neu said the city expects to complete the Metro Drive extension, Mason Creek Trail, Robin Bledsoe Park synthetic athletic fields and more in 2018. City leaders also plan to start construction on Fire Station No. 1, Lakewood Community Park, Raider Way and Woodview Drive roadway improvements, the senior activity center, and San Gabriel Parkway design and extension in 2018.
2. Economic development The city plans to identify new opportunities for the restaurant sector and a high-quality daytime workforce. Neu said city management also plans to attract commercial developments by incentivizing companies to move into Leander, such as the Texas Bullion Depository.
3. Quality of life Efforts for improving Leander’s quality of life include expanding the city’s parks and recreation programs and parkland, growing pedestrian connectivity, creating a business destination in Old Town Leander and constructing a quiet zone at the Metro Drive railroad crossing.
4. Managing growth The city begins the design of a new fire station near the Travisso subdivision in 2018 to support fire protection services throughout the city as it continues to grow in population. Neu said maintaining or improving city services is a priority for city management in Leander while also continuing tax rate reduction, which has occurred each year since 2013.