Since then, he's managed the city's more than $100 million annual budget and helped implement Keller's self insurance program. He also introduced several programs to streamline services, trim expenses and enhance customer service, according to the city's website.
Now Rector has several priorities for Keller as city manager, including balancing development with the community's small-town feel.
Aaron Rector
Experience:
Keller financial director, administrative services director
Occupation:
Keller City Manager
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What brought you to Keller in the first place, and what excites you about the city?
I grew up in the metroplex and wanted to move closer to family while finding an opportunity that would allow for career growth. Keller has always had a strong reputation, and I'm excited to be part of a city that balances progress with community values. As we approach buildout, I'm looking forward to focusing on strategic projects like the Keller Sports Park and Old Town.
What are your top priorities as you begin your new role?
My first priority is continuing to learn the city manager role and ensuring that Keller continues to thrive as we approach full buildout. A big focus in the years ahead will be on long-term sustainability—ensuring we have the right plans in place for infrastructure, public safety and economic development. I also want to keep key projects and our economic development strategic plan moving forward in a way that fits Keller's character and future needs.
What are your long-term goals for Keller?
As the city ages, we need to be proactive about redevelopment and ensure our future growth continues to reflect the expectations of our residents. We're looking at ways to encourage investment in areas like Old Town and along Highway 377, such as our façade and life safety grants, to foster improvements rather than waiting for change. Another priority is financial sustainability—making sure we plan ahead for revenues that will eventually level off while keeping our budget and services stable. The key will be balancing smart redevelopment with preserving what makes Keller special, which includes maintaining our conservative budgets.
How do you plan to balance the need for development with the desire to preserve Keller's small-town feel?
With Keller nearly built out, the key is ensuring that any new development aligns with our community's expectations and complements our existing neighborhoods and businesses. We have engaged residents who make their voices heard, and we'll continue to listen to their input as we consider future projects. We also have strong zoning standards in place to guide responsible development. That said, we're keeping an eye on state legislation that could reduce local control over development and density issues; some of the proposed bills this session could significantly impact the character of our community.
What types of businesses or industries do you think Keller should focus on attracting? Are there any gaps in Keller's current business offerings?
Our residents consistently ask for more restaurants and family-friendly entertainment options, so those are key areas of focus in our recruitment efforts. We also see an opportunity to make Old Town more than just a dining destination by fostering an entertainment district where families can spend an entire evening. Big-box retail seems to be fading, so we may also want to consider positioning Keller as a hub for industries like medical services or smaller business campuses, which provide high-paying jobs, stable revenue, and daytime population that benefits our restaurants and retailers.
What steps will you and staff take to manage traffic and infrastructure demands as Keller grows?
Keller prioritizes street maintenance more than most cities of our size, including using a dedicated sales tax to support those efforts, and our five-year Capital Improvement Plan ensures we're keeping up with infrastructure needs while maintaining the small-town feel that residents value. Rather than significant expansions, I anticipate our focus will remain on maintaining existing roads, improving traffic flow where possible and minimizing traffic impacts in residential areas.
Are there any projects or initiatives that you're particularly excited about?
I'm excited about the continued revitalization of Old Town, the Keller Sports Park expansion and our public-private partnership on the City Sports campus. Elm Street, in particular, will be a significant project that enhances that area and sets the tone for future redevelopment of the side streets in eastern Old Town. Projects like these will help strengthen Keller's identity and create spaces that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.
What has surprised you most about your new role?
I've always known that Keller residents were engaged, but stepping into this role has given me an even greater appreciation for how vocal and passionate they are. I never had many phone calls while running the finance department, but this position means tackling a wide variety of issues and hearing from a lot more people. I'm enjoying the conversations as the feedback helps guide our decisions and keeps us focused on what's best for the community.
Outside of work, what should residents know about you?
I live in Keller with a wonderful wife, two young kids and a dog. I love spending time outdoors, whether camping, hunting or watching my family fish. I also love cheering on my kids in gymnastics and baseball. We are proud Texas Aggies and big Dallas Stars fans.
