New Village of The Hills Manager feels right at home in Central Texas

The Hills is home to about 2,500 people and 1,100 homes. It operates using Texas statutes as a general law city as opposed to a home rule municipality that receives its guidance from a charter and local government. Instead, The Hills has a board of aldermen with priorities that direct its city administrators.

The Hills began as a retirement community, but it has grown into a more diverse population with families and an emphasis on supporting children through a newly formed youth commission.

The Youth Advisory Council is a newer initiative that aims to engage students in the city government process.

“We hope that we put these young people in a pipeline to become future leaders,” Smith said.

One of the first community events Smith said she attended was a volunteer appreciation dinner honoring 72 local volunteers for their work between the village and the property owners association.

“I am still shocked," she said of the community support. "It’s a very solid base of support from all aspects.

Parks and hike and bike trails are important to the village, and as a cyclist and runner, Smith said she appreciates the emphasis for creating safe parks that improve quality of life for the community.

“It’s a beautiful place and a well-maintained community, but it’s the people who really drew me here,” Smith said