The City Councils of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle have held major votes recently, further shaping the cities' futures. From increasing data center restrictions to updating master plans, check out three recent government stories across Hays County.
1. San Marcos council advances increased data center restrictions
The San Marcos City Council is in the process of updating its Land Development Code and Design Manual, in part to address new types of development. The council voted to increase restrictions on the development of data centers at an April 21 meeting.
What happened
City staff proposed an update to the Land Use Matrix to add data centers to the system as an individual line item, according to agenda documents.
Mayor Jane Hughson proposed an amendment that would restrict data center development to High Industrial-zoned areas on a conditional basis, requiring council approval. The City Council approved Hughson’s amendment.
Looking forward
While the City Council voted on the data center-related amendments at the April 21 meeting, the changes have yet to be finalized.
The amendments are part of a larger agenda item to approve all suggested updates to the city’s LDC and Design Manual. The council approved the updates on the first of two readings at a May 5 meeting and will vote on the second and final reading on May 19.
More.
2. Buda updates transportation master plan
The city of Buda’s Transportation Mobility Master Plan, or TMMP, details active transportation projects throughout the community and guides the development of future projects. The City Council approved an update to the plan on April 7.
The whole story
The 2026 TMMP update reflects the current conditions of city roads, provides updates to transportation project cost estimates and details additional project needs that will direct city planning and growth, according to a Buda news release.
New projects and updated street jurisdictions are outlined in the 2026 plan as well. The new plan provides details on road projects, including improvements to multiple downtown streets and projects funded through the 2021 Buda Bond Project.
Continue reading.
3. Kyle allows permits company’s Foreign Trade Zone application
An advanced materials manufacturer serving the semiconductor industry in Kyle could see significant annual tariff savings after a City Council vote April 7.
The overview
ENF (Kyle) Technology LLC has an active application to designate its facility as a Foreign Trade Zone, according to agenda documents. The council approved a letter of no objection in support of the company’s application.
Companies established as an FTZ can import goods without needing to pay tariffs or federal duties until goods enter the U.S. market. Exports from the zone are not taxed.
An FTZ designation could save the company approximately $300,000 in tariff duties each year, according to agenda documents.
Read more.
