Success of Growth Summit Highlights Region’s Rapid Development

It’s no coincidence that the Austin Business Journal (ABJ) recently hosted an inaugural Growth Summit in Bastrop, TX, partnering with Bastrop Economic Development Corporation. That’s due to the rapid development in Bastrop County, located southeast of Austin. Held Sept. 23 at the Bastrop Convention Center, the 2025 Bastrop County Growth Summit affirmed the region’s rising stature as a hotbed of investment and development in Texas. 

The Growth Summit was sold out and featured a keynote speech by ABJ Editor Colin Pope, offering a snapshot of the vision and projects fueling Bastrop County’s evolution. Its panel comprised:

• Janice Bruno, Executive Director, SWTC Career Tracks
• Sylvia Carrillo, City Manager, City of Bastrop, TX
• Rick Neff, Senior Vice President, Hunt Communities
• Andrew Urda, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, LS Electric
• Zachary Levi, Actor/Producer, Wyldwood Studios

“Colin Pope hit the nail on the head when he predicted that Bastrop has the potential to be one of the most well-known cities in Central Texas,” said Dori Kelley, BARE (Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion) Manager for Bastrop EDC.  “The economic outlook for Bastrop County is strong, with our location between Austin and Houston positioning us for continued growth. At the same time, city and county leadership are working intentionally to balance new opportunities with preserving Bastrop’s historic areas and small-town character. By planning for smart, sustainable growth, we’re making sure our community thrives while keeping the qualities that make Bastrop unique.”

Rapid Growth

Bastrop, TX, is a city primed for growth. Statistics show just how rapidly the development has been. This year, 43 commercial and retail projects (150 acres’ worth) are underway in the city, with construction costs exceeding $89 million.

Helping spur this development is a City of Bastrop population that has increased by 32% since the 2020 census. With a population of nearly 13,000, community leaders are attuned to the need for appropriate housing options as the city expands. To that end, going hand-in-glove with Bastrop’s commercial development is ongoing construction on 174 residential projects this year, approaching $80 million in construction costs.

Bastrop County: Emerging Tech Hub

Transformative investments continue to reshape Bastrop County, none more so than those of Elon Musk’s companies: SpaceX/Starlink, The Boring Company and X, which are all expanding their footprint in the region.

In late 2024, SpaceX, home to Musk’s cutting-edge satellite internet venture Starlink, opened a 1,000,000-square-foot facility in Bastrop, with further expansion plans. That investment is worth $280 million and will create roughly 400 jobs. Another $8 million, 80,000-square-foot expansion began at the end of September and is slated for completion in early 2026.

Manufacturing & Infrastructure News

The Boring Company, specializing in tunnel construction and infrastructure, may partner with the City of Bastrop to construct pedestrian tunnels and connect trail systems in the area. Last fall, Musk moved the social media platform X’s headquarters from California to Bastrop, adding another major employer to the area.

Additionally, South Korean electrical power equipment manufacturer LS Electric, which opened a nearly 60,000 square-foot Bastrop technical center in April, is considering building two more local facilities by 2030.

Attracting Creative Industries

Bastrop County is also emerging as a center for film production. Zachary Levi’s Wyldwood Studios is a 75-acre development with a projected annual impact of over $200 million from job creation, tourism and long-term investment. Fellow actor Alton Butler is building a similar facility, Line 204 Studio, which will be a 545-acre production site. Aiding Bastrop County’s growing film production footprint is its designation as a Texas Media Production Zone, which comes with a sales tax rebate for qualified projects.

Summing up the Growth Summit

Bastrop County is becoming an increasingly recognizable community in Texas due to strategic growth, long-term development and emerging industries, such as manufacturing, technology, and film production. As development accelerates, local leaders are dedicated to guiding the process every step of the way, leading to an exciting new economic chapter for the region. Contact Bastrop Economic Development Corporation for more information.