YEEHAW! Scout Here 🐾

It’s been another big week across Williamson County—and this one brought major news about jobs, growth, workforce development, and the future of our communities.

The biggest headline came out of Hutto, where Williamson County approved an economic development agreement connected to the proposed Blue Origin project. If the project moves forward, the aerospace company would invest approximately $650 million and create up to 2,000 jobs, with an estimated average annual salary of about $88,000. It could become one of the most significant economic-development projects in county history. Williamson County announcement

The county’s workforce pipeline is also growing. Texas State Technical College announced an expansion of its robotics program at its Williamson County campus, helping prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and technology. TSTC Williamson County

Across our schools, volleyball season is in full swing, football teams are wrapping up scrimmages, and Friday night lights are almost here. Through the WilCo HS Sports Zone, we’ll continue highlighting the athletes, coaches, teams, and stories that bring our communities together.

Residents should also be aware that Williamson County issued a countywide burn ban effective August 18. With dry conditions continuing, everyone is encouraged to follow local restrictions and use extra caution outdoors. Williamson County

And we are officially about two months away from the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, returning October 21–24, 2026. As the Official Media Partner, WilCo TX Insider will be bringing you competitor spotlights, community stories, sponsor features, behind-the-scenes coverage, giveaways, and more as the countdown continues.

From aerospace investment and workforce training to road improvements, high school sports, new businesses, and the upcoming rodeo, Williamson County continues to move quickly.

Our mission remains the same: to explain what is happening, why it matters, and how it could affect the place we call home.

Thank you for continuing to follow, share, comment, and support WilCo TX Insider. Every share helps us reach more people and tell more of Williamson County’s story.

Now, let’s get into this week’s biggest stories from around WilCo.

Let’s ride!

— Scout 🐾
WilCo TX Insider
The Voice of Williamson County

Growth. Development. Business. Community. Sports. Rodeo.

📈 S&P 500: The S&P 500 rose 0.43% Friday to close at 7,674.37. Despite Friday’s rebound, the index fell approximately 1.4% for the week.

💻 Nasdaq: The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.44% Friday, finishing at 26,180.46. Technology stocks remained under pressure, leaving the index down approximately 2.1% for the week.

🏦 10-Year Treasury Yield: The benchmark yield ended the week near 4.74%. Higher and more volatile Treasury yields continue to raise concerns about borrowing costs, mortgage rates and economic growth.

🛢️ WTI Crude Oil: West Texas Intermediate crude finished around $87 per barrel. U.S. crude gained approximately 5.7% for the week as tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz increased concerns about global energy supplies.

₿ Bitcoin: Bitcoin traded around $77,000 Friday after gaining more than 20% during the week. The cryptocurrency reached its highest level since May.

The July 2026 report from Unlock MLS continues to show stronger sales activity alongside slightly lower prices.

Median Sales Price: $415,000 — ↓ 1.2% YoY
Closed Sales: 957 — ↑ 6.0%
Sales Volume: $461 million — ↑ 7.0%
Active Listings: 4,258 — ↓ 10.1%
New Listings: 1,534 — ↑ 2.7%
Pending Sales: 927 — ↑ 3.3%
Months of Inventory: 4.3 months — ↓ 0.9 months
Average Days on Market: 67 days — ↑ 2 days
Average Close-to-List Price: 93.9%, compared with 93.3% last year

Wall Street rebounded Friday, but the gains were not enough to erase the week’s losses. The S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow all finished lower for the week as investors reacted to volatile Treasury yields, rising oil prices and continued uncertainty in the Middle East.

Stronger service-sector activity provided some encouragement about the economy, but higher energy prices could create additional inflation pressure. Investors will now turn their attention to upcoming inflation data, Nvidia’s earnings and the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole meeting.

Closer to home, Williamson County’s housing market continues to show steady demand. Closed and pending sales increased in July, while the median sales price declined slightly. Homes took an average of 67 days to sell, and sellers received approximately 93.9% of their original listing price.

This week’s numbers show that investors—and Williamson County homebuyers—are still carefully weighing cost against opportunity.

On Wall Street, Friday’s rebound was encouraging, but higher Treasury yields and oil prices remain important concerns. If inflation stays elevated, borrowing costs could remain higher for longer.

In Williamson County, buyers are still active, but they remain price-conscious. More homes are selling, yet the lower median price and longer selling time indicate that buyers are willing to wait and negotiate.

For sellers, accurate pricing and presentation remain critical. For buyers, the current market may provide more negotiating room, even though the number of active listings is lower than last year.

The next major factor to watch will be interest rates. Lower Treasury and mortgage rates could bring more buyers into the market, while continued increases in energy prices could keep pressure on household budgets and borrowing costs.

As Williamson County continues to attract new residents, employers and development, the relationship between housing affordability, interest rates, infrastructure and job growth will remain one of the county’s most important economic stories.

Sources: Unlock MLS July 2026 Central Texas Housing Report; Reuters market close, August 21, 2026; CME Group crude-oil settlements; MarketWatch 10-Year Treasury data; The Wall Street Journal Bitcoin update. Market and cryptocurrency data through August 21, 2026.

Something is being built inside Tesla's facilities that almost no one is talking about — yet.

According to insider sources, Elon Musk has quietly developed a breakthrough product he claims will be "10x bigger than the largest product in history." The target launch date is July 22. And when it drops, the window to position quietly will already be closing.

Most investors will hear about this after the stock has moved. You don't have to be one of them. Our analyst named 3 stocks positioned to ride the launch — with entry guidance, price targets, a bonus 4th supply-chain pick, and a 3-phase playbook for when to buy, add, and take profits.

See the 3 stocks now.

Williamson County has approved an economic development agreement supporting Blue Origin’s proposed aerospace and defense facility in Hutto.

If the project moves forward, the company could invest approximately $650 million in Williamson County over the next 10 years, construct nearly 1 million square feet of research and industrial space, and create as many as 2,000 jobs. The estimated average annual salary would be approximately $88,000.

The proposal also includes paid summer internships for Williamson County high school students, collaboration with Hutto ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs, and workforce partnerships with Texas State Technical College and Temple College.

Blue Origin has not officially committed to the Hutto location, and state approval is still required. However, local officials have now sent a strong message that Williamson County wants the project.

If selected, Blue Origin could become Hutto’s largest employer and establish East Williamson County as an emerging center for aerospace research, manufacturing and workforce development.

This would be much more than another major employer coming to Williamson County.

Blue Origin could create an entirely new aerospace industry cluster around Hutto while connecting local students directly to internships, technical education and high-paying careers. It could also attract suppliers, contractors and additional development along the rapidly growing Innovation Boulevard corridor.

The opportunity is enormous, but so are the potential impacts on housing, roads, utilities and schools. If Blue Origin officially selects Hutto, Williamson County will need to make sure infrastructure and workforce development grow alongside it.

Texas State Technical College is expanding its robotics program at its Williamson County campus in Hutto, helping prepare students for careers in automation and advanced manufacturing.

The program will provide hands-on training in areas such as robotics, automated production systems, equipment maintenance and industrial technology. These skills are becoming increasingly important as Williamson County attracts semiconductor manufacturers, aerospace companies and other technology-focused employers.

The expansion comes as Samsung and its suppliers continue investing in eastern Williamson County. Blue Origin is also considering Hutto for a major aerospace research and manufacturing facility that could create up to 2,000 jobs.

By expanding its robotics training, TSTC is working to ensure local students and residents have access to the skills required for these new employment opportunities.

Major companies may create the jobs, but workforce training determines whether Williamson County residents are prepared to fill them.

TSTC’s robotics expansion helps connect local education directly to the county’s growing semiconductor, aerospace and advanced-manufacturing industries. It also gives students another pathway into high-demand careers without requiring them to leave Williamson County.

As investment continues pouring into Hutto and Taylor, programs like this will be essential. Economic development works best when local students can receive the training and secure the jobs being created in their own community.

Source: Texas State Technical College—Williamson County

Most Excel users waste hours on tasks that take experts minutes. The difference is not talent. It is knowing the right shortcuts.

These 50 Excel hacks from Kenji Explains cover the functions, formulas, and workflows that make spreadsheets work for you instead of against you.

Each one comes with step-by-step instructions and ready-to-use templates. Subscribe to Marketing Against the Grain and get all 50 free.

Here's what you'll get:

The people who are fast in Excel are not smarter. They just stopped fighting the tool.

Get 50 Excel Hacks free when you subscribe to Marketing Against the Grain today.

Get The Guide

USA Packaging is preparing for a major expansion after signing a lease for approximately 60,000 square feet at Berry Creek Business Park in Georgetown.

The new facility will be roughly six times larger than the company’s current location in Round Rock. USA Packaging reportedly considered several locations across the region before choosing Georgetown.

The company plans to begin operating from its new facility by the end of 2026 while remaining at its Round Rock location until the existing lease expires next year.

The move adds another industrial user to Georgetown’s growing business community and demonstrates the city’s ability to attract companies needing larger manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Georgetown’s growth story is no longer limited to rooftops, restaurants and retail.

USA Packaging’s expansion shows that the city is becoming a serious destination for industrial and manufacturing-related businesses. Berry Creek Business Park provides companies with space to grow while offering access to Interstate 35 and the rest of the Central Texas market.

As more businesses choose Georgetown, the city could gain additional jobs and a more diverse tax base. However, continued industrial growth will also increase the importance of transportation, utilities and workforce development.

Williamson County’s housing market gained momentum in July, with more homes selling even as prices dipped slightly.

According to Unlock MLS, 957 homes sold, a 6% increase from July 2025. Pending sales rose 3.3%, while total sales volume increased 7% to approximately $461 million.

The county’s median sales price declined 1.2% to $415,000. Homes spent an average of 67 days on the market, and sellers received approximately 93.9% of their original asking price.

These numbers show that demand remains steady, but today’s buyers are more selective. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well can still attract attention, while overpriced properties may take longer to sell or require price reductions.

Williamson County is settling into a more balanced housing market. Buyers have more time to compare properties and negotiate, while sellers can still benefit from steady demand and the county’s continued growth.

To help you better understand the local market, I’ve created two free downloadable guides:

Designed for current homeowners, buyers, and sellers, this guide provides helpful information about local housing trends, market conditions, homeownership, and factors to consider before buying or selling a home.

Click the Homeowner’s Guide image below to download your free copy.

Considering a move to Williamson County—or trying to decide which community fits your lifestyle? This guide introduces you to the county’s communities, homes, schools, growth, amenities, and quality of life.

Click the Living Guide image below to download your free copy.

As a local Realtor who closely follows Williamson County’s housing market, growth, and development, I can help you understand the numbers, compare communities, and plan your next move with confidence.

Whether you are buying, selling, relocating, or simply keeping track of your home’s value, choose the guide that best fits your needs—or download both.

Round Rock closed out the Fraulein Volleyfest with a strong performance, defeating Williamson County rival Georgetown in straight sets in the Gold Bracket consolation final.

The Dragons won the opening set 25-15 before holding off a determined Georgetown team for a 28-26 victory in the second set.

Final: Round Rock def. Georgetown, 2-0
25-15, 28-26

Round Rock finished the tournament with an impressive 7-2 record, placed fifth overall and earned the title of Gold Bracket Consolation Champion.

Isa Cordaway-Dreier and Brooklyn Bradley were also recognized with All-Tournament honors.

It was a strong weekend for Round Rock volleyball and a competitive all-Williamson County matchup to close out the tournament.

Scripture: Proverbs 10:9

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” — Proverbs 10:9

Leadership is revealed not only through the decisions people see, but through the choices made when no one is watching.

Proverbs 10 teaches us that integrity creates security. A person who walks honestly does not have to live in fear of being exposed. They do not have to remember which version of the story they told, hide their motives, or protect an image that does not reflect who they truly are.

They can walk securely because their public actions and private character are aligned.

Integrity does not mean perfection. It means being truthful, accountable, and willing to correct what is wrong. It means refusing to compromise your values simply because compromise would be easier, more profitable, or less uncomfortable.

A leader may possess talent without integrity.

A leader may achieve results without integrity.

A leader may gain influence without integrity.

But without integrity, success rests on an unstable foundation.

Proverbs 10 repeatedly contrasts the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, and words that bring life with words that cause harm. These contrasts remind us that character is developed through everyday choices.

Leadership is not formed in one dramatic moment. It is formed through the small decisions we make consistently.

Do we tell the truth when dishonesty would protect us?

Do we take responsibility when blaming someone else would be easier?

Do we keep our commitments when following through becomes inconvenient?

Do we speak with wisdom when anger tempts us to respond carelessly?

Do we work diligently even when no one is checking?

These choices may appear small, but together they shape the kind of leader we become.

Proverbs 10 also teaches that our words carry tremendous power. Wise words can encourage, guide, correct, and restore. Careless words can damage trust, create division, and cause wounds that remain long after the conversation ends.

Leaders must learn that having the authority to speak does not mean every thought should be spoken.

Wisdom knows when to speak, how to speak, and when silence is the better response.

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” Leadership requires more than saying what is true. It requires communicating truth with humility, patience, and love.

Integrity must shape both our actions and our words.

It should influence how we treat people who can do nothing for us.

It should guide how we handle confidential information.

It should determine whether we keep promises.

It should remain present when pressure increases and when compromise appears rewarding.

Crooked paths often look easier in the beginning. They may offer shortcuts, faster results, or protection from immediate consequences. But Proverbs warns that what is hidden will eventually be revealed.

Integrity may require the harder choice today, but it produces peace, trust, and security over time.

The leader who walks with integrity does not need to manufacture credibility. Trust grows naturally because people see consistency between that leader’s words, decisions, and character.

Before pursuing recognition, pursue righteousness.

Before protecting your reputation, protect your character.

Before choosing what is convenient, choose what is honorable.

Success may open doors, but integrity determines what happens after you walk through them.

The goal is not simply to appear trustworthy.

The goal is to become someone who can be trusted.

Am I the same person privately that I present myself to be publicly?

Is there any area of my leadership where I have chosen convenience over integrity?

Do my words bring wisdom, encouragement, and clarity, or do they create confusion and harm?

How do I respond when I make a mistake or fail to keep a commitment?

Is there a situation in which I need to tell the truth, accept responsibility, or make something right?

Would the people closest to me describe my leadership as honest, consistent, and trustworthy?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that integrity provides a secure foundation for my life and leadership.

Help me become the same person in private that I seek to be in public. Examine my heart and reveal any area where pride, fear, ambition, or convenience has caused me to compromise what is right.

Give me the courage to tell the truth, accept responsibility, keep my commitments, and correct my mistakes. Teach me to choose obedience over shortcuts and character over appearances.

Guard my words. Help me speak with wisdom, restraint, patience, and love. Keep me from using my words carelessly or allowing anger, frustration, or pride to control the way I communicate.

Make me diligent in the responsibilities You have entrusted to me. Help me work faithfully, treat people fairly, and lead consistently—even when no one is watching.

Protect me from the temptation to build success on an unstable foundation. Remind me that no achievement is worth sacrificing my character, damaging the trust of others, or dishonoring You.

When the right choice is difficult, give me courage. When I am corrected, give me humility. When I fail, help me confess it, learn from it, and make things right.

May my actions reflect my faith, my words bring life, and my leadership demonstrate Your character.

Help me walk in integrity so that the people I serve can trust me and so that my life will honor You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Central Texas is changing quickly as new industrial projects, master-planned communities, infrastructure investments, businesses and housing developments reshape Williamson, Travis and Milam counties.

The Central Texas Development Alliance helps landowners, developers, investors and regional stakeholders better understand this growth and connect through trusted, confidential conversations.

The Alliance focuses on responsible development, regional insight and long-term planning involving land, water, energy, transportation, infrastructure and community needs. It also helps landowners navigate development inquiries, investor interest, potential partnerships and other opportunities affecting their property.

If you own land or commercial property in a rapidly growing area, learning what is happening around you can help you make more informed decisions about its future.

Click the photo above to learn more about the Central Texas Development Alliance or request a confidential conversation.