YEEHAW! Scout Here 🐾

It’s another busy week across Williamson County, with major updates involving Blue Origin’s proposed Hutto facility, new housing developments, infrastructure projects, Project Mustang in Taylor and the opening of SCHEELS in Cedar Park.

Friday night lights are also back, and we’re counting down to the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, returning October 21–24.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters and how it could shape our growing county.

Let’s ride!

— Scout 🐾
WilCo TX Insider
The Voice of Williamson County

📉 S&P 500: The S&P 500 declined 0.38% Friday, closing at 7,718.60. The index still finished the week approximately 0.1% higher.

📉 Nasdaq: The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.29% Friday to close at 26,506.99. Despite Friday’s decline, the technology-heavy index gained approximately 0.4% for the week.

📉 Dow Jones: The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.51% Friday, closing at 53,414.25. The Dow finished the week approximately 0.3% lower.

📈 10-Year Treasury Yield: The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield climbed to approximately 4.79% after a stronger-than-expected August employment report increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

🛢️ WTI Crude Oil: West Texas Intermediate crude settled at approximately $91.48 per barrel, gaining nearly 10% for the week. Renewed conflict involving the United States and Iran increased concerns about Middle Eastern supply disruptions.

₿ Bitcoin: Bitcoin traded near $79,700 Friday, ending the week close to where it began after briefly climbing above $81,000.

The July 2026 Unlock MLS report remains the latest complete county-level housing report available. It shows stronger sales activity alongside slightly lower prices.

Median Sales Price: $415,000 — ↓ 1.2% YoY
Closed Sales: 957 — ↑ 6.0%
Sales Volume: $461.7 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 closed lower Friday after the August jobs report showed that employers added 162,000 jobs, considerably more than economists expected.

The stronger labor market is good news for the overall economy, but investors are concerned it could give the Federal Reserve more reason to raise interest rates as it continues fighting inflation. Those concerns pushed Treasury yields higher and placed pressure on stocks.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq still managed small gains for the week, while the Dow finished slightly lower. Investors will now turn their attention to upcoming inflation data ahead of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting.

Energy prices were another major story. WTI crude climbed nearly 10% for the week as renewed fighting involving the United States and Iran increased concerns about global oil supplies and shipping through the Middle East. Higher oil prices could eventually affect gasoline, transportation and household costs.

Closer to home, Williamson County’s housing market continues to show steady demand. More homes sold in July than during the same month last year, but the median sales price declined slightly. Buyers remain active, although affordability and elevated borrowing costs continue to influence purchasing decisions.

This week’s numbers show the difficult balance facing the economy.

The labor market remains stronger than expected, but that strength could keep interest rates elevated—or lead to another rate increase. Higher Treasury yields can affect mortgage rates, business borrowing, vehicle loans, credit cards and stock valuations.

The sharp increase in oil prices adds another concern. If energy prices remain elevated, Williamson County households could feel the impact through higher gasoline prices, transportation costs and the price of everyday goods.

For the local housing market, buyers may still have room to negotiate, but higher borrowing costs continue to limit affordability. Sellers must remain realistic about pricing, presentation and how long it may take to receive the right offer.

Interest rates and energy prices are now the two biggest numbers to watch. Williamson County continues attracting employers, investment and new residents, but the cost of borrowing, housing, transportation and infrastructure will help determine how that growth affects local families.

Sources: AP market recap, September 4, 2026; Reuters global markets report; Reuters crude-oil report; Unlock MLS July 2026 Central Texas Housing Report; CME Group crude-oil settlements. Market and cryptocurrency data through September 4, 2026.

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Hutto residents may soon have another major dining option as Olive Garden is expected to build its first location in the growing community.

According to the city of Hutto and commercial real estate company Endeavor, the restaurant is planned for the Sprouts-anchored shopping center near the intersection of Highway 79 and SH 130.

Olive Garden would join several other restaurants planned for the development, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Pepper Lunch and Jason’s Deli.

The nationwide Italian restaurant chain is known for its pasta dishes, soups, salads, breadsticks, appetizers and desserts. Additional details, including a construction timeline and anticipated opening date, have not yet been announced.

The planned restaurant represents another recognizable national brand choosing Hutto as the city continues attracting new residents, employers and commercial investment.

Olive Garden may sound like a routine restaurant announcement, but its decision to enter Hutto tells a larger story about the city’s growth.

Major restaurant chains study population, traffic counts, household income and future development before selecting a location. The intersection of Highway 79 and SH 130 offers strong regional access and sits near an expanding concentration of homes, businesses and employment centers.

With Sprouts, LongHorn Steakhouse, Jason’s Deli, Pepper Lunch and now Olive Garden planned for the same area, this development is becoming an important new retail and dining destination for Hutto.

For residents, that means more dining choices and fewer trips to surrounding cities. For the local economy, it means additional jobs, sales-tax revenue and another sign that retailers are paying close attention to Hutto’s future.

The bigger question is what comes next. As projects such as Blue Origin and other major developments move forward, demand for restaurants, retail, hotels and services will likely continue growing along the Highway 79 and SH 130 corridors.

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Williamson County commissioners have approved a $712.94 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27, supported by a no-new-revenue property tax rate of $0.421547 per $100 of valuation.

Although the rate is higher than the current rate of $0.413776, county officials estimate the average homestead will pay approximately $28 less per year on the county portion of its property tax bill. The new rate takes effect Oct. 1.

The budget includes:

County employees and law-enforcement personnel will also receive pay increases under the adopted plan.

This budget reflects the balancing act Williamson County faces: funding roads, public safety and additional employees while trying to limit the burden on current property owners.

The county expects its population to double, meaning today’s transportation problems could become much worse without continued investment. The $17 million committed to long-range transportation planning shows that mobility remains one of the county’s biggest priorities.

The no-new-revenue rate does not mean the county will collect no additional money. Revenue from new construction and newly added properties can still increase. However, existing homeowners are expected to see a small reduction on the county portion of their tax bills.

The bigger story is how Williamson County manages rapid growth without allowing infrastructure needs, staffing costs and debt to outpace the tax base.

The developers behind Project Mustang have withdrawn their requests to annex and rezone the proposed site into Taylor, but the massive data-center project has not been canceled.

Big Watt Digital and PowerHouse Data Centers are pursuing the proposed development on approximately 665 acres near 3301 FM 112, immediately east of Taylor’s city limits.

Plans describe a closed campus containing data-center buildings, electrical substations, natural-gas power-generation equipment and supporting facilities. At full buildout, developers estimate the project could create as many as 500 full- and part-time positions, along with thousands of temporary construction jobs.

The developers have said the facility would use approximately 13,450 gallons of water per day following an initial 1.6 million-gallon fill for a closed-loop cooling system. Those figures remain project estimates because a final agreement has not been approved.

Because the property is outside Taylor’s city limits, city officials say Taylor currently cannot stop the development or impose its municipal zoning requirements.

Annexation would allow the city to negotiate legally binding standards involving:

Taylor and the developers say discussions are continuing despite the applications being withdrawn.

Developers have proposed millions of dollars in community grants, assistance for Taylor ISD, student scholarships and support for the Taylor Animal Shelter. Those benefits would depend on the terms of a future agreement.

Project Mustang has faced opposition from residents concerned about noise, emissions, water, energy infrastructure and the cumulative effects of multiple data-center developments around Taylor.

Residents have also pursued legal action seeking an election on a proposed temporary data-center ban. The city maintains that its authority is limited when projects are located outside municipal boundaries.

The biggest takeaway is that Project Mustang is still alive. Withdrawing the annexation request changes the regulatory path—not necessarily the developer’s plans for the property.

That creates a complicated situation for Taylor. If the project is built outside the city, Taylor may have less control over noise, lighting, water use, emissions and setbacks. If the property is annexed through a negotiated agreement, the city could secure additional protections and community benefits—but it would also formally bring the project into Taylor.

The key question is no longer simply whether the project will be built. It is whether Taylor and the developers can reach an agreement that gives the city meaningful oversight while addressing concerns from neighboring residents.

Until that agreement is completed and released publicly, proposed protections, grants, infrastructure commitments and community benefits should not be treated as guaranteed.

Williamson County’s latest housing numbers show a market that is still moving—but buyers are gaining more influence over price and terms.

The latest available county report from Unlock MLS shows 957 homes sold in July, a 6% increase from the same month last year. Pending sales also increased 3.3%, while total sales volume climbed 7% to $461.7 million.

At the same time, the 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.

The numbers reveal an important shift: demand has not disappeared, but buyers are becoming more selective. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well can still attract attention. Properties that enter the market above their realistic value may sit longer and eventually require a price adjustment.

This is not a frozen housing market—it is a more patient and price-conscious one.

Buyers have additional time to compare homes, evaluate different communities and negotiate before committing. That can create opportunities involving price reductions, closing costs, repairs or other concessions.

Sellers still have buyers in the market, as shown by the increases in closed and pending sales. However, simply listing a property is no longer enough. Pricing, condition, photography and marketing strategy all play a larger role in determining whether a home receives an offer.

Interest rates remain the biggest factor to watch. If mortgage rates decline, more buyers could enter the market and increase competition. If rates remain elevated, affordability will continue shaping what buyers can offer and which homes sell.

For anyone considering a move, the best decision depends on more than countywide averages. Price trends, inventory and buyer demand can vary significantly between Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Taylor and the county’s smaller communities.

Created for homeowners, buyers and sellers who want to understand local market conditions, housing trends and the factors to consider before buying or listing a property.

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

Considering a move to Williamson County? This guide provides an introduction to local communities, housing options, schools, amenities, development 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 create a plan based on your goals.

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

WilCo TX Insider’s College Game of the Week featured an all-Texas showdown between the Texas State Bobcats and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns in Austin.

As a proud Texas State alumnus, I had to ride with the Bobcats—but the Longhorns proved why they entered the season ranked among the nation’s best.

Texas jumped ahead early and never looked back, defeating Texas State 59–7. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Texas State finished with 349 total yards but was hurt by three turnovers, including a fumble returned for a Texas touchdown.

Davian Jackson scored the Bobcats’ only touchdown on a four-yard run late in the second quarter. Texas pulled away after halftime with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, putting the game beyond reach. (ESPN)

The final score hurts, especially for those of us who proudly call Texas State our alma mater—but this was also an opportunity for the Bobcats to measure themselves against one of the nation’s elite programs.

Texas State cannot allow one difficult afternoon against the No. 5 team in the country to define its season. The Bobcats must learn from the turnovers, improve their execution and quickly turn their attention toward the games that will ultimately determine where this season goes.

For Texas, this was a statement victory. The Longhorns looked explosive, balanced and ready for the bigger challenges ahead. For Texas State, the message moving forward is simple: study the film, make the corrections and keep building.

Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat. Eat ’Em Up, Cats!

Scripture: Proverbs 12:1

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” — Proverbs 12:1

Proverbs 12 teaches that godly leadership requires a teachable spirit, honest words, diligent work, and genuine concern for others.

Strong leaders are not people who never make mistakes. They are people who are willing to recognize their mistakes, receive correction, and grow from them.

Correction can be uncomfortable because it confronts our pride. It may reveal weaknesses we would rather ignore or require us to change something we have defended. But Proverbs 12 reminds us that discipline is not rejection—it is an opportunity to gain wisdom.

A leader who refuses correction eventually stops growing.

A leader who welcomes correction becomes wiser, stronger, and more effective.

Proverbs 12:15 says:

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

Pride tells us that we already know enough. Wisdom reminds us that we may not see the entire picture. God often uses Scripture, prayer, circumstances, and trusted people to show us what we cannot recognize on our own.

Godly leaders remain confident without becoming unteachable. They listen carefully, evaluate advice through God’s Word, and possess the humility to change direction when necessary.

Proverbs 12 also emphasizes the importance of truthful words:

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” — Proverbs 12:19

Trust is one of a leader’s greatest responsibilities. It may take years to build and only moments to damage. Leaders must tell the truth even when dishonesty would be easier, silence would be more comfortable, or changing the story would protect their reputation.

Integrity means our words remain dependable when the truth costs us something.

Our words should not only be truthful—they should also bring healing.

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18

Leaders have the power to strengthen or discourage others through the way they communicate. A careless comment can remain with someone long after the conversation ends. A wise and encouraging word can restore confidence, provide direction, and give someone the courage to continue.

Speaking truth does not require speaking harshly. God calls us to communicate honestly, but also with wisdom, patience, and love.

Proverbs 12:25 says:

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

The people we lead may be carrying burdens we cannot see. They may be facing fear, disappointment, financial pressure, family difficulties, or uncertainty about the future. Godly leaders notice people, listen to them, and offer encouragement instead of adding to their burdens.

Proverbs 12 also connects leadership with diligence:

“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” — Proverbs 12:24

Vision without discipline rarely produces lasting results. Good intentions must be supported by preparation, consistency, and hard work. Faithful leaders do not depend entirely on talent or wait until they feel motivated. They honor God by completing their responsibilities with excellence.

This does not mean we must become consumed by work. It means we should be dependable with the assignments, opportunities, and people God has entrusted to us.

Godly leadership is not built through shortcuts.

It is built by receiving correction, telling the truth, speaking life, and working faithfully.

Accept correction when pride wants to resist.

Tell the truth when dishonesty appears easier.

Speak healing when frustration tempts you to wound.

Encourage others when anxiety weighs them down.

Work diligently when comfort tells you to delay.

The goal is not to appear as though we have everything figured out. The goal is to remain teachable, trustworthy, compassionate, and faithful as God continues shaping us into the leaders He has called us to become.

Am I willing to receive correction without becoming defensive?

Do I listen to wise counsel, or do I assume my way is always right?

Can others depend on my words to be truthful?

Do my words bring healing and encouragement, or do they leave people wounded?

Am I approaching my responsibilities with diligence and faithfulness?

Who around me may need a kind and encouraging word today?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me enough to correct me and help me grow.

Give me a teachable heart that welcomes wisdom instead of resisting it. Remove the pride that keeps me from recognizing my mistakes, accepting responsibility, and listening to godly counsel.

Help me speak truth in every situation. Guard my tongue from careless, dishonest, or hurtful words. Teach me to communicate with wisdom, kindness, and grace so that my words bring healing and encouragement to others.

Give me the discipline to work diligently and faithfully with everything You have entrusted to me. Help me lead with consistency, serve with compassion, and notice those who may be carrying burdens silently.

May my leadership reflect Your truth, strengthen the people around me, and bring honor to Your name.

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.