In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sat down in Buda, Texas, with Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, and Monica Davidson, CEO of the Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce and Buda City Council member, to discuss how the city is becoming a magnet for aerospace and defense companies. The conversation challenges the prevailing narrative that Central Texas aerospace and defense growth is centered on Austin, arguing instead that the real footprint is landing in smaller I-35 corridor cities like Buda.
Storm noted that companies are choosing Buda over larger neighbors like Austin, Round Rock, and Pflugerville, often seeking 10,000 to 20,000 square foot spaces rather than greenfield developments. This trend is partly driven by Buda's incentive structure, which uses rebates rather than abatements, paying incentives only after jobs are delivered. Storm framed this as a low-risk taxpayer investment tied to a single mandate: economic prosperity.
The episode also highlighted The Hive incubator, which moved 60 entrepreneurs through four cohorts in its first year across industries from salons to AI apps to drones. Additionally, a new retail incubator is opening in Buda's restored 1884 train depot on Main Street. The Hays CISD teacher externship program placed 17 educators inside local businesses this summer, further integrating the community with economic development.
Davidson, who has doubled Chamber membership in two years, described her role bluntly: “I want to be where business begins in Buda.” The pair unpacked how the Greater Buda Chamber rebrand widened the tent to include South Austin, Mustang Ridge, Luling, and Lockhart businesses, while partnering with anchors like US Foods, Texas Lehigh, and Jardine's.
Storm was candid about her recent recognition from the International Economic Development Council, accepted at the Library of Congress, and equally candid about the community's positioning against its larger neighbor. She recounted a recent caller saying, “People are saying aerospace and defense is coming to Austin, but that's not true. It's coming to Buda and Bastrop and Lockhart and Kyle and San Marcos.”
The episode also touched on Buda's trademarked title as the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas, a Lions Club idea from the 1980s that is now the city's largest annual event. For more insights, listen to the full episode of The Building Texas Show on YouTube or wherever podcasts are heard.
