Williamson County, Texas, is on a trajectory to double its population from roughly 760,000 today to 1.6 million by 2055, and to reach 3 million by the end of the century. That explosive growth demands a leader who can juggle emergency management, economic development, and long-range planning. In the latest episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Williamson County Judge Steve Snell to explore how he is steering the county through unprecedented expansion.
Snell explains that the role of a county judge in Texas is less about presiding over a courtroom and more akin to being a CEO and emergency manager. With oversight of 30 to 35 departments—ranging from fleet services and animal shelters to the juvenile justice center and the Sheriff's Office—Snell brings a unique perspective shaped by 31 years in public education, including leadership roles in Hutto ISD and as superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD. He credits his educator background for his habit of arriving at meetings with a three-ring binder tabbed with budget lines, policies, and responsibilities.
The conversation covers the county's response to historic July floods and lessons observed from Kerr County, highlighting the critical role of emergency management. On economic development, Snell points to wins tied to major employers such as Dell, Samsung, Compal, Apple, Firefly, Kalahari, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and the incoming Scheels in Cedar Park. These developments are not just about jobs; they signal a diversifying economy that leverages the county's strategic location between Fort Hood and joint commands in downtown Austin.
Infrastructure remains a pressing challenge, particularly in unincorporated neighborhoods and Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). Snell describes the tension between new housing developments and aging roads: "When you build 1,000 homes next to an old two-lane road and all the construction trucks tear it up, we need to come and fix that for mobility and safety, or we need to expand it." This approach reflects his broader philosophy: "At the end of the day, it's not about me. It's about service and it's about Williamson County."
Looking ahead, Snell sees a new wave of industry anchored by the county's designation as a spaceport in partnership with the City of Cedar Park, with Firefly Aerospace leading a rapidly expanding space sector. He also emphasizes trade education, workforce development, and veteran employment as service members transition out of Fort Hood. Entrepreneurship classes in Liberty Hill high schools, taught by a chamber president, are preparing the next generation. Snell praises partnerships with Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, Cedar Park's Plug and Play, and Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long on land acquisitions for future schools and parkland.
The episode offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of governing a county at the epicenter of growth. For business leaders, residents, and policymakers, Snell's insights underscore the importance of proactive planning, regional collaboration, and a service-first mindset. As Williamson County continues to attract new residents and industries, the decisions made today will shape its livability and economic vitality for decades to come.
