Georgetown's Future Growth

The City Council is beginning to have discussions about the future growth of Georgetown and how and where they can impact that growth.

A quick look at census data shows that the growth in Georgetown has been taking place west of IH 35.  For the years 2010 to 2013, the population west of IH 35 in zip codes 78628 and 78633 increased by about 6,000.  In zip code 78626, east of IH 35, the population decreased about 550 over the same time period.  As later population data becomes available, the relative growth between east and west of IH 35 are likely to continue.

Another analysis, presented at the last council meeting, shows that over the last 20 years, 17,545 housing starts have been recorded in the city.  With the city divided into four quadrants, it was shown that 74% of those housing starts occurred in the northwest quadrant, with 4% in the northeast, 2% in the southwest and 20% in the southeast quadrant.

Looking at the city's 2030 growth map, it is clear that the growth is likely to continue to the northwest.

It can be observed on the map that the city cannot expand south into Round Rock.  It cannot expand east because of Weir.  It cannot expand north along IH 35 because of Jarrell and it cannot expand west because of Leander and Liberty Hill.  Georgetown's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction also meets those other city's boundaries.  The only option remaining is to continue expanding to the northwest along Williams Drive and Hwy 195.

It has been suggested that given the impediments of Georgetown Lake, the San Gabriel rivers and IH 35, for people to drive to shopping, medical, etc., it makes sense to encourage more commercial development in the northwest part of town as that is where the population growth is likely to occur.  Currently most of the commercial property is located along IH 35 and Williams Drive.  If more businesses and services are not located in the northwest quadrant, traffic congestion will increase and become intolerable.  This will lead to more expensive road and bridge projects to allow people to drive to the business and shopping areas.

Thus, it seems that more business and shopping services should be encouraged to locate near the population growth areas.

Contact your city council person with your thoughts and concerns about future growth in Georgetown.