The state system opened its Waco job training center this year and is finishing a $72 million building at its flagship campus. New demand and new funding spells growth, says the Waco campus’ chief academic official.
Growth
Explore The Waco Bridge’s coverage of growth in the area and how local institutions are addressing it. Do you have a related story idea or a question or you’d like us to help answer? Submit a tip here.
Posted inGrowth
Water, power, politics: Three challenges for the $10B data center project
The Infrakey data center could bring huge tax wealth to Lacy Lakeview and McLennan County, but it would require huge resources.
Posted inGrowth
Tensions high with neighbors, city of Waco as Lacy Lakeview moves data center deal along
Opponents packed Lacy Lakeview City Hall but were not allowed to speak until after the vote for a nonbinding annexation and infrastructure agreement. Waco City Manager Bradley Ford attended and said it was “highly unusual” that Waco leaders were not notified of the plans.
Posted inGrowth
Waco among nearly 1,000 cities in Texas AG probe related to new property tax law
While Ken Paxton did not allege any wrongdoing, his move is intended to enforce a new law that prevents cities from raising property taxes if they fail to follow transparency requirements.
Posted inGrowth
‘They should have warned us’ says Rep. Curry at packed anti-data center meeting
A group of more than 100 opponents to the Infrakey data center site near Ross gathered to organize ahead of Tuesday’s Lacy Lakeview City Council vote on a proposed agreement.
Posted inGrowth
Q&A: County Judge Scott Felton talks data centers, growth, redistricting and his last lap in office
The tenure of McLennan County’s top elected official has been marked by stable finances and regional planning for water, transportation and economic growth.
Posted inGrowth
Texas law could let Lacy Lakeview lasso a $10 billion data center site and its tax riches
The city of 7,300 aims to annex the Infrakey site so it can reap some $50M in taxes a year. A 2023 state law could allow the site to exit Waco’s annexation zone, called the ETJ. But a backlash is growing.
Posted inGrowth
Talks underway for $10 billion data center and power plant north of Waco
Infrakey’s project promises a windfall of local tax revenue, but concerns remain about water use, air pollution and public process.
Posted inGrowth
Downtown update: Fast forward on ballpark, pause on convention center plans
The city of Waco is exploring an expedited timeline for a sports district as part of the downtown redevelopment project. But council members still have questions about funding.
Posted inEducation
Bridge Building: School tax relief is on the ballot. So is school funding. Can we have it both ways?
State ballot measures will cut school tax bills by hundreds of dollars, even in China Spring and Midway, which have tax elections. But how long can the state make up the difference?
