Williamson County Commissioners Court

David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald starts candidacy for county commissioner

Republican David McDonald — a current Leander City Council member and retired Austin police officer — has announced his candidacy for Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2, which is currently held by Cynthia Long. The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Economic growth adds $24 million in new county tax revenue

The opening of the Samsung Semiconductor site in 2026 is expected to trigger a chain reaction of economic growth in Williamson County, and the county expects to generate more than $920 million in capital investments from future economic development.
Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Williamson County Commissioners continued discussions about the county’s future jail during a meeting Tuesday, July 22. They directed planning and management firm Kitchell/CEM Inc.
Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

In the age of information and technology, innovation has seeped into every industry. With any new technology comes concerns over safety and security of private information.
County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners divided on potential new jail property

Williamson County is looking for properties that could house the county’s next jail, but planning hit a snag Tuesday, July 15, when county commissioners were divided on a potential contract for a property near Florence.
Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Estimated $34 million in infrastructure damages caused by flooding in Williamson County

Williamson County emergency management officials estimate that flooding on July 5 caused $34 million in damage to county infrastructure.County commissioners held a special session Friday, July 11, to discuss post-flooding public health and safety concerns.
Sally Bardwell, Williamston County HUD Grants coordinator, answers questions about the allocation of the grants for the 2025 fiscal year. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Sally Bardwell, Williamston County HUD Grants coordinator, answers questions about the allocation of the grants for the 2025 fiscal year. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins federal grant process

With 23 local applications and the Trump Administration planning to cut Community Block Development Grant funding, Grant Manager Sally Bardwell said Williamson County has to weigh its options carefully to ensure funding is optimized.
Bridgette Escobedo, the Williamson County Elections Administrator, answers questions about the new Ballot on Demand System during the June 24 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bridgette Escobedo, the Williamson County Elections Administrator, answers questions about the new Ballot on Demand System during the June 24 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Election adjustment: Williamson County takes steps toward new voting system

In preparation for the November 2025 Constitutional Amendment Election, Williamson County is adjusting some election equipment.
Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Daigh explains why the Road and Bridge Department is asking for funding transfers for the Atlas 14 project. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Daigh explains why the Road and Bridge Department is asking for funding transfers for the Atlas 14 project. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County approves additional funding for floodplain mapping

Williamson County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve additional funding for the Atlas 14 project, which includes contracts with three private engineering firms to complete an updated floodplain map for the county.
Mike Maples, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Chief Executive Officer, announces three new mental programs that are in collaboration with Williamson County during the May 13 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Mike Maples, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Chief Executive Officer, announces three new mental programs that are in collaboration with Williamson County during the May 13 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County highlights new mental health resources, programs

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services is working on three new programs to address mental health conditions in collaboration with Williamson County.