Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Georgetown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues
Southwestern University 560 & Customer Service Center Groundbreaking
The city is marking the start of a new development project involving Southwestern University and a new customer service center. This event celebrates community growth and improves future access to city services.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project Implementation
The board is reviewing proposals to replace aging electric meters and hardware with a modern Advanced Metering Infrastructure system. This upgrade will help staff monitor grid health, manage power quality, and support future rate structures.
Cybersecurity and Competitive Power Matters
Board members will review confidential security updates and risk management strategies to protect the municipal electric grid from digital threats.
Solid Waste Disposal Rate Adjustments
The city is reviewing adjustments to solid waste and recycling rates for residents and businesses to cover operational costs and maintain service quality. These changes will impact monthly utility bills across different customer tiers.
$50 Million Utility Revenue Bond Sale for Water Initiative
The council is reviewing ordinances to issue utility system revenue bonds, including a $29 million low-interest bond with the Texas Water Development Board for water treatment and distribution improvements.
2026 Holiday Ornament Pricing and Distribution
The advisory board will discuss pricing and sales strategies for the 2026 municipal holiday ornament program, which supports local holiday traditions and downtown promotions.
Downtown Facade Improvements at 212 W. 7th Street
Property owner Tom Guyton is seeking Main Street facade grant assistance to repair historic stucco and wooden window frames on his building at 212 W. 7th Street. The project aims to preserve the historic exterior character of the downtown commercial property ahead of a planned November start date.
Police Promotional Examination Appeals
Candidates for police lieutenant and sergeant positions are appealing specific questions from recent written promotional exams, which will impact promotion eligibility lists.
Facade Grant Fund
Property owner Tom Guyton is seeking Main Street facade grant assistance to repair historic stucco and wooden window frames on his building at 212 W. 7th Street. The project aims to preserve the historic exterior character of the downtown commercial property ahead of a planned November start date.
Cedar Hollow Waterline Replacement Project
The city is moving forward to replace about 44,500 feet of aging waterlines in the Cedar Hollow subdivision to cut down on leaks and improve service reliability. Lupe Rubio Construction was selected for the $5.72 million project, which will upgrade lines to modern 8-inch PVC pipes.
City Financial Strategy
The board is reviewing updates to the department's cost recovery process, which helps determine user fees and program pricing for public recreation services.
Historic Home Expansion and Demolition at 1409 Olive Street
Property owners at 1409 Olive Street want to tear down an unpermitted 1970s addition and a shed to build a new garage and expand the historic 1885 home. The Demolition Subcommittee reviewed the plans and recommended approval, noting the original 1885 structure—once home to Judge Harry N. Graves during the KKK trials—will benefit from removing the failing 1970s structure.
Parks Capital Improvement Program
The advisory board will review ongoing capital projects across Georgetown's park system, keeping residents informed on facility upgrades and new park developments.
Historic Commission Board Training and Procedures
HARC members will undergo training on how to evaluate changes to historic structures, ensuring consistent application of design guidelines across Georgetown's historic districts.
Housing Advisory Board Annual Orientation and Program Review
New and returning board members will receive training on affordable housing goals, the Home Repair Program, and how federal CDBG grants are used in Georgetown.
Zoning Board Member Training and Procedures
City planning staff trained local board members on how to handle zoning cases, public hearings, and conflicts of interest. The session ensures that volunteers making decisions on Georgetown's growth understand the legal and procedural rules.
Commission Training and Education
Georgetown is preparing its advisory board and commission members with essential training on local land use codes, public meeting rules, and the ongoing Unified Development Code rewrite. These sessions ensure that volunteers making recommendations on growth and development are fully equipped to handle complex zoning cases.
Parks and Recreation Director Appointment
Georgetown just named Eric Numer as the new Parks and Recreation Director. He's stepping in to run all the city's parks, trails, and rec programs.
Exterior Renovation and Additions at 205 E. University Ave. (Texas Municipal Center)
The commission is reviewing plans to overhaul the exterior of the 1961 mid-century modern office building at 205 E. University Ave. and add two new wings. The project aims to modernize the building's envelope and integrate new materials while respecting its unique architectural history within the downtown historic district.
9th and Main Street Parking Garage Retail Space
Council discussed strategies for leasing or selling the ground-floor retail space in the upcoming downtown parking garage, favoring an open RFP to find a private master developer.
Blue Hole Park Renovations and Operations
Council reviewed updated park designs incorporating lessons from recent floods, scaled-back parking to protect heritage trees, and stricter rules against portable grills and pop-up canopies.
Woodside MUD Amendment and Sun City Expansion
Council approved expanding Sun City by 143 homes through a Woodside MUD amendment, sparking debate over whether the community's infrastructure can handle more residents.
Ride GTX Transit Program
Council weighed changes to the Ride GTX microtransit service to manage rising costs, supporting service hour reductions, a fare increase from $4 to $5, and a monthly trip cap.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Review
Staff shared unaudited Q3 financials showing strong general fund revenues, capital project roll-forwards in water and electric, and ongoing monitoring of airport fund self-sustainability.
Downtown Parking Capacity
Georgetown's downtown is getting a major parking upgrade! A new 315-space garage opens November 21st, making it way easier to hit up your favorite shops and eateries without circling the block.
LaunchGTX Entrepreneur Platform Introduction
The economic development team is rolling out a new online portal called LaunchGTX to help local startups and small businesses access market data, financial calculators, and coaching resources.
Small Business Support
Georgetown is considering loosening rules for businesses wanting outdoor seating or sidewalk expansion. The goal is to boost street life, but it might make walking around a bit trickier.
Cybersecurity and Competitive Matters
Georgetown is installing new license plate reader cameras across the city. While officials say it's for public safety, some residents are raising privacy concerns about the increased surveillance.
Arts and Culture Program Updates
The board selected new sculptures to be installed across the city, boosting local public art displays.
Pro-Glass Special Use Permit
A developer wants to build a new car wash next to the existing QT gas station on North Austin Avenue. Staff and commissioners reviewed plans to make sure noise and traffic don't bother nearby apartments and homes.