Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Leander public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with critical priority
Fire Department Fleet Expansion
The council approved a $4.2 million purchase of two replacement fire engines and a new ladder truck to enhance fire protection and keep pace with growth.
Residential Pool Permit Fee Waivers for ASR ("Concrete Cancer")
Leander is addressing the 'concrete cancer' (Alkali-Silica Reaction) crisis by offering fee waivers and retroactive reimbursements for homeowners forced to demolish and rebuild failed swimming pools.
TIRZ Financial Forecast
With TIRZ No. 1 nearing its 25-year sunset, the board discussed how to allocate over $50 million in projected surplus tax revenues. Members emphasized funding special infrastructure—like parking garages or high-end commercial spaces—rather than routine strip retail or more housing.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Tax Rate Adoption
Leander kept its property tax rate steady at 41.7 cents per $100, which will generate more revenue because of new construction across the city.
FY 25/26 Budget Status
The city is reviewing its upcoming budget and property tax rates, which will determine funding for municipal services, public safety, and infrastructure for the next year.
Traffic Congestion and Neighborhood Safety
Staff provided a quarterly update on Leander's 39 traffic signals, highlighting upcoming deployments of cloud-based VantageLink software and clear-guide traffic monitoring across all city-maintained intersections.
Law Enforcement Data Access Agreement
Residents heavily debated the city's use of Flock Safety cameras, raising strong privacy and surveillance concerns. Following extensive public comment, the City Council directed staff to exclude funding for the ALPR system from the upcoming fiscal year budget.
Traffic Congestion and Neighborhood Safety
Get ready for some traffic headaches, Leander! The RM 2243 project is starting, which means construction zones. The good news? It's supposed to make your future drives way better.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Update
The city approved a $229,930 contract to update drainage and hydrological models for Upper Brushy Creek to reflect a 64-acre threshold. This study ensures Leander's floodplain mapping aligns with Williamson County's new methodology to better manage flood risks.
Phase 2 Raw Water Delivery System Delays
Engineers and officials updated the council on BCRUA Phase 2 water treatment plant expansion, raw water delivery, and drought contingencies to secure Leander's future water supply.
Leander Springs PUD Amendment and Water Concerns
Residents and well owners strongly opposed the Leander Springs PUD amendment over fears of Trinity Aquifer depletion, heavy water usage for a four-acre lagoon, and increased neighborhood traffic. The council ultimately voted unanimously to deny the request.
Water Security and Aquifer Usage
The city reviewed its residential development phasing ordinance and decided to keep it in place to ensure water demands stay balanced with treatment capacity expansions.
Economic Development Strategy
Leander's getting a huge new development that's set to be like Austin's Domain. Construction starts in March, bringing tons of new shops, restaurants, and hangout spots.
Revised Master Plan
The commission reviewed an updated draft of their Master Plan, which was revised by members and staff based on feedback from the City Council.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) & Debt Capacity
Council evaluated the city's infrastructure roadmap, reviewing completed, ongoing, and unfunded projects across transportation, water, wastewater, and parks. Leaders also analyzed future debt capacity and bond plans to fund community growth.