Manor, Texas, a 153-year-old city on Austin's eastern edge, experienced a 225% population surge between 2013 and 2023, and Mayor Dr. Chris Harvey outlined the city's preparations for an additional 22,000 residents expected by 2030 during the latest episode of The Building Texas Show. With 14,000 housing units in the planning pipeline, Manor is racing to build civic infrastructure for the first time in its history, including a city-owned library and recreation center funded by a recent bond election.
Harvey discussed the region's transformation into what he calls the "Golden Triangle of Opportunity," driven by semiconductor manufacturing, logistics hubs, and Samsung-related suppliers. The city is conducting a feasibility study for a proposed 50-bed hospital, anchored by a relationship with St. David's, which already operates a full-service emergency center downtown. This initiative addresses healthcare gaps common in fast-growing suburbs, similar to challenges faced by Garland and Bastrop.
Tax base diversification is a key priority. Manor voters in 1985 committed a portion of sales tax revenue away, and Harvey emphasized efforts to recover those dollars and reinvest in roads, parks, and drainage. "The tax rate is not the tax rate because we want it to be a high tax rate. Being able to get to a lower tax rate is city leadership's dream," he said, noting that lowering the rate is a long-term goal tied to economic development.
Manor is also adopting its first comprehensive plan—a 600-page document mapping growth over the next 30 years. Workforce development is being coordinated with Manor ISD, which was historically the city's largest employer. Regular meetings between the city manager and superintendent align demographic data, employer recruitment, and student pathways into college, career, and military readiness.
Harvey acknowledged the city's late start on basic amenities: "Our city is 153 years old and this is the first time we're building these facilities. And so that's phase one." The episode, hosted by Justin McKenzie and sponsored by Chisos Boots, is available on podcast platforms and YouTube.
