Round Rock, Texas, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five decades, evolving from a farming community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s to a city approaching 150,000 today. In Episode 93 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," host Bryan Eisenberg speaks with Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens about her journey and the challenges of guiding one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Stevens, the daughter of longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper, reflects on inheriting a stewardship mindset. Her father was a previous guest on the podcast, making this episode a unique example of familial continuity in civic leadership. Stevens left a 22-year career in speech pathology to serve on City Council, driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped her.
The conversation explores the delicate balance between ambitious goals and responsible growth in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation. Stevens emphasizes the importance of maintaining Round Rock's welcoming culture while managing rapid expansion. "We have a very accepting and welcoming and warm culture here," she tells Eisenberg. "We expect the best, right? But we accept and we bring in and we welcome everybody and all ideas and all businesses and the stories of the people that come here."
Stevens also addresses the challenges of public service in the social media age, highlighting the need for "thick skin" and direct engagement with constituents. She combats misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances, stressing the importance of transparency and accessibility.
The episode touches on the role of local organizations such as Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping her family's service ethic. Stevens credits her father's lesson to remain accessible and mentors through Leadership Round Rock, Ascend, and YMCA leadership classes. She urges newcomers to volunteer strategically rather than dilute their impact.
A full-circle Round Rock moment surfaces when Stevens recalls being the first person ever to get engaged at Dell Diamond, during the inaugural Friday night fireworks game after voters passed the hotel-motel tax that funded the stadium. Her husband, who studied architecture and now works in construction, coordinated a heart-shaped fireworks display on Good Friday nearly 26 years ago. Today, her father takes her older two sons to dollar hot dog nights with Papa, and her youngest son works as a parking lot attendant for the Round Rock Express.
This episode matters because it offers a firsthand account of how a community can grow while preserving its identity. Stevens's perspective underscores the importance of service, engagement, and balancing progress with the values that make Round Rock a desirable place to live. As the city continues to attract new residents and businesses, her insights provide a roadmap for leaders navigating similar challenges across the country.
