New Braunfels, TX, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Leaders from New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin convened at Texas State University to discuss a new megaregion aimed at stimulating economic growth and infrastructure development. The initiative addresses challenges such as energy and water deficiencies while promoting cooperation to enhance workforce development and education. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the importance of this collaboration within Texas’s broader economic development strategy. New industrial projects, including Fusion 130 in East Austin, reflect the ambitious plans endorsed during the meeting.
New Braunfels, Texas: New Megaregion Formed to Enhance Economic Growth
Leaders and investors from New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin gathered at Texas State University to discuss the formation of a new “megaregion” designed to stimulate economic growth and address pressing infrastructure challenges. This collaborative effort signifies a major step toward enhancing the economic landscape of these rapidly growing Texas cities.
The initiative aims to foster collaboration among the regions, as noted by Jenna Herrera, CEO of Greater SATX. The meeting included a series of panels and keynote speakers, including insights from former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros. Key issues addressed during the discussions included critical areas like energy and water deficiencies and workforce preparation.
Participants viewed the regional challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to drive infrastructure growth. Jonathan PackEr, CEO of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the substantial benefits that could arise from regional cooperation. Topics surrounding road construction, workforce development, education, and childcare were highlighted as areas ripe for collaborative efforts.
This endeavor is positioned as a “major moment in time” for the regions involved. The broader context for this initiative aligns with Texas’s five-year economic development plan titled “Bigger. Better. Texas. Statewide Economic Development Strategic Plan: 2025–2029.” Developed through a partnership between local, regional, and statewide organizations along with state agencies and business leaders, this plan aims to address the state’s growing economic demands.
Governor Greg Abbott lauded Texas as a hub of abundant opportunity, stressing the importance of the new economic development plan. Over the past decade, Texas has experienced substantial economic growth, outpacing national trends in gross domestic product and workforce expansion. The state consistently sets records for total job creation and is recognized as one of the best places to start or expand a business. If Texas were a country, its economy would rank as the eighth largest globally.
The rapid economic growth in Texas is also accompanied by challenges such as infrastructure demands, housing affordability, and the need for broader job opportunities. To sustain its competitive edge, Texas requires a comprehensive strategy to guide economic development decisions across the state.
In support of these initiatives, Lovett Industrial in cooperation with Clarion Partners is planning a significant industrial park in East Austin named Fusion 130. Covering 1.5 million square feet across nine buildings on a 180-acre site near Tesla’s Gigafactory, Fusion 130 will feature building sizes ranging from under 100,000 square feet to 500,000 square feet. The site will have direct access to SH 130, a crucial corridor for regional freight traffic, and is located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Currently, Fusion 130 is in the planning stage, with groundbreaking anticipated for late 2025.
Additionally, Lovett Industrial is preparing to launch the Schertz Logistics Center, which is set to begin construction in October 2025 northeast of San Antonio. Since its inception in 2020, Lovett Industrial has developed or is currently developing over 13 million square feet of industrial space across major Texas markets, known for adaptive reuse and complex site redevelopment with projects including POST Houston and Lake Pointe Green in Sugar Land.
Conclusion
The formation of the megaregion involving New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin presents an opportunity for significant collaboration aimed at overcoming regional challenges while driving economic growth. As Texas forges ahead with comprehensive strategies to deal with its rapid growth, stakeholders remain optimistic about the benefits of enhanced infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new megaregion in Texas?
The megaregion aims to foster economic growth and address regional challenges.
What cities are involved in the megaregion initiative?
The megaregion involves leaders and investors from New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin.
What key issues are being discussed in relation to the megaregion?
Key issues discussed include energy and water deficiencies and workforce preparation.
What is the ‘Bigger. Better. Texas’ plan?
This plan is Texas’s five-year economic development strategy designed to address the state’s economic challenges.
What is Lovett Industrial planning in East Austin?
Lovett Industrial, in partnership with Clarion Partners, is planning a major industrial park named Fusion 130.
When is the groundbreaking for Fusion 130 expected?
Groundbreaking for Fusion 130 is targeted for late 2025.
| Project or Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Megaregion Formation | Aims to foster economic growth and address regional challenges among New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Austin. |
| Bigger. Better. Texas Plan | Five-year statewide economic development strategic plan for Texas (2025-2029). |
| Fusion 130 | New industrial park planned in East Austin covering 1.5 million square feet. |
| Schertz Logistics Center | New logistics center planned northeast of San Antonio, construction beginning in October 2025. |
| Lovett Industrial | Developer of major industrial spaces, known for adaptive reuse and site redevelopment. |
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Mustang Ridge Development
- Wikipedia: New Braunfels, Texas
- Commercial Search: Lovett Industrial East Austin
- Google Search: Megaregion Texas
- KXXV: Texas Economy 5-Year Plan
- Google Scholar: Economic Development Texas
- Statesman: Economic Development Week Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio, Texas
- News 4 San Antonio: Texas Megaregion
- Google News: Megaregion Texas
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