State of the City Address set for July 27

In another sign that things are returning to pre-pandemic norms, the annual Kyle Chamber of Commerce’s presentation of the State of the City address will once again be an in-person event at its normal time of the year: the Tuesday immediately preceding the Saturday on which the city manager formally presents his proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year to the city council.

Last year, in the midst of a lockdown imposed by the risks of a possible COVID super-spreader event, the annual address was a virtual affair held at the end of August. This year, however, the event will return to its normal location, Sage Hall at Texas Old Town, 1205 Roland Lane, and at its usual time and date, 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 27. Mayor Travis Mitchell will once again deliver the address.

It is anticipated Mitchell will provide a glimpse at the highlights of the next fiscal year’s budget, in particular its focus on infrastructure improvements such as funds being set aside for improvements to parks and trails; street maintenance, repairs and reconstructions; economic development and revitalization improvements in downtown Kyle; water, wastewater and storm water system improvements; sidewalk maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction; as well as continued spending on citywide beautification programs. In short, I would expect Mitchell to highlight that millions of dollars will be devoted to efforts to make Kyle a more livable and workable city.

I would also expect Mitchell will address Kyle’s growth, but not necessarily in population, although that has been notable. The last year has seen unprecedented growth in the city’s business sector. Commercial property valuations in the city increased this year more than in the last six years combined. What was once called Uptown, but now has been dubbed the Brick and Mortar District, a massive (by Kyle’s standards) mixed-use development financed by tax increment funding at the northwest corner of FM1626 and Kohlers Crossing, is another subject that’s important to Mitchell and one should anticipate the mayor will focus attention on the development of that project during his address. 

“The annual State of the City Address is an excellent opportunity for our members to hear straight from the source,” Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Julie Snyder said in a prepared statement released Thursday by the City. “Mayor Mitchell is a businessperson himself and our members appreciate hearing what the council is working on for the future and how it directly impacts our business community.”

The luncheon address is not restricted to Chamber members, however. Anyone wishing to attend can make reservations by clicking here.

“The last year has been difficult,” Irene Melendez, the Chamber’s board chair said in the same prepared statement. “Difficult for our community members, as well as our businesses. But Kyle is coming back strong. We look forward to hearing Mayor Mitchell discuss the plans for the future of Kyle.”