May 3, 2025, was a milestone day for Bastrop, marking significant moments in our community’s progress. With the recent local elections shaping new leadership and community developments continuing to accelerate, the future holds tremendous promise. It is truly an exciting time to be part of the Bastrop area.
Celebrating Our Newly Elected Leaders
The May elections brought forth passionate and dedicated individuals who are ready to lead Bastrop through the next chapter of growth and development.
Mayor – Runoff Election
The race for mayor will continue with a runoff between Willie DeLaRosa and Ishmael Harris.
• Willie DeLaRosa, a former city council member and long-time contributor to the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, brings deep institutional knowledge and leadership experience.
• Ishmael Harris, who formerly chaired the Planning and Zoning Commission, is known for his commitment to thoughtful urban planning and strong community engagement.
Both candidates have voiced a vision for sustainable growth and community well-being. With no candidate receiving over 50% plus one vote, a runoff election will be held, with early voting scheduled from May 27 to June 3 and Election Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The election of a new mayor represents the closure of a long and often contentious chapter in Bastrop’s leadership history.
City Council Results
Place 1
Perry Lowe was elected to the Place 1 seat, which was vacated by Councilwoman Cheryl Lee.
Lowe, a respected local business owner, emphasized infrastructure improvements and economic development throughout his campaign.
Lowe received more than twice the number of votes as Serna and was officially sworn in at the May 13 City Council meeting
Place 5
Incumbent John Kirkland secured re-election against challenger Cheryl Lee.
• Kirkland’s campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, continuity in governance, and support for small businesses.
Kirkland won 56.5% of the vote and was also sworn in and re-elected as Mayor Pro-Tem on May 13
Bastrop ISD Board of Trustees
Place 5
Incumbent Chris Dillon retained his seat in a closely contested race against John Eason, winning by a narrow 55-vote margin.
• Dillon, with his background in education, remains committed to academic excellence and teacher support.
Place 6
Dr. Matthew Mix ran unopposed and will bring his educational leadership experience to the board.
Place 7
Ashley Mutschink, also unopposed, will continue his focus on program development and ensuring access to educational resources for all students.
Dillon and Mix were sworn in at the May 13 BISD Board Meeting. Mutschink will take his oath at a later date.
Embracing Growth with Vision
With elections now behind us, our community can refocus on the important work ahead: managing Bastrop’s rapid growth in a way that both meets current demands and safeguards our unique identity.
Key priorities moving forward include:
• Infrastructure Development: Addressing the needs of a growing population through invest ments in roads, utilities, and public services. Plans for a new wastewater treatment plant are already under discussion.
• Economic Diversification: Attracting new businesses while supporting the success of existing ones. The Bastrop Economic Develop ment Corporation, in collaboration with the Chamber, is working to drive sustainable economic momentum.
• Education & Workforce Development: Ensuring our educational institutions prepare students for the workforce through alignment with industry needs. Community support for Bastrop ISD is essential in this effort.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to actively participate in shaping Bastrop’s future. A thriving community is built on shared responsibility and collective vision.
Bastrop: Open for Business
The business landscape in Bastrop continues to grow and evolve. New developments like the Sendero Project and Burleson Crossing East Expansion are energizing the local economy. These projects will bring additional retail stores, national restaurant chains,
medical facilities, and a grocery store—adding jobs and strengthening our tax base.
Your Bastrop Chamber of Commerce remains committed to helping businesses thrive through:
• Advocacy: Representing the voice of local business at the city and state levels.
• Networking: Creating meaningful connections that spark growth and innovation.
• Training & Resources: Offering education and tools to help businesses adapt and succeed in a changing economy.
A Historic Moment for Bastrop
Reflecting on this election cycle and the developments underway, it’s clear Bastrop stands at a historic crossroads. The choices we make today will shape our city for decades. By working together, we can build a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and reflective of the values that make Bastrop unique.
We encourage all residents and business leaders to stay informed, involved, and engaged in the work ahead. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us at info@bastropchamber.com, call 512-303-0558, or visit us in person at 927 Main Street. Our experienced and talented staff is ready to connect you to the resources you need.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!
Always working for you, Becki
Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO Bastrop Chamber
of Commerce
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), as our keynote speaker for the upcoming June Luncheon.
Glenn Hamer is no stranger to the front lines of public policy and advocacy for the business community. On just his second day as CEO of TAB, he testified before the 87th Texas Legislature, making an immediate and powerful impact. His leadership contributed to the passage of key legislative priorities that benefited businesses across the state, including efforts that helped prevent astronomical increases in Unemployment Insurance at a critical time during the pandemic recovery.
But Glenn’s commitment to Texas businesses goes far beyond the Capitol steps.
Since the pandemic, he has made it his mission to visit more local chambers of commerce than anyone else—on the planet. His approach is rooted in one simple but powerful principle: connection. Glenn works tirelessly to connect small and large businesses with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, ensuring the voice of business is heard and the pro-business climate in Texas remains strong.
On Thursday, April 25, 2025, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class participated in Session 7 of the program, this time with a spotlight on the vibrant and growing community of Elgin, Texas. The purpose of the session was to explore economic development in action, gain insight into city and nonprofit collaboration, and continue building strong professional and community relationships. Supported by the Chambers of Commerce across Bastrop County, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program helps cultivate civic-minded leaders ready to make a difference.
Behind the Scenes at Carr Lane Manufacturing
and organized. Employees fielded numerous questions from the class about their roles and the company.
One employee in particular, Linda, left a memorable impression. Her pride in her work and the company’s accomplishments were evident. She represented what purposeful and meaningful work can look like, a topic that would resurface later in the day’s discussions. Class members were also impressed to learn that most employees lived in the local area, emphasizing the strong connection between Carr Lane and the Elgin community.
The day kicked off with a tour of Carr Lane Manufacturing, quietly nestled in Elgin’s industrial park. Though GPS maps led a few astray, once inside, the facility quickly impressed the class. Known for producing tooling components and assembly aids used across multiple industries, Carr Lane is a cornerstone of local manufacturing. The group began with an overview of the company’s history, the specialized components they produce, and their client base.
Participants broke into small groups to tour the production floor and observe each workstation. What stood out most to the class was how clean, quiet, and high-tech the factory environment was. Many anticipated a louder, more chaotic setting, but instead found a space that was light-filled
A Deep Dive into Economic Development
Following the factory tour, the class gathered for a conversation with Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Directors Owen Rock of Elgin and Dori Kelly of Bastrop. The facilitated discussion provided insight into how local EDCs function and the role they play in growing and supporting the economy.
Rock and Kelly explained that the EDC’s main mission is to diversify the economy and grow the local tax base, particularly through increased sales tax revenue, which in turn can help reduce property tax burdens for residents. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, and the exchange was energetic and thought-provoking.
The directors spoke frankly about the challenges they face. One major takeaway was that while communities often clamor for more retail, the reality is that retail follows rooftops; it is not something cities can incentivize as easily as other types of development. Market demand drives retail growth, not government policy. However, with an EDC in place, cities have greater flexibility and a broader set of tools than traditional city governments.
Both Rock and Kelly emphasized the importance of a strong EDC board—one that actively engages and questions leadership to ensure transparency and effectiveness. They also noted that 80% of Elgin’s economic growth has come from existing businesses, demonstrating the importance of supporting small, locally owned enterprises even as the city prepares for larger-scale investments.
Preserving History Through Main Street
The next speaker, Krista Marks from the Elgin Main Street Program, provided an enthusiastic presentation on how the program supports Elgin’s downtown through historic preservation and community events. Marks shared Elgin’s dual identity as both the “Brick Capital of the Southwest” and the “Sausage Capital of Texas.” These titles reflect the rich cultural and industrial history that the Main Street Program aims to celebrate and protect.
Marks emphasized the importance of keeping downtown vibrant and walkable to draw residents and tourists alike. She highlighted the annual Hogeye Festival, which includes food, turkey legs, vendors with handmade items, live music, and more. It’s a family-friendly event that partners with local schools to shuttle attendees due to parking constraints.
The overall mission of the Main Street Program is to promote economic vitality while preserving Elgin’s unique character. They coordinate with historical review boards to ensure renovations align with the city’s rich architectural history. Other events include
a Thursday farmer’s market, monthly Sip and Strolls, and Music in the Park on Fridays in April and May.
Community Connections and Meaningful Work
After a delicious lunch at Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse BBQ, the class reconvened at the Elgin Chamber of Commerce’s new location. There, they met with the new CEO Rhonda Graham and colleague Debra Cole. Founded in 1934 and operating as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, the Chamber is the voice of Elgin’s business community.
Participants then enjoyed an Art Mural Walking Tour downtown. The colorful murals captured Elgin’s history, humor, and artistic flair while offering a fun way to experience the heart of the city.
The day concluded with a discussion on Meaningful Work. The conversation centered on how leaders can help their teams find meaning in their work and connect daily responsibilities to broader goals. Linda from Carr Lane served as a powerful example. Participants shared strategies for fostering engagement and appreciation within their teams.
Conclusion
Session 7 of the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program offered a thoughtful look into Elgin’s economic development, community identity, and leadership practices. With engaging visits and meaningful dialogue, participants left with deeper insight into what builds strong, connected communities.
