A Turning Point for Jarrell and Sonterra

Why Saying “Yes” to Walmart Means Convenience & Prosperity for Jarrell

Our Community is at a crossroads where a decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PNZ) could shape our city’s future for generations: whether to welcome a Super Walmart to the corner already planned for regional commercial development.

Some may see it as just another store. But this global retailer's presence has meant a turning point for hundreds of growing communities. It is an opportunity for enormous economic, social, and infrastructure improvements.

Anchor for Economic Growth

Industry resources like Lightspeed note Walmart functions as an anchor store, drawing customers and a significant number of additional businesses to a community. Having a Supercenter typically attracts restaurants and services not currently in jarrell, and even signals to other big box stores like Target or Home Depot that the Jarrell market is big enough and ready for business.

That anchor effect means more than just shopping convenience. It will draw millions of outside dollars from Salado, Bartlett, Florence, and Granger putting sales taxes into Jarrell’s coffers. (The average Walmart contributes $5-8 million in sales tax revenue to the communities it serves.)

Right now, our retail dollars flow south to Georgetown. Every trip to their Walmart, Target, or H-E-B is money lost to our community. A local Walmart keeps spending local, which, in turn, will support our city services and schools.

Opportunities Close to Home

For families, Walmart brings something even more meaningful: jobs right here at home.

My Jarrell spoke to local business owners who are aware of local folks forced into foreclosure because they don’t have the means to travel 20 miles for work. Walmart will bring jobs to them—and teens, part-timers, and professionals. Even better, jobs will be within walking, bike, or skateboard distance from their homes.

Walmart is also a company with upward mobility. One Jarrell graduate now works in Walmart corporate leadership, a reminder that a job at Walmart can open doors far beyond a cashier’s stand. With seasonal hiring and corporate pathways, the range of opportunities is wide.

Record of Giving Back

Beyond the registers and shelves, Walmart is known for investing directly into the communities it serves. Through its *Spark Good* program, local stores and clubs awarded more than $46 million in small grants last year, funding projects like school supply drives, park improvements, and youth programs. These grants are tailored to meet each town’s specific needs—which means in Jarrell, the money could support our schools, parks, or even first responders.

Walmart also steps up in times of crisis. In July 2025, the company committed up to $500,000 to flood relief efforts right here in Texas, proving their support isn’t just nationwide —it’s regional and local. In education, Walmart supplies Chromebooks, tablets, and direct donations to classrooms across the country, and most recently supported schools with more than $1 million in back-to-school resources.

It’s easy to see how that kind of giving could benefit Jarrell, where both our student population and city services are growing quickly.

Infrastructure Improvements Without Taxpayer Burden

One of the biggest concerns raised has been traffic but residents already drive to Georgetown, hitting multiple traffic lights, shopping, and driving back. With Walmart here, you will turn directly in and come straight back home. No extra lights, no downtown congestion.

Better yet, Walmart is committed to improving surrounding roads—something the county doesn’t have the funds to do. Like Samsung in Taylor, Walmart will build out infrastructure and then donate those roads to the city, setting the stage for future growth without raising local taxes.

Change Means Progress

Some residents worry about change—the loss of open fields and the arrival of a large building. But the City of Jarrell Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2021, has already designated that parcel as *regional commercial.* This is the plan the city and community created together and the current vote is simply a first step in its implementation.

While some worry about small businesses, local loyalty runs deeper than price tags. People go to Jarrell’s hardware store, tire shop, and cafés for the relationships. Walmart won’t replace that—it will bring in outside shoppers who wouldn’t otherwise patronize local businesses.

It is worth noting the land in question is just 14 acres and the owner isn’t doing anything unusual—she’s following the same path that countless Texas landowners along I-35 have already taken, transitioning property once used for private or agricultural purposes into commercial development following municipal rezoning votes. Having owned the larger lot since 1961, she would like to retire, enjoy her golden years, and leave behind generational wealth for her family. It’s the natural course for land along the interstate, and nothing different from what many other landowners have already done or hope to do.

What’s at Stake?

If Jarrell turns Walmart away, the superstore won’t vanish. It will land in Salado, Florence, or Georgetown—as will the tax revenue, the jobs, and the investment. If we shrug and think Georgetown won't want a second Walmart for its 106,000 residents, consider Bryan/College Station, with a population of about 130,000 and three Supercenters.

Similarly, pastureland at the proposed site currently generates about $2,000 a year in revenue. A Walmart generates millions. That money could fund better roads, parks, schools, and public services right here at home.

A MOM’S TAKE

Why Walmart Matters to Our Editor

As a wife and mom, I would welcome a Super Walmart in Jarrell with open arms. For me, it’s about convenience, affordability, and time — three things every family values.

Right now, if I need groceries, school supplies, cleaning products, or even a simple birthday gift, I’m looking at a 50-mile round trip. That’s gas, that’s time away from my home responsibilities, and that’s procrastination on days or weekends don’t have energy to make the drive.

A Walmart Supercenter carries around 120,000 different products — four times what a typical grocery store offers. That means choices for everything I need: different brands of cereal for my son, affordable clothing options for my daughter, and even last-minute things for my church or continuous stream of community events.

Bottom line: it’s not just about shopping—it’s about quality of life. A Super Walmart means fewer trips out of town, more evenings at home with my family, and a community that has what it needs right here. For moms like me, that’s not a small thing. That’s peace of mind.

At the same time, as a busy working mom, I'm also excited about the jobs, growth, investment, and the future of Jarrell. Hoping our leadership will see what we see and welcome Walmart to Jarrell.

~Camy Reynolds

Make Your Voice Heard

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8 AT 6PM AT CITY HALL Jarrell residents who want a stronger future must speak up.

• Show up in person at the October 8 meeting to show your support.

• Email or call your city representatives and P&Z members and say "Yes" to Walmart.

• Contact city council and PNZ members and let your voice be heard.