Williamson County, Texas, is on a trajectory to double its population from roughly 760,000 today to 1.6 million by 2055 and 3 million by the end of the century. That staggering growth is the focus of the latest episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Judge Steve Snell | Williamson County's Explosive Growth," hosted by Bryan Eisenberg. Published September 15, 2026, the conversation reveals how Snell is steering one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and why his role is more akin to a CEO and emergency manager than a traditional courtroom judge.
Snell, who spent 31 years in public education, including leadership roles in Hutto ISD and as superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, brings a unique perspective to county government. He oversees roughly 30 to 35 departments, from fleet services and animal shelters to the juvenile justice center and Sheriff's Office. His educator background is evident in his preparation: he arrived at the interview with a three-ring binder tabbed with budget lines, policies, and responsibilities. That meticulous approach is essential as the county grapples with the pressures of rapid development.
One of the most pressing challenges is infrastructure. Snell points to the strain on roads in unincorporated neighborhoods and Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). "When you build 1,000 homes next to an old two-lane road and all the construction trucks tear it up, we need to come and fix that for mobility and safety, or we need to expand it," he tells Eisenberg. The county must balance growth with maintaining quality of life, a theme that runs through the episode.
Economic development is a bright spot. Snell highlights wins tied to major employers and attractions such as Dell, Samsung, Compal, Apple, Firefly, Kalahari, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and the incoming Scheels in Cedar Park. These investments bolster the tax base and create jobs, but they also demand long-range planning for transportation, water, and energy across cities including Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Florence, and Jarrell.
Looking ahead, Snell sees the next wave of industry in space. Williamson County has been designated a spaceport in partnership with the City of Cedar Park, and its geographic position between Fort Hood and joint commands in downtown Austin positions it well for aerospace growth. Firefly Aerospace is the current anchor of a rapidly expanding space sector. This diversification is crucial for long-term resilience.
Snell also emphasizes workforce development and education. He discusses trade education, veteran employment as service members transition out of Fort Hood, and entrepreneurship classes in Liberty Hill high schools, where a chamber president now teaches students. He praises Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, Cedar Park's Plug and Play, and partnerships with Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long on land acquisitions for future schools and parkland.
For residents and business leaders, the implications are clear: Williamson County's growth is both an opportunity and a test of governance. Snell's CEO-like approach, combining strategic planning with a service mindset, will determine how well the county manages its explosive expansion. As he puts it, "at the end of the day, it's not about me. It's about service and it's about Williamson County." The full episode is available on the Rock Solid podcast.
