The latest episode of The Building Texas Show, published July 13, 2026, challenges the narrative that Central Texas aerospace and defense growth is centered on Austin. Host Justin McKenzie sat down in Buda with Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, and Monica Davidson, CEO of the Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce and a Buda City Council member, to discuss why smaller I-35 corridor cities like Buda are becoming magnets for these industries.
According to Storm, aerospace and defense firms seeking 10,000 to 20,000 square foot spaces are choosing Buda over larger cities like Austin, Round Rock, and Pflugerville. "People are saying aerospace and defense is coming to Austin, but that's not true. It's coming to Buda and Bastrop and Lockhart and Kyle and San Marcos," she recounted from a caller. The episode highlights how Buda built momentum in under a year, including through The Hive incubator, which moved 60 entrepreneurs through four cohorts in its first year across diverse industries. Additionally, a new retail incubator is opening in Buda's restored 1884 train depot on Main Street, and the Hays CISD teacher externship program placed 17 educators inside local businesses this summer.
Storm discussed the Buda EDC's use of rebates rather than abatements, paying incentives only after jobs are delivered, which she describes as a low-risk taxpayer investment. Davidson, who has doubled Chamber membership in two years, described her role as "I want to be where business begins in Buda." The Greater Buda Chamber rebrand extended its reach to include South Austin, Mustang Ridge, Luling, and Lockhart businesses, partnering with anchors like US Foods, Texas Lehigh, and Jardine's. The pair also unpacked the origin of Buda's trademarked title as the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas, a Lions Club idea from the 1980s now the city's largest annual event.
For more details, listen to the full episode on YouTube or wherever podcasts are heard. The episode is available now on LinkedIn as well.
