In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson detailed the strategic initiatives positioning the city as a competitive destination for large-scale industry. With a focus on performance-based incentives and long-term planning, Thompson outlined how the city is leveraging economic development to fund infrastructure improvements without overburdening taxpayers.
A key highlight was the potential for a third-generation data center valued between $7 billion and $12 billion. Such a facility would provide a massive surge in tax revenue without the public safety or infrastructure strain typically associated with residential growth. “Economic development really subsidizes all the improvements that move your city forward,” Thompson said. The city utilizes 380 agreements to ensure these projects are performance-based, protecting taxpayers while funding green spaces, parks, and roads.
Transportation remains a critical focus. San Angelo is currently the largest town in Texas without an interstate, a status the Mayor is working to change through the Ports to Plains and I-14 corridor projects. This 20-to-30-year vision aims to create a diagonal commerce route from Mexico to Canada, providing critical relief for the congested I-35 corridor. Additionally, the San Angelo Regional Airport is expanding, supported by the Angelo State University (ASU) flight program and international training partnerships with the Canadian Air Force.
Recognizing that “water is economic development,” the city is aggressively pursuing a reclamation project on the Concho River. This initiative aims to reduce daily groundwater reliance by 40-60% through reuse, ensuring the city remains resilient regardless of rainfall patterns.
Talent retention is also a priority. With over 10,000 students at ASU and a nationally recognized cybersecurity program, San Angelo is focused on keeping talent local. The synergy between the university, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and recent investments by the FBI creates a robust ecosystem for engineering and intel-based careers.
“San Angelo is a can-do city. People are ready and willing to make the investment to move forward. Economic development provides the revenue to subsidize those improvements,” Thompson added.
For the full interview with Mayor Thompson, visit the Building Texas Show YouTube channel: The Texas City With No Interstate - And It's BOOMING | Mayor Tom Thompson.
