Waco Reported Infrastructure Needs and New Investment
Mayor Jim Holmes announced a $4 billion investment influx alongside a $3 billion infrastructure backlog.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Employment
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Waco Mayor Jim Holmes has highlighted a significant economic contrast, noting $4 billion in new investment while the city manages a $3 billion infrastructure backlog. The city is balancing these needs through strategic growth to support its recent addition of 4,000 jobs and 40 businesses.
Why it matters
The city’s ability to manage its $3 billion infrastructure need while capitalizing on massive economic investment is critical for maintaining tax levels and public services. Ongoing partnerships with academic institutions help sustain this growth across the I-35 corridor.
Waco has secured $4 billion in new economic investment and created 4,000 jobs, significantly outpacing its $200 million annual budget. The city is currently managing a $3 billion infrastructure backlog covering essential road, water, and drainage systems.
The players
Jim Holmes
Jim Holmes is the current Mayor of Waco who oversees municipal policy and economic development initiatives.
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private research university in Waco that provides educational partnerships to bolster the local workforce.
Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College is a state-supported technical college that collaborates with the city on workforce training programs.
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College provides vocational training and educational support for residents within the Waco area.
The details
Waco is leveraging partnerships with Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, and McLennan Community College to sustain workforce development. The city also manages infrastructure through sequenced growth to minimize tax impacts, while global interest remains high along the I-35 corridor.
Timeline
Ground broke on the downtown mega-park last week.
Mayor Jim Holmes appeared on KWTX Midday Extra on October 2, 2026.
Downtown bridge light testing is ongoing throughout October 2026.
Two new city park systems are scheduled to open in November 2026.
Macro View
Waco's recent industrial growth reflects a broader, multi-decade expansion of the I-35 corridor economic development zone. This development mirrors historical surges seen in other Texas cities that leveraged regional infrastructure to attract international manufacturing.
The city's ability to fund its $3 billion infrastructure backlog while attracting new business will determine future tax rates for local residents. Strategic infrastructure sequencing aims to manage these costs without placing an undue burden on the average taxpayer's monthly budget.
The takeaway
Waco is currently managing a delicate balance between rapid industrial expansion and the maintenance of its aging utility systems. Residents should expect continued construction activity as the city prioritizes infrastructure projects to support its growing job market.
What happens next
The Alice Martinez-Rodriguez All-Abilities Park and the first-ever China Spring park and trail system are scheduled to open in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local job growth, visit Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
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