A Community Like No Other • A Letter from Mayor Josh Schroeder

Georgetown is a city with a heart and soul of its own in the ever-expanding landscape of Central Texas. As mayor of this remarkable city, I cannot help but marvel at the unique aspects that set this city apart from our neighboring counterparts.

While other towns and suburbs find themselves grappling with their identity under the bubble of the metropolis to our south, Georgetown stands out as a singular community with a strong sense of self-awareness and pride. This "north of ‘cool’ " mentality is ingrained in our residents, fostering a deep appreciation for our city's distinct character and culture. As such, instead of aiming to be an extension of Austin, we embrace our individuality, and continue to celebrate 175 years of exceptional growth and history.

Personally, I have always been blown away by the sense of camaraderie that is at Georgetown's core. We have so many opportunities to work, play, and give back alongside people who are or quickly become our good friends. And, no matter your interest or expertise, this city makes it easy to find a lane and plenty of people with shared values to help you support the community.

Of course, like any growing community, we do face our share of challenges. The blessings of being a place so many want to live in come with growing pains that demand careful consideration. However, what sets Georgetown apart — again— is our ability to come together, learn from the experiences of others, and tackle these challenges as a united front. Our community remains focused and aligned, sifting through small differences and embracing solutions to ensure our growth remains sustainable and beneficial for everyone.

SOME SPECIFICS

Georgetown’s economic development has been particularly gratifying, and we are on track this year to create thousands of jobs while other communities face economic uncertainty. For instance, a new, cutting-edge CTE high school at the heart of our industrial center is a great manifestation of our commitment to the next generation.

It is also gratifying to see so many businesses partnering with Georgetown ISD with internships and investment in our youth. The result? A well-rounded workforce with practical expertise, communication skills, and problem-solving acumen, ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.

As a father, it has always been important to me that Georgetown is and remains a place my children can flourish in and come back to if they wish. Our city's magnetic appeal is undeniable, offering a wide array of recreational activities, (still!) the state’s most beautiful downtown Square, and a budding music scene that has grabbed nationwide attention. This spring's Two Step Inn attracted 27,000 out-of-town visitors — every college kid in the country was trying to come to our festival.

COMMONLY UNCOMMON

Finally, let's not overlook the exceptional contributions of our nonprofit community. The sheer number of nonprofits dedicated to uplifting the lives of people in Georgetown and beyond is awe-inspiring. The Caring Place, ROCK, and BiG are just a few of the superlative organizations that meet crucial needs, and foster a stronger, more compassionate community every day. The success and impact of these initiatives extend beyond our borders — not just in terms of financial support but thanks to the time and talent of our citizens.

With all these things in mind, it's clear to me that Georgetown, with our unique blend of self-reliance, community spirit, and progress, sets an example for communities across the country. As the rest of the nation grapples with uncertainty, we find ourselves in a year of optimism and progress and I consider myself blessed to be a part of it.

Many thanks, Georgetown.

Josh