WAXAHACHIE, Texas — Major growth is happening right now in North Texas, specifically in Waxahachie where people living there have seen a major population boom in the last few years!
That growth is leading to new developments, schools, and businesses.
City officials say in 2022 they saw an average of 130 new residents each month. They tell WFAA that's double the number of monthly residents moving to Waxahachie the year prior.
We talked to leaders about what this could mean for the city.
“We're an older community, so we're, we're blessed with old pipes and old roads that are inadequate for the growth,” said Waxahachie city manager, Michael Scott. “It's really going to keep up with that infrastructure."
Another challenge Scott mentioned and that the city is addressing is keeping up with the main corridor, along Highway 77, as the community grows.
Their goal is to ensure there's enough water and power to go around as well as enough school buildings to support the growing number of families.
A big piece of all of that is making sure people can get around town. That's why the city has been working closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to make changes as needed.
“We're working closely with them to plan, whether it be widening of roads or maybe enhanced interchanges," Scott added. "It's making those preparations for knowing not only the growth we already have, but also the growth we still see forthcoming.”
Some of the other projects underway:
- Baylor Scott & White Health is expanding their facility in town.
- Jerry Jones' company "Blue Star" is developing a "Fanatics" sportswear distribution center at Highway 287 and I-35.
- New high and elementary school campuses are in the works – all approved last year by voters.