BRENHAM, WASHINGTON CO., BLUEBONNET LEADERS SPEAK AT ‘STATE OF THE COMMUNITY’ FORUM
Incoming growth and how to prepare for it was a common theme of today’s (Wednesday) “State of the Community” forum, hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Representatives from the City of Brenham, Washington County and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative met at Blinn College to discuss recent undertakings, current affairs and future plans.
Brenham Mayor Milton Tate talked about the city’s ongoing economic development and infrastructure projects, like the Baker Katz shopping center and road improvements. He also pointed to the problems that inflation and supply chain issues have created, in particular when attempting to address the need to build low-cost housing.
Tate stressed the importance of finding ways to grow while also maintaining the city’s identity.
Washington County Judge John Durrenberger mentioned the county’s efforts in improving compensation for county employees and establishing a long-range plan for Road and Bridge projects, as well as projects like restoring the courthouse and preliminary plans to build a judicial center. In addition, he spoke on the role that upgrades to the Washington County Expo Center will play in bringing conferences and major events to the area.
Durrenberger said amid national and global uncertainty, every part of the county must come together to succeed.
Bluebonnet General Manager Matt Bentke discussed the cooperative’s use of a tailored approach to economic development in order to meet the needs and wants of all of the communities it serves. He also talked about the importance of finding a balance between renewable and thermal energy to be prepared in extreme weather, and how success in one part of Bluebonnet’s service area can lead to shared prosperity for all members.
Bentke said the cooperative has seen its part in large projects rise significantly over the past year, a telling sign of the population boom in Bluebonnet’s territory.
The luncheon concluded with a brief question and answer segment, with speakers taking questions from the audience.
