San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson recently appeared on The Building Texas Show to discuss the city's strategic growth potential and economic development initiatives. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the episode highlighted how San Angelo is leveraging performance-based incentives and long-term planning to attract large-scale industry and infrastructure projects.
Mayor Thompson emphasized the transformative potential of a third-generation data center currently under consideration, valued between $7 billion and $12 billion. Such a facility would provide a massive surge in tax revenue without straining public safety or infrastructure, unlike 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 is another key focus. San Angelo is the largest town in Texas without an interstate, a status the Mayor aims to change through the Ports to Plains and I-14 corridor projects. This 20-to-30-year vision seeks to create a diagonal commerce route from Mexico to Canada, relieving congestion on I-35. 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.
Water security is also a priority. The city is pursuing a reclamation project on the Concho River to reduce daily groundwater reliance by 40-60% through reuse, ensuring resilience regardless of rainfall patterns. “Water is economic development,” Thompson noted.
Education and talent retention are critical components of San Angelo's strategy. With over 10,000 students at ASU and a nationally recognized cybersecurity program, the city is focused on keeping talent local. The synergy between the university, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and recent FBI investments 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,” Thompson added. The full interview is available on The Building Texas Show YouTube channel.
