Spotlight On: Brandon Capetillo, Mayor, City of Baytown
December 2023 — Invest: was joined by Brandon Capetillo, mayor for the city of Baytown, and discussed the impact of his office on the city of Baytown and Greater Houston. He also discussed workforce development, supporting small businesses, the importance of building strong relationships and the new T-36 at Baytown golf course.
How has your office made an impact on the city of Baytown and Greater Houston?
Baytown is the third-largest city in Harris County, which is the largest county in Texas by population. By nature of that unique position, whatever we do will have an impact on the region. With over 75 years of history, we also have cemented our importance as a hub for business in the area, particularly oil. Industry giant Exxon Mobil is right in our backyard, with the Baytown refinery beginning operation in 1919 and the chemical plant in 1940. Baytown is hardworking, and it’s what I like to call a gold-collar place. We are blue-collar workers but with trade skills and a high level of technical expertise.
As mayor, I am essentially the ambassador for the city. I don’t take that lightly. One of the most important aspects is to foster economic development projects so the city continues to grow. One of the major projects for the city is the redevelopment of the former San Jacinto Mall site. We took a look at The Star in Frisco and other similar sites across the country to see what would work best for Baytown. We have lots of good things on the horizon when it comes to retail and entertainment. I’m also very excited about the recent opening of our Hyatt Regency & Convention Center, which features 208 top-tier hotel rooms to promote tourism to the area.
What is your assessment of the workforce in the region?
We have a strong school district in Goose Creek Consolidated ISD.They are preparing their students well for what’s next, whether they decide to go straight into the workforce, attend college, or become an entrepreneur. We also have Lee College, which has been recognized in the Top 10% of community colleges in the country by The Aspen Institute. We need that available workforce from these educational institutions so businesses continue to grow and thrive in Baytown. We also believe in taking care of that workforce. For example, we have the second-highest paid salary for law enforcement officers in the state of Texas. We recognize the importance of those who serve our community, and we reward it.
What initiatives or projects are in place to support small businesses in Baytown?
It is very easy to prioritize large-scale businesses. They garner the attention and bring in great investment. But the core of Baytown is our small businesses. We provide resources and grant funding for our local businesses to keep them running and contributing to the overall growth of the city. We consider supporting those businesses as a solid investment. Those business owners are also taxpayers, and we want to be able to give some of that money back to them.
What does the quality of life look like for Baytown residents?
We are very proud of our work/life balance in Baytown. Quality of life is important, and we want to have those things that add to them. We invest in our park and recreation system, which includes more than 50 parks and 15 miles of trails. Baytown’s waterpark, Pirates Bay, is also a main attraction for visitors and residents alike. We work hard to make the city as inviting as possible. Baytown is a great place to live, work, and play. It’s a great place to make your home.
The T-36 at Baytown golf course will be opening soon. What does the addition of this first of its kind course bring to Baytown?
Historically, the area had two golf courses that have since closed down. In 2021, conversations began about bringing golf back to south Baytown. I am proud to announce the opening of T-36 at Baytown, a one-of-a kind double-loop concept golf course. The new course will be eco-friendly, as it takes up less land while also using less water. It is also the first daily fee course in the city that is open to the public. T-36 at Baytown will also increase economic development in south Baytown.
What is the importance of building strong relationships with your counterparts in the region?
All of the relationships I have established over my two terms are important. I am the secretary for the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association Board, and all of the mayors within Harris County sit down and meet once a month. We work together and talk about the challenges and best practices. These partnerships help us get additional resources for the city. There are also a few projects and initiatives that I still want to finish up, and I will need that support if I serve a third term as mayor.
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