Carolyn Bilski, Mayor, City of Sealy

Invest: spoke with Carolyn Bilski, mayor of the city of Sealy, about managing rapid residential growth, balancing annexation decisions, and safeguarding water and infrastructure as the city expands west of Houston. “All the taxpayers want is safe drinking water, they want a good, healthy environment to live in, and they want the best services they can get for the money,” Bilski said.

What specific changes have helped Sealy’s economic momentum, and what is driving business confidence today?

We are seeing exciting new developers coming into Sealy and into our extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The residential growth has been remarkable. We have approximately 700 homes that will be within the city limits, and the ETJ requests for annexation are significant. It is unbelievable how much interest there is, and much of that is tied to our proximity to Harris County and the city of Houston.

You can reach downtown Houston in about 45 minutes, and either airport is accessible in about the same time. Families recognize that they can have a more relaxed lifestyle while still maintaining access to major employment centers. Interstate 10 has been improved, and State Highway 36 continues to be a major asset. TxDOT is actively working with us, and we have emphasized that mobility must be addressed before large-scale growth fully materializes.

Infrastructure is another key driver of confidence. We are expanding our wastewater treatment capacity and building a new well. These are foundational investments that allow growth to occur responsibly. Beyond the basics, quality of life also matters. We used ARPA funds to build a unique splash pad at the park, upgrade playground equipment, expand parking near the ballparks, and add pickleball courts through a generous donor partnership. Walking trails and recreational improvements reinforce that Sealy remains a family-focused community.

Retail growth will follow rooftops. H-E-B owns property in Sealy, and as residential numbers rise, those retail decisions become more viable. Over the next decade, we anticipate approximately 2,000 additional rooftops, some within the ETJ. The central question becomes whether we annex those developments and extend full municipal services or allow them to remain outside the city limits. Annexation offers professional police services, trash pickup, code enforcement, and higher service standards. That decision will shape Sealy’s long-term identity.

There continues to be development along the I-10 corridor. What types of projects are you seeing most, and how are you ensuring balanced growth?

We are in a unique location at the intersection of Interstate 10 and State Highway 36, which makes us highly attractive for industrial and logistics operations. One example is Sika, which originally came to Sealy as a smaller facility and is now expanding with an investment exceeding $90 million, potentially closer to $125 million. It is a clean manufacturing operation producing materials used in roofing and membranes, and it has demonstrated a strong partnership with the city.

With that kind of growth comes increased 18-wheeler traffic and logistics demands. That is why I consistently return to transportation and congestion planning. Industrial development strengthens our tax base, but we must ensure the infrastructure supports it.

We also have Hailiang, a copper tubing manufacturer, and Hendrix, which produces quartz surfaces for cabinetry. Both companies have tax abatement agreements tied to workforce and performance benchmarks. We structure those agreements carefully so that abatements are contingent on job creation and measurable commitments. We consider ourselves strong partners, but accountability is essential.

Workforce is always a priority for developers. How are your partnerships with Sealy ISD and Blinn College supporting employers?

One of our greatest strengths is our work culture. The Czech and German heritage of this region, combined with a strong Hispanic community, has fostered a culture where people value hard work and personal responsibility. That mindset continues in the next generation.

Sealy ISD and Blinn College provide dynamic educational programs and workforce pathways. Our manufacturers host manufacturing days where top students tour facilities and learn about internal operations. That exposure connects education directly to career opportunities.

We are proud of the achievements of our students and the partnerships we have built. Maintaining that work ethic and educational alignment will be critical as we grow.

With population growth accelerating, how are you ensuring that healthcare, retail, and essential services keep pace?

Rooftops typically bring retail, but retail is evolving. Remote sales tax from online shopping has grown substantially, and consumer behavior has shifted. While I personally prefer to see and touch items before purchasing, many working families rely on online shopping. That has changed the traditional retail landscape.

We have vacancies at the former Sealy Outlet Center, where Blinn College occupies space. Our economic development team and Discover Sealy are working to attract additional tenants. A new Italian restaurant has opened there, and we believe that one successful addition can create momentum for others.

Ultimately, population growth will support more services, but we must adapt to changing retail models and focus on experiential and destination-oriented offerings.

How are you ensuring public services keep pace with development?

Last year, the City Council approved new debt for water and wastewater infrastructure, including lift stations and wastewater treatment plant improvements. We carefully track water capacity and meter counts to ensure supply aligns with demand.

Drainage is another critical concern. Sealy is relatively flat, and as development replaces open land with concrete, we must provide proper detention and retention. We are working in partnership with Austin County on drainage initiatives to ensure we do not create long-term flooding challenges.

These infrastructure investments are not always visible to residents, but they are essential to sustainable growth.

Tourism and heritage are also part of your long-term vision. How do they translate into economic impact?

Discover Sealy is actively promoting tourism, and we are fortunate to have the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site nearby. It connects directly to Texas history and draws visitors traveling between major historic destinations.

We also offer a more relaxed weekend experience. Families can visit parks, explore antique shops, and attend community events. The Sealy Lions Club hosts monthly dances at the American Legion Hall featuring country western music, polkas, and waltzes. These traditions reinforce community identity and create modest but meaningful economic activity.

Tourism in Sealy is not about scale. It is about authenticity and quality of life.

Looking ahead three to five years, what are your top priorities to ensure Sealy continues to grow while protecting its character?

Downtown revitalization is a priority. We want to continue to attract entertainment-focused retail and create prosperity without losing our identity. We must also remain focused on water. Across Texas, water supply, well drilling, and subsidence are significant issues. We are not currently in a subsidence district, but as additional wells are drilled, we anticipate increased scrutiny and regulatory considerations.

Drainage and wastewater capacity will remain top priorities. All the taxpayers want is safe drinking water, they want a good, healthy environment to live in, and they want the best services they can get for the money. If we deliver that, residents are willing to invest in their community.

If the city can continue to provide law enforcement, public safety, and the core services people expect, we will score high as families and employers look west of Houston.

Are there any emerging challenges that concern you?

Data centers and battery storage facilities are emerging nationwide, and Texas has ample land. These facilities require substantial water and electrical capacity. Communities must carefully evaluate long-term impacts before approving large-scale projects.

There is also an element of uncertainty. We know some of what these facilities require, but there is still a lot we do not know about longer-term demands on local systems. We are watching what neighboring counties and cities are doing and studying how they are handling these proposals.

Over time, I believe the technology will become more efficient and less of a drain on local resources. But until that is proven, residents and taxpayers are understandably cautious.

Sealy is at a crossroads. We can remain small and distinctive, or we can thoughtfully expand and extend services to new developments. Our responsibility is to evaluate every decision in terms of long-term sustainability, infrastructure capacity, and quality of life. If we do that well, Sealy will continue to serve as a strategic and attractive gateway west of Houston.