In this episode of The Building Texas Show’s Mayoral Series, host Justin McKenzie travels to Alpine, Texas, to sit down with Mayor Catherine Eaves for a candid and substantive conversation about rural governance, emergency medical services reform, tourism growth, civic engagement, and the future of Far West Texas.

Alpine serves as the gateway to Big Bend National Park and is positioning itself as the “Dark Sky Capital of Texas.” But beyond tourism, the city is facing real-world challenges—most notably the potential loss of its third-party EMS provider and the economic realities rural communities face in delivering essential services.

Mayor Eaves, a former science educator and dual-credit professor with Lone Star College, brings a unique civic lens to leadership. From launching City Government 101 courses to forming a monthly leadership huddle with Brewster County, Alpine ISD, and Sul Ross State University, this episode highlights a replicable model of rural collaboration.

Topics Covered:

• The EMS crisis facing rural Texas communities

• How Alpine is responding to ground ambulance challenges

• The role of interlocal agreements in rural governance

• Tourism strategy and historic downtown designation

• Big Bend visitor economy impact

• Dark sky tourism and branding

• Sul Ross State University’s role in workforce development

• Civic education and public engagement

If you're interested in rural economic development, Texas leadership, or the real mechanics of city government, this is a must-watch episode.

Visit Alpine Texas: https://visitalpinetexas.com

Learn more about The Building Texas Show: https://www.buildingtexasshow.com

Bastrop, Texas is one of the fastest-growing small cities in the state.

Mayor Ishmael Harris joins The Building Texas Show to explain how Bastrop,‪@btxntvonline‬, is balancing explosive growth, global investment, and small-town heritage.

In this episode of ‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬ host Justin McKenzie sits down with Ishmael Harris, Mayor of Bastrop, as part of our statewide Texas Mayor Interview Series.

Bastrop has added thousands of residents in just a few years and is now home to major global employers—putting new pressure on infrastructure, housing, schools, and community identity. Mayor Harris, a Bastrop native and former Planning & Zoning Chair, shares how the city is navigating rapid growth while planning for the next generation.

In this episode, we discuss:

Bastrop’s population growth and regional impact

Corporate responsibility in rural Texas communities

Preserving heritage while welcoming new residents

Downtown revitalization and major community events

Workforce development, schools, and STEM programs

The need for regional infrastructure, including healthcare

A long-term vision for Bastrop heading into 2026 and beyond

This conversation offers a grounded, on-the-ground look at leadership in a fast-changing Texas city—and what it takes to build a future that works for both longtime residents and newcomers.

The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most misunderstood — and fastest-growing — regions in Texas.

In this episode of ‪The Building Texas Show‬, host Justin McKenzie sits down with the City of Edinburg‬ Mayor Omar Ochoa to explore why Edinburg is emerging as a major economic hub for South Texas, how regional collaboration is reshaping the Valley’s future, and why businesses, engineers, and families are choosing to stay.

From cross-border trade and infrastructure growth to quality of life, festivals, and greenfield development opportunities, this conversation breaks down what’s really happening in the Rio Grande Valley — and why the rest of Texas should be paying attention.

If you are thinking about Texas growth, economic development, infrastructure, or the future of regional cities, this episode is for you. How many things in your house came from the RGV?

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