2026 Innovation Exploration Itinerary

Home base for the tour, the Embassy Suites in San Marcos reflects the region's robust hospitality sector — a direct product of Hays County's explosive population growth and the economic activity generated by Texas State University and the broader I-35 corridor.

Zelick's Icehouse is a local entrepreneurial success story — founded by brothers Chase and Seth Katz, who lived and worked in San Marcos before launching their first business here. Built on the site of a 1930s gas station, Zelick's exemplifies the kind of locally owned small business growth that anchors San Marcos's vibrant downtown economy and keeps dollars circulating within the community.

Texas State University — with over 38,000 students — is the economic heartbeat of Hays County. UFCU Stadium and game days alone generate millions in local spending annually, supporting hotels, restaurants, and retail across the region. TXST's growing research enterprise, its emerging university designation, and its workforce pipeline make it a cornerstone of regional economic competitiveness. The university recently broke ground on a $37M Football Performance Center, signaling continued investment in the region.

Depart from our home base for a full day of regional site visits — spanning utilities, aerospace, and workforce infrastructure across Hays and Caldwell Counties.

A deep dive into the two-county region through an immersive virtual tour and introductions to key economic development partners. Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., and this session puts that growth story in context — covering available sites, infrastructure, workforce pipelines, and the public-private partnerships driving sustainable expansion along the I-35 corridor.

San Marcos Regional Airport, managed by Texas Aviation Partners since 2010, is the city's largest parcel of developable land at nearly 1,400 acres. Designated a national asset by the FAA, it serves as a reliever airport for both Austin-Bergstrom and San Antonio International. In early 2026, the City of San Marcos acquired an additional 170 acres of federal land to support future business recruitment and job creation — making the airport a centerpiece of long-term regional economic strategy. Utility capacity tied to the airport is central to the region's pitch to large industrial and advanced manufacturing prospects.

X-Bow Systems is a landmark economic development win for Caldwell County. After a nationwide site search, the advanced defense manufacturer chose Luling for its $25M solid rocket motor campus — built on the footprint of the former Carter Memorial Airport. The project brought dozens of high-tech jobs and signals a broader diversification of Caldwell County's economy beyond its oil and agriculture roots. X-Bow also has a cooperative research agreement with Texas State University, creating a direct industry-to-academia connection that strengthens the regional talent pipeline.

Downtown Lockhart is in the midst of a nationally recognized renaissance. A $10.2M Downtown Revitalization Project — focused on a nine-block area around the historic Caldwell County Courthouse — is transforming infrastructure, streetscapes, and business conditions. The arrival of new restaurants, bars, and entrepreneurs alongside longtime staples reflects Lockhart's broader appeal: affordable land, a growing labor force, and a community identity that Texas Monthly called a "creative renaissance." The rooftop reception offers a bird's-eye view of that transformation in action.

Return to San Marcos to close out a full day of regional exploration spanning aerospace, aviation infrastructure, and downtown revitalization across both counties.

The final day of the FAM Tour focuses on workforce infrastructure and site readiness — heading north to Kyle, one of Hays County's fastest-growing cities.

ACC Hays Campus remains a critical workforce engine for the region. It enrolls approximately 1,700 students in career-ready and transfer programs, and is home to ACC's only First Responder Training Center — featuring an emergency vehicle operations track and an indoor tactical firing range. Its "Bats to Cats" pathway enables seamless transfer to Texas State University. An ongoing expansion funded through ACC's $770M bond is adding healthcare and advanced manufacturing capacity to meet surging employer demand from companies like Tesla and Samsung that have fueled a 20% jump in Central Texas advanced manufacturing job postings.

MudBugs — A Cajun Joint is a thriving locally owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Buda, one of the region's most dynamic small cities. Located in the Buda Mill & Grain development on South Main Street, it represents the kind of entrepreneurial dining and retail investment flourishing as Buda grows into a sought-after destination. The tour wraps up here over lunch — a fitting close in a community where independent business, local character, and rapid economic growth are converging.

Depart through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport — a gateway that has grown alongside the region, serving one of the most economically dynamic metro areas in the country. The Hays-Caldwell corridor's proximity to AUS is itself a key competitive advantage for business attraction.