[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6595521,"mediaKeyId","3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b","parentId",3032449,"title","Candidates stress infrastructure, traffic relief and small-business support as League City grows","audioSeconds",2040,"startMs",2305000,"endMs",4345000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b&start=2305&end=4345","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b/thumbnail_2305000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595521/League-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Candidates-stress-infrastructure-traffic-relief-and-small-business-support-as-League-City-grows","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595521-f576b4726870449ab8027ac2c29dec90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=aIHyHXD-8LmMRGoLbpTrHV2V9tZKAqi3vcCaXesfT3t484UdTvhWibKWcjS~2EOtS~BoE7JXhnpwBw4YbuqCywdb~9I9AS4UoXDv7oPSmQve3gUAckgBGzH9pb82qQ-2hcazJVxYf3qQ7vMdKZptXprC2Q5iMIL0SmVVa6yH7AUqsswXYDWaGmFBc8kRVDDCX8504fiOsPp14XAfvRM1qTy0Q~ZZwVkYADsMbW23Ouzpq~ClfHNB2K1rv1cay5eta0BNP1eoX~izrss2Cn0alXqk3CdKq4WrnWndIdj~2pBeXyYTpGOxSxI2S5mAjHNPLFbC~qwLK6Lv1XCZB7QZtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","League City","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","League City City Council candidates used a forum to frame growth as a package of infrastructure, public-safety and economic questions — and offered differing ideas on how to manage traffic, drainage, staffing and small-business support.

Why it matters: Rapid growth raises calls for new roads, upgraded drainage and more public-safety capacity. How the city pays for those needs — through impact fees, bonds, enterprise-rate increases or general revenues — will shape tax and rate pressures for residents.

Traffic and drainage: Multiple candidates said traffic congestion is a top concern. Scott Higginbotham said traffic on routes to the West Side can make local trips long and urged better coordination with TxDOT and neighboring municipalities. Kirsten Garcia and others highlighted infrastructure costs tied to water and wastewater systems and referenced planned water-rate increases to fund capital improvements. Candidates noted drainage work continues from prior drainage bonds and that West-side buildout must be matched with drainage and mobility planning.

Public safety and city services: Lisa Welty stressed ensuring police, fire and EMS resources keep pace with growth; she said League City's volunteer fire department provides significant cost savings and must be supported. Higginbotham argued the city must \"attract and retain the best police officers\" and protect volunteer services because converting to a fully paid department would significantly increase cost to the city.

Economic vitality and small businesses: Candidates urged measures to support local businesses. Lisa Welty and others highlighted showcasing small businesses through events and Chamber partnerships. Kirsten Garcia suggested the city explore procurement programs and grant-seeking to help small firms win city contracts and meet code standards. Scott Higginbotham urged clear, streamlined processes for business entry and cautioned against excessive tax-incentive giveaways.

Funding and fiscal tools: Several candidates argued development should pay appropriate impact fees or capital-recovery charges so residents do not shoulder infrastructure costs. Higginbotham cited his work raising impact fees to relieve resident burden; others focused on balancing residential and commercial growth to broaden the tax base.

Quoted from the forum: \"Let's gauge citizen impact a little better before we start to lay out certain projects,\" Higginbotham said, calling for earlier impact analysis. \"We need more shopping centers and more restaurants on the West Side,\" one speaker said as an example of desired commercial growth to create local jobs and revenue.

Next steps and implications: Candidates said a combination of planning, clear permitting processes, targeted incentives and careful use of impact fees will be needed if League City is to maintain services and keep costs manageable for existing residents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","League City - City Council Candidate Election Forum - Apr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a League City forum candidates emphasized managing growth's effects on traffic, drainage and public safety, and discussed policies to support local small businesses and broaden the tax base.","taxTitle","League City, Galveston County, Texas","taxId",2795,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595525,"Candidates debate West Side (Westlake) master plan: tax mix, green space and infrastructure concerns",475,1591000,2066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b&start=1591&end=2066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b/thumbnail_1591000.jpg","/articles/6595525/League-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Candidates-debate-West-Side-Westlake-master-plan-tax-mix-green-space-and-infrastructure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595525-4dd86fc231ec69996ed618a1ade292d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=N7rMHVIwOG0S8wkuFfbwCE4IvRMqzm0SiTDRu1hyxlMl7iZ8QHMvpp6~9AVgiC0OOJ9BS-t~ZxiXm9jB8weIni-wZZ96YvFqCR9v8ULcJJa9Bmr7dnXgDpX8WmXAIrAeNuyTxcXT1znTSCa7wWJSKaLEYM3~obwLwoZcHT0s1paEhrAJM0SV7QUjQeyRXvm0Oi8ABGS34Cwdty7F2H45kmnUwLKDcfSOIiVDUwecXzxNEjwuc6EQF01rTwasAKICX7IrnkHIhr1QyLss45TPcqwnrAqVdX1L~g1Y0X7TavXCqr8J7f3xhu8DohHifpWMgEfnzY2CfLkYnPuZKj1nxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","League City council candidates discussed the West Side master development plan (sometimes called Westlake in forum remarks) at length during a Chamber-hosted candidate forum, weighing trade-offs in land use, tax base composition, green-space preservation and infrastructure costs.

Why it matters: The West-side plan will shape where homes and businesses are sited and how the city pays for roads, drainage and utilities as buildout proceeds. Candidates said decisions about the plan will affect League City's character and its fiscal sustainability for decades.

The moderator asked candidates how they would address concerns about implementing the West-side master plan. Charlie Keeler said the city should \"use the template that we have here on the East Side\" and ensure infrastructure — including road right-of-ways, water lines and pump stations — match future needs. Lisa Welty said she looked up the property and told the forum it is privately owned; she said \"it's 4,000 acres\" and recommended mixed growth with business recruitment near the Grand Parkway to help expand the commercial tax base.

Kirsten Garcia described the existing tax mix and planning goals: she said \"the tax base in League City is about 80% residential and 20% commercial\" and that a previously established council goal sought a 60/40 split. Garcia said plan options under consideration would change the ratio but still leave residential in the majority; she said one preferred option aimed at a more walkable, mixed-use development with preserved green space. Garcia also urged careful attention to drainage and mobility.

Scott Higginbotham said League City has a \"one shot to nail this\" and argued developers should pay appropriate capital-recovery and impact fees so growth does not unduly burden residents. He supported mixed commercial uses that could broaden the tax base and said his role on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Capital Improvement Advisory Committee informs his view that development should pay its infrastructure costs.

What candidates agree on: all five said the West Side requires deliberate planning. Several favor balanced, mixed-use development with green space; several raised concerns about ensuring utilities, drainage and roads are sized and funded to serve new neighborhoods. Candidates also stressed that the city's decisions on layout, infrastructure standards and impact fees will determine whether residents bear new costs.

Disagreements and uncertainties in the forum: candidates cited different acreage figures and tax-split numbers during discussion. Lisa Welty told the audience the property is \"4,000 acres\" and privately owned. In contrast, a forum remark referenced a larger figure when summarizing the plan's scope, which candidates described in different terms; candidates also differed on which plan option they preferred and the balance between commercial and residential uses.

Next steps: Candidates said the council and advisory bodies will review plan materials and make recommendations on detailed zoning, infrastructure standards and required developer contributions if elected.

Quoted from the forum: \"A single city council member by themselves really can't do anything,\" said Kirsten Garcia, arguing for collaborative planning across council. \"Let's let development pay for itself in League City,\" said Scott Higginbotham, calling for higher impact fees and developer-funded infrastructure where appropriate.","At a League City candidate forum, contenders discussed the West Side (Westlake) master development plan, debating tax-base balance, parkland, infrastructure needs and how to guide private development to limit costs to residents.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6595530,"Five candidates outline priorities at League City council forum ahead of May special election",5144,2000,5146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b&start=2&end=5146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032449-18a3d80e963da0ff939c618aba9f6e5b/thumbnail_2000.jpg","/articles/6595530/League-City/Galveston-County/Texas/Five-candidates-outline-priorities-at-League-City-council-forum-ahead-of-May-special-election","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595530-24241ad65b3d69d898809187896cc374/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=KN3MpsDclTqOxpIYYV4hW3jVZjqHVjypnaOuZKqPI57np72uSZPg2ZKq9aq29IKbG5YKzBCD3-hQhzXuhWn~iRpXUQ-DJQY-3JTDwW09V8rVn2YlmP-3HgOv8KA7lptg0D~8AC4c5FJ3lkQwO4wHHY0d~K7vJF0bx6ZxkzirKx5f1C-7FqxZw98fRJbjqNBVMKmitXFgsQuUaARKpCkPMuCwdOUjfUeioCjwRx2VIOE9kkgYnth4D0UdO75NBHXg3gSTRamxXlNSbxR8GeQdN4WUMfEAwOl8rvsPdgHVrjH57wwx6OmSFDpjf0pzrH49XhhxoyKVqc8N6ejwclU6Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Five candidates seeking a League City City Council seat laid out their backgrounds and top priorities at a candidate forum hosted by the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce on April 15.

The forum, moderated by Duena Boswell O'Shell of the Boswell Law Firm and livestreamed by Clear Life Media, featured opening statements from Erin Avalos, Kirsten Garcia, Scott Higginbotham, Charlie Keeler and Lisa Welty. Each candidate emphasized responsiveness to residents while offering different emphases: fiscal restraint and process (Scott Higginbotham), community outreach and balanced West-side development (Kirsten Garcia), public-safety and infrastructure basics (Lisa Welty), accessibility and constituent listening (Erin Avalos), and local business and community involvement (Charlie Keeler).

Why it matters: The candidates will shape decisions about development, infrastructure, public safety and the city budget. Early voting begins April 22 and runs through April 29; election day is May 3, the moderator reminded attendees.

Several candidates said the council's most important duties are fiscal oversight and long-term planning. Scott Higginbotham described the council as \"the board of directors for the city,\" noting the municipal budget is \"around $380,000,000 next year.\" Kirsten Garcia said a council member must work \"as part of a team\" and be available to a broad cross-section of residents. Lisa Welty emphasized basic services, saying public safety and reliable city services must come first. Erin Avalos and Charlie Keeler stressed accessibility and constituent service, with Avalos urging more resident feedback via surveys and in-person outreach.

Candidates also summarized their relevant experience. Higginbotham highlighted service on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee and the Ethics Review Board and cited business ownership as preparation for budget oversight. Garcia cited classroom teaching and service on the League City library board and homeowners association; Welty cited nursing administration and volunteer leadership; Avalos described management experience and volunteer sports involvement; Keeler described construction and local sports-organization volunteer work.

During the forum the candidates answered a range of questions about growth, the West-side master development plan, infrastructure and citizen engagement. They frequently described the need to balance residential growth with commercial tax base expansion, to maintain public safety resources and to improve two-way communication so underrepresented residents feel heard.

The forum was organized by the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce and opened with an invocation by Pastor Rob Bailey. The moderator and forum organizers urged attendees to vote in the special election, reminding the public that early voting starts April 22 and the election is May 3.","Five candidates for a special-election League City City Council seat presented backgrounds and competing priorities at a Chamber-hosted forum, highlighting growth management, public safety, fiscal responsibility and improved communication with residents. Early voting runs April 22–29 and election day is May 3.","actionData","errors"]

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Candidates stress infrastructure, traffic relief and small-business support as League City grows

Candidates debate West Side (Westlake) master plan: tax mix, green space and infrastructure concerns

Five candidates outline priorities at League City council forum ahead of May special election