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