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Hays County Infrastructure Development Initiative Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On November 18, 2025, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the issuance of Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation (COs) not to exceed $100 million. This funding is designated for the development and improvement of critical public infrastructure, including administrative buildings and animal shelter facilities. The initiative represents a strategic investment in the county’s future, directly addressing the needs of a growing population and aligning with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Scope and Objectives

The resolution outlines several key projects aimed at enhancing public service delivery, operational efficiency, and community well-being. These projects are foundational to building resilient and sustainable community infrastructure.

• Eastside Campus: Construction and development of a new County administration building, including necessary land acquisition and utility infrastructure.
• Animal Shelter Facilities: Acquisition, construction, and renovation of animal shelter facilities to improve animal welfare and community services, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Hays County Government Center Remodel: Significant remodeling and upgrading of the existing government center to create a modern, efficient, and accessible public service hub.
• Precinct 4 Office Building: Development of a new office building to better serve residents within Precinct 4.
• Precinct 5 Office Building: Development of a new office building to meet the service demands in Precinct 5.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This infrastructure initiative is fundamentally linked to achieving long-term sustainability and resilience for the community. The projects strongly support the following SDGs:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The core of the initiative is to build and upgrade resilient public infrastructure. By modernizing government facilities and constructing new, purpose-built structures, the county is fostering sustainable development and enhancing its capacity to serve the community effectively.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The projects are designed to make Hays County’s public services more inclusive, safe, and accessible. Improving government centers and animal shelters directly contributes to creating a well-managed, sustainable community capable of meeting the demands of population growth.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By investing in its physical government infrastructure, Hays County is strengthening its public institutions. Modern, efficient, and accessible facilities are crucial for effective, accountable, and transparent governance, ensuring that the county can deliver essential services to all residents.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The specific allocation of funds for acquiring, constructing, and upgrading animal shelter facilities demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare, which is an integral part of protecting local ecosystems and promoting humane treatment of living creatures.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The construction, renovation, and equipping of these facilities will stimulate local economic activity and support job creation, contributing to sustained and inclusive economic growth within the county.

Financial Implications

The total funding for these projects will not exceed $100 million. To service the debt incurred by the COs, the County estimates a necessary tax rate levy of $0.0102 per $100 of assessed property value. This represents a long-term financial investment in the county’s operational capacity and its commitment to sustainable development.

Procedural Timeline

The approval of the resolution marks the first phase of the project. The subsequent steps are scheduled as follows:

1. Issuance of public notices regarding the intent to issue COs.
2. Commencement of the bond rating process.
3. Approval of a delegation order to sell the COs at the Commissioners Court meeting scheduled for January 20.
4. Anticipated receipt of funds in early February to commence project activities.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article is fundamentally about investing in public infrastructure. The approval of a $100 million Certificate of Obligation is for constructing, remodeling, and upgrading county administrative buildings and an animal shelter, which are essential physical infrastructures for a community.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The initiative is a direct response to population growth in Hays County. The article states, “As our county grows, so does the demand on our facilities.” The projects are designed to manage this growth sustainably by ensuring public services and infrastructure can meet the needs of the community, making the county more resilient and inclusive.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The stated purpose of the infrastructure projects is to create a “more responsive, accessible and prepared county government.” By improving government buildings, the county aims to “strengthen our operations,” “work more efficiently,” and “deliver better services,” which are all key aspects of developing effective and accountable institutions at the local level.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The article specifically mentions the allocation of funds for “Acquiring, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing animal shelter facilities.” This investment in “long-needed upgrades” directly supports animal welfare and the protection of animal life within the community, aligning with the broader principles of this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.” The construction of new administrative buildings (Eastside Campus, Precinct offices) and the remodeling of the Government Center are direct actions to develop quality public infrastructure. The goal is to create “safe, modern and equipped” spaces to improve residents’ access to county services, thereby supporting human well-being.
• Target 11.3: “By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.” The county’s plan to upgrade its facilities is a clear example of sustainable settlement management in response to population growth. Commissioner Cohen’s statement that these upgrades will help “meet families where they are today and in the years ahead” demonstrates a forward-looking approach to managing urbanization.
• Target 16.6: “Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.” The projects are explicitly intended to improve the functioning of the local government. Commissioner Ingalsbe notes that updated infrastructure “helps us deliver better services, reduces operational inefficiencies and ultimately saves taxpayer dollars over time,” which are all outcomes of developing more effective institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: The total financial investment in infrastructure is a key indicator. The article explicitly states the county intends to issue Certificates of Obligation “not to exceed $100 million” for these infrastructure projects. This figure serves as a direct measure of the financial commitment to developing quality public infrastructure.
• Implied Indicator for Target 16.6: While not a formal UN indicator, the article implies a goal of improving public satisfaction with government services. Commissioner Cohen states the importance of spaces reflecting “the level of service our community expects.” Progress could be measured by tracking public satisfaction with the accessibility and quality of services delivered in the new and renovated facilities, which relates to the official indicator 16.6.2 (Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services).
• Implied Indicator for SDG 15: The allocation of resources towards animal protection is an implied indicator. The inclusion of “animal shelter facilities” within the $100 million funding package is a measurable commitment to improving animal welfare in the county. The completion of new or upgraded shelters would be a tangible outcome.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: hayscountytx.gov