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“Do what’s right for the people, protect our heritage, build opportunities … and above all, keep Bastrop strong.”
— Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino, Bastrop city manager
BASTROP — City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino highlighted fiscal discipline, historic preservation and quality-of-life projects as she delivered Bastrop’s annual State of the City address last week.
Much of the Sept. 11 speech centered on balancing growth with Bastrop’s character. Carrillo- Trevino cited more than $168 million in recent investment, adding that progress is the result of collaboration by city staff.
“This is the dream team,” she said. “The number one theme this council has is protecting our historic core, protecting our residents and ensuring that growth is done appropriately, correctly and in places that serve to enhance the community.”
Preservation projects include plans to reconstruct the German Casino using hotel occupancy tax funds, the creation of a cultural district reflecting Bastrop’s African American roots, new investment at Fairview Cemetery and continued rehabilitation of the Old Iron Bridge.
Carrillo-Trevino stressed fiscal discipline as another core value. She noted that Bastrop passed a “no new revenue” tax rate and held the line on water, sewer and trash fees.
“It’s not paradise if the locals can’t afford to live there,” she said.
On quality of life, Carrillo-Trevino highlighted Bastrop’s first all-abilities park, $660,000 in improvements at Fisherman’s Park, upgrades at Fireman’s Park and Mayfest Park, enhancements at the Bark Park and $500,000 toward a new veterans memorial.
“Children in wheelchairs will be able to access every single component,” she said of the new addition.
Carrillo-Trevino also previewed new downtown and trail projects, including a potential parking garage, pedestrian access and sidewalks. She detailed ongoing infrastructure efforts and economic development targeting employers that provide durable, good-paying jobs.
Looking ahead, she unveiled Bastrop West, a proposed 400-acre mixed-use development along Texas 71. She said the project will include areas for medical facilities, a convention center, outdoor entertainment and youth fields.
Project feasibility studies are expected to be presented soon, according to officials.
Mayor Ishmael Harris, in a recorded segment, said his vision for Bastrop’s future is one where residents continue to give back and young people see opportunities to build careers locally. He said a regional hospital would be a longterm goal that could transform access to care.
“Bastrop has always been about the people,” Harris said. “Our heritage, our traditions and our blue-collar grit are the foundation of our identity. That doesn’t change just because we’re entering a new chapter. We don’t need to change Bastrop. We need to enhance it.”
To keep residents informed, Visit Bastrop will be replaced with a cityrun tourism and marketing effort called Discover Bastrop, according to Carrillo- Trevino.
“Do what’s right for the people, protect our heritage, build opportunities … and above all, keep Bastrop strong,” she said, closing her speech to applause.
