Why Major Infrastructure Keeps Fueling WilCo Expansion

I hope you’re enjoying what we’re putting together each week for WilCo Grind. We’re still figuring a lot of things out on the back end, systems and processes and all that.

Hoping we’ll get a lot of that streamlined in the next couple weeks. And once we do, my goal is to start hosting in person events in WilCo.

And really anything else you’re all looking for. Take this poll and let me know, so I can work on prioritizing which events we’ll do first. Or feel free to reply to this email, it goes directly to me.

Appreciate you all for being with me at the beginning of this journey!

-TJ Larkin

Opening Hype: Three fast-growing Williamson County cities just reached a milestone development in securing their water future, with two additional 11-foot-wide tunnels just completed beneath Lake Travis.

The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority confirmed all underground work is finished on its new $225 million water delivery system, including twin tunnels running under the lake for Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock.

Why It Matters: Right now, the cities are relying on floating barges in Sandy Creek Cove that nearly bottomed out during extreme droughts. Once the system is fully operational in 2027, it will pump 145 million gallons daily from deep below Lake Travis, helping stabilize supply during extreme drought conditions.

Bigger picture: Round Rock alone gets an additional 40.8 million gallons daily, enough capacity to support growth for the next 30 to 40 years. Regional partnerships like BCRUA are becoming the blueprint as Williamson County explores its $500K water study to secure long-term supply across the county.

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Want your job featured? Reply to this email and give us the info and link!

New Concept Alert: Asian-Style Claw Arcade Opens in Cedar Park

Claw Haven launched in Cedar Park this month, a locally owned take on the Asian arcade format that's been crushing it in California and other metros. Instead of traditional ticket-redemption arcades, this model is all claw machines: plushies, blind boxes, anime figures, trading cards. One token per play, trade-up reward system, staff that actually helps you win.

Why it matters for business owners:

Bottom line: Watch the foot traffic. If it sticks, expect more Asian arcade formats to pop up across Texas metros.

Yes, AI is moving so fast that last week’s edition of WilCo Grind is already out of date.

I talked about how Claude Code has completely changed how work will be done in the future. And while true, it still had a slight barrier to entry in terms of having to use a terminal.

Well, that changed last week when Anthropic announced Claude CoWork, basically Claude Code with a much cleaner interface that isn’t scary for non-technical people.

This is something everyone reading this needs to be digging into, because it 100% will change your business or career. For the better, if you get on it.

If this is something you’d like to learn about at an in person event in Round Rock or Leander areas, let me know. Can try to put something together in the next few weeks.

Georgetown is entering a new growth phase as major projects continue with state filings, positioning 2026 as a primary construction year. In 2025, developers, public agencies and Georgetown ISD submitted hundreds of projects for licensing and regulation, starting with new schools, civic facilities and large investments reflecting the city’s quick growth and expansion.

The largest project is Georgetown ISD High School No. 4, a $356 million campus designed for 2,200 students in 2028. Commercial and community development is also advancing, including a $74 million office conversion on Aviation Drive and plans for Georgetown’s first fully equipped YMCA, a $35 million, 53,000-square-foot facility in Northwest Georgetown.

Development Selling Point: The construction projects match long-term public needs with near-term economic impact. Pegatron’s Blue Springs facility brings at least $35 million in investment and 100 jobs by 2026, while new school and recreation projects strengthen workforce growth and quality of life.

Infrastructure Strategy: The $21.17 million Shell Road expansion widens a 1.1-mile corridor into a four-lane arterial with pedestrian and bike access. Running from 2025–27, the expansion project boosts east–west mobility as new schools, nearby offices and employers gear up for expansion.

Ashley Cappa is the founder and designer behind Charlotte’s Cove, a Leander-based, coastal-inspired jewelry brand rooted in emotion and wearability. Her jewelry brand centers on pieces that feel like small escapes, reminders of warmth, elegance, and beauty.

From Etsy to Founder:
“Charlotte’s Cove started quietly. I launched my first Etsy shop in 2014 and had been designing jewelry since I was young. I was always drawn to pieces that made me feel grounded. When I couldn’t find that feeling in jewelry, I decided to create it myself. Charlotte’s Cove officially launched in 2021, built around feeling something meaningful when getting dressed.”

Early Business Pressure:
“In the beginning, I was experimenting and learning. Friends and family pushed me to try pop-ups, which forced me to figure out everything at once - from presenting the jewelry brand to actually selling. Each pop-up showed me what wasn’t working, and that discomfort led to growth and clarity.”

Lesson Learned the Hard Way:
“I learned not to rush decisions just to feel ‘legit’ or keep up. Growth without alignment creates stress, not momentum. Sales are hard, and no one’s coming to rescue you - you have to be willing to learn, stretch, and grow alongside the business. Slowing down, and committing led me to better outcomes.”

Why Williamson County:
“Williamson County offers a rare balance of growth and community. People here value quality, relationships, and intention, and there’s a sense of pride in supporting local businesses. It feels collaborative instead of competitive, a home where personal brands can grow sustainably, not just quickly.”

Strong Business Belief:
“Business is really hard, but personal clarity and alignment makes it worth it. When you stay organized, and build everything from intention rather than pressure of catching up, the work feels more sustainable and meaningful.”

To learn more about Charlotte’s Cove or connect with Ashley, visit charlottescove.com.

For Sale: Hill Country estate where refined luxury meets comfort within the prestigious enclaves of Gabriel’s Grove. Built in 2012, this residence unfolds across rolling acreage with vaulted, beamed ceilings, elegant crown molding, and grandeur sunlit interiors. From the welcoming fireplace anchoring the living room to the resort-inspired backyard, every detail is designed for elevated everyday living.

Includes: 1.63 acres, 7,195 square feet with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, vaulted living room with fireplace, chef’s kitchen with large island and high-end appliances, spa-like baths, resort-style pool with in-ground hot tub and fire pit, outdoor dining patio, circular driveway, four-car garage, and scenic views.

Price: $2,500,000. A crown jewel indeed, where lifestyle breathes luxury.

🥗 BXN Cedar Park / Leander Networking Luncheon | Red Horn Brewery | Leander | 01/20 | More
Midday connections with professionals in a relationship-driven setting.

☕ Coffee with the President | Chamber of Commerce | Leander | 01/20 | More
Relaxed conversation for members to connect, and build relationships.

🏛️ LEAD Hutto 2026 | Courthouse | Georgetown | 01/21 | More
Behind-the-scenes look at courthouse insights and civic leadership focus.

🍕 Product Happy Hour: North | Pinthouse Pizza | Round Rock | 01/22 | More
Casual drinks and talks with local product minds and startup builders.

🤝 NIA Round Rock – Networking with Purpose | Whiskey Cake | Round Rock | 01/22 | More
Intentional conversations with accountable and collaborative professionals.

🥂 2026 Toast of Pflugerville | Courtyard Marriott | Pflugerville | 01/22 | More
Celebratory night of awards, philanthropy, and meaningful connections.

✨ Hutto Chamber Gala 2026 | Embassy Suites | Round Rock | 01/24 | More
An evening honoring business legacy, leadership, and community impact.

🤝 WilCo Networking | Santiago’s Tex-Mex & Cantina | Round Rock | 01/27 | More
Build meaningful connections over community-driven business initiatives.

Thanks for reading our newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

See you around!