Leander Mayor To Deliver His Last 'State Of The City' Address

LEANDER, TX — Come election day, you won't see Leander Mayor Chris Fielder on the ballot. That's because the city leader has opted not to run for reelection this year, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

"It has been an honor to serve the people of Leander as mayor for the past six years," Fielder said in a previous prepared statement. "This has been one of the greatest things I have ever done, and so many people have supported me throughout this journey."

Fielder is set to depart after many years of public service, including as Place 5 city council member in 2007 and mayor since 2012. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his imminent departure, and said he welcomes the idea of allowing the next mayor with different ideas to build on the progress of the city thus far.

"I think it's just time for me to step away," Fielder said. "We have some of the best city staff in Texas, and they deserve much of the credit for Leander's success. I know the next mayor will be in good hands."

Fielder has shepherded the city during a time of brisk growth. For context, city officials contrasted the dynamics of the city in 2012 when Fielder was first elected compared to the present day. Since the time Fielder took the city reins, the population has grown by more than 25,000 residents, city officials noted.

Since Fielder took office as mayor, Leander has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation while maintaining its status as one of the safest and top-rated places to raise a family in Texas. City statistics show significant changes to Leander’s population, land area and budget during Fielder’s time in office, as city officials outlined.

2018

• Population: 55,910
• Land area: 36.79 square miles
• Operating budget: $35,581,585
• Tax rate: 57.7867 cents per $100 valuation
• Bond rating: Aa2 (Moody’s(link is external)), AA (S&P(link is external))

2012

• Population: 30,437
• Land area: 22.82 square miles
• Operating budget: $16,104,791
• Tax rate: 67.042 cents per $100 valuation
• Bond rating: Aa3 (Moody’s(link is external)), A+ (S&P(link is external))

Fielder counted among his proudest achievements as an elected official the help he provided to adopt local property tax rate reductions in each of the last six years, obtaining voter approval for all of the city’s 2016 general bond election propositions, improving local government transparency, overseeing the city’s largest-ever capital project in the widening of Hero Way West, and initiating the development of Veterans Park.

City Manager Kent Cagle proved a strong Fielder ally after being hired shortly before Fielder was elected mayor, officials noted. The two quickly developed a strong working relationship, as Cagle described in a prepared statement.

"It has been a great pleasure working with Mayor Fielder," Cagle said. "He is one of those rare people that can make a difficult job look easy. The public did not see his countless hours of studying, talking to various interest groups and forging consensus on big policy issues. Mayor Fielder leaves Leander in much better shape than he found it. He will be missed."

Fielder's civic service doesn't end with the mayor's post. While in office, he has served in leadership roles with the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center and Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center, as well as membership roles in the U.S. Conference of Mayors and other municipality advocacy groups, city officials said.

Beyond his elected duties, Fielder owns and operates a small business in Leander and lives with his wife MaShon and two children, Hailey and Christian. He is a member of the Norton Moses Masonic Lodge, Austin Scottish Rite Theater, and Hill Country Bible Church Leander.

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Fielder is scheduled to deliver his final mayoral "State of the City" address during a reception hosted by the Leander Chamber of Commerce. The reception leading up to the mayor's final address is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hill Country Bible Church Leander, 11880 Old 2243 W., Suite 600. For more details, click here.

>>> Photo of Mayor Chris Fielder via City of Leander