Bee Cave Mayor Announces Key Achievements and Plans for 2026

UPDATE: Bee Cave Mayor Kara King has released an urgent statement highlighting the city’s significant achievements in 2025 and outlining ambitious plans for 2026. As the year draws to a close, residents are encouraged to reflect on local successes while preparing for future developments.

In a compelling message, Mayor King emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, revealing that Bee Cave received its first-ever AAA financial bond rating. This prestigious rating signifies strong financial management, ensuring the city secures the lowest interest rates on future bonds. The city council’s successful passage of a balanced budget without raising the property tax rate—currently just 2 cents per $100 of property valuation—has positioned Bee Cave as a model for fiscal stewardship.

As the holiday shopping season ramps up, King urges residents to support local businesses. Recent reports show a 5% increase in sales tax allocation compared to last year, underscoring the health of the local economy. The opening of Trader Joe’s last month in Bee Cave exemplifies the town’s appeal to businesses and shoppers alike.

In addition to financial achievements, the city is embracing innovation. Mayor King announced several technology upgrades aimed at streamlining operations, including new software for managing meeting agendas and public records. These advancements will enhance efficiency, allowing the city to operate effectively with a smaller workforce and lower overhead costs.

In a bid to strengthen accountability, the City Council has updated the whistleblower ordinance, enhancing protections against corruption and mismanagement. This comes on the heels of a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s ethics ordinance, which went into effect in January 2025.

Looking ahead, Mayor King is eager to tackle the Capital Improvements Plan in collaboration with the City Council. A major focus will be on essential road improvements, specifically addressing congestion on Hamilton Pool Road and developing alternatives to Texas 71 and RM 620. Community feedback will be vital in guiding these infrastructure projects.

As the year concludes, King expressed gratitude for the city’s dedicated volunteers, announcing Paul Vickery as the 2025 Bee Cave Volunteer of the Year. Vickery’s commitment to organizing park cleanups and serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission embodies the community spirit that defines Bee Cave.

Residents are invited to celebrate the holiday season together, with festivities including the popular Bee Cave on Ice ice-skating rink, open daily until January 19, 2026. The rink will feature local school choir performances throughout December, reinforcing the town’s commitment to community engagement.

For the latest updates and a full list of events, residents can visit beecavetexas.gov. Mayor King concluded her message by wishing the community a joyous holiday season, highlighting the privilege of serving in such a vibrant and committed town.