Buda Bond Project: Where Trust Took Root 

When the City of Buda passed an $89 million bond in 2021 to improve roads, parks, and public spaces, they weren’t just looking for consultants. They were looking for partners—people who would work alongside them, as if they were part of the city staff. 

That’s where WSB came in. And for us, this was more than a project. It was a defining moment. 

Breaking Through in Texas 

After five years of trying to gain traction within the municipal market in Texas, Buda was the first city to fully embrace WSB as a full-service design and consulting firm – trusting us to lead a large-scale project for their community. It gave us credibility in a new market, momentum across Central Texas, and the confidence to know—we belong here. Winning Buda required us to be innovative and take risks in how we presented ourselves. By leveraging years of municipal experience from Minnesota and developing a custom technology platform tailored to their needs, we showed Buda we were committed partners. When the city manager asked if we would be involved from start to finish, our answer was clear, “This is what we live for.” That dedication, combined with genuine advocacy and connection, made all the difference. 

“Starting out as the only WSB staff member in Texas—and coming in from out of state—meant I had to work twice as hard just to get people to know who we were and what we stood for. Building trust wasn’t instant; it took persistence, a lot of conversations, and showing we were here for the long haul,” said Jay Kennedy, Vice President of Municipal. “Winning the Buda work was a breakthrough. Suddenly, we weren’t just a new face anymore—we were a trusted partner. That credibility opened doors all across Central Texas and laid the foundation for real, lasting community partnerships.” 

A Partnership Beyond the Project 

WSB helped manage the bond program from the inside out: tracking financials, guiding public outreach, supporting city council presentations, and integrating with staff through daily conversations and custom-built technology. But what made this work special wasn’t the tools or tasks. It was the people. 

“We truly care about the City of Buda employees and residents,” said Senior Project Manager Angellia Points. “It’s not just about delivering projects. We advocate for Buda because we know how much they care about their city.” 

That mutual respect turned into trust—and that trust became the foundation for long-term partnership. 

Shaping a Community and Ourselves 

The Buda Bond Program didn’t just shape a community. It helped shaped WSB’s expansion efforts. It proved that we could grow in Texas by leading with heart, building relationships, and showing up every day as more than just engineers.