The highlights included the city’s partnership with Dyess Air Force Base and Abilene's economic turnaround. Williams gave credit for that success to the Development Corporation of Abilene, which is funded by a half-cent of the city’s sales tax, “In the last 4.5 years specifically there have been more jobs added, more jobs retained, than the previous 15 years. In regards to capital investment, there has been more private sector in the last three years, than the previous 31 years."
Williams noted that the city’s GDP has grown by $600 million. And with that growth comes job opportunities. As he prepares to step away from his role, Mayor Williams advised the city’s future leaders to keep an eye on making Abilene an attractive place to live, “I would encourage you to think about the way we retain and recruit talent. More and more young professionals have an expectation of quality of life.”
To that end, Williams previewed upcoming discussions on issuing bonds to create a new rec center, as well as the need to continue investing significantly in improving the city’s streets.
In wrapping up his final address, Williams invited Abileneans to join him in stepping up to serve the city.