About Our Community Effort

 

WE ARE NOT ANTI-DEVELOPMENT

WE ARE FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT

 

Who We Are

 

Grimes County Citizens for Responsible Development began in March 2026 after local residents learned about a proposed large-scale industrial development along FM 1696 near Iola and Bedias. Within the first week, research through ERCOT filings, public land records, and other sources revealed that numerous additional industrial and energy projects were being proposed throughout our area—many with little public awareness or community input.

 

What began as neighbors sharing information quickly became an organized countywide effort. Volunteers created communication channels, built this website, launched petitions, researched public records, contacted experts, organized community meetings, and began regularly attending Commissioners Court.

 

Our primary focus is now securing meaningful, measurable, and enforceable protections for Grimes County. Development decisions should protect residents’ homes, property values, water, roads, emergency services, natural resources, and quality of life—not leave the community responsible for long-term costs or consequences.

 

We work to effect change in our own backyards through petitions, public participation, community education, and continued efforts to work constructively with county government. We also support statewide grassroots organizations pursuing stronger protections and greater accountability for rural communities facing similar development pressures.

 

Our efforts extend beyond individual projects. We support wildlife corridors, land-preservation programs, responsible planning, and other measures that can help preserve the rural and ecological character of Grimes County as it grows.

 

Above all, we are committed to keeping the public informed. We seek transparency from government and developers, examine original source documents, and exercise our rights under the Texas Public Information Act to obtain information residents need to understand the decisions being made on their behalf.

 

We believe growth can be positive—but it must be transparent, responsibly planned, and accompanied by enforceable protections.

 

The people who live here deserve a meaningful voice in shaping what happens next.

 

Preserve the Land.

Protect our Community.

Our Principles

 

Transparency
Major developments that affect our communities should be openly communicated and discussed with the residents who live here.

Community Voice
Residents, landowners, and local businesses deserve a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact our county.

Responsible Development
Growth should be carefully planned to ensure it benefits local communities without compromising environmental health, infrastructure, or public safety.

Protection of Natural Resources
Grimes County’s land, water, wildlife, and agricultural heritage are vital assets that should be preserved and protected.

Respectful Engagement
We seek constructive dialogue with local officials, agencies, and developers to ensure that development happens with the community — not to the community.