College Station’s Growth Story | Mayor John Nichols on University Growth, Innovation & the Future

College Station, Texas sits at the center of the Texas Triangle—and at the center of one of the most dynamic growth stories in the state.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor John Nichols to explore how College Station is managing rapid growth driven by Texas A&M University, a transient student population of nearly 80,000, and an expanding private-sector economy.

Mayor Nichols shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a city where tradition, research, entrepreneurship, tourism, and infrastructure all intersect. From startup and innovation hubs connected to Texas A&M, to sports tourism and hotel occupancy strategies, to long-range planning for housing, transportation, and infill development—this conversation offers a masterclass in modern municipal leadership.

Key topics include:

Managing town-and-gown dynamics in a fast-growing university city

Attracting entrepreneurs and supporting startups emerging from Texas A&M

Economic diversification beyond education and public employment

Tourism, hotel occupancy tax, and the impact of major events at Kyle Field

Long-term planning for density, infrastructure, and quality of life

Why College Station is positioned as a strategic hub inside the Texas Triangle

Whether you’re a civic leader, entrepreneur, investor, or someone interested in how Texas cities are planning for the next decade, this episode provides real insight into how growth is being managed at the local level.

Featuring: College Station

Guest: Mayor John Nichols

Host: Justin McKenzie

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