Robert Rizo for Kyle Mayor – 2026

Robert Rizo

How can voters contact you?

Campaign Email - RizoRobert@gmail.com
Website - https://robertrizoformayor.com/
Social Media - Facebook
Phone - 512-659-6744

 

1. Tell us about your background, including your education, employment, leadership experience, and community involvement relevant to the position.

I began pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts before transitioning into commercial property management and construction, where I have more than 30 years of experience. That experience has given me valuable insight into roads, infrastructure, development, construction, and the challenges that come with growth.

As a three-term Kyle City Council Member, I have worked directly with city budgets, bonds, parks, infrastructure, and road design. I have also worked to help secure federal and state funding for important infrastructure projects.

My community involvement includes serving on the Hays County Food Bank Board of Directors, working with other nonprofits, and serving as Chair of the CAPCOG Clean Air Coalition. These experiences have strengthened my ability to manage budgets, work collaboratively, and bring people together to solve problems.

 

2. Imagine it’s 2030—you are wrapping up your three-year term as mayor/city council member. You feel you successfully achieved your priorities. What does Kyle look like? What has changed? What has stayed the same?

By 2030, I want to see the road projects that voters approved moving toward completion, with traffic flowing more efficiently and a trail system that connects the entire city and makes Kyle more connected.

I want to see a major park developed on the east side of Kyle at Lake Kensington, providing families with another destination for recreation and helping address the historic lack of amenities in that part of our community.

I also want to see a booming, vibrant historic downtown Kyle coming back to life, with new shopping, restaurants, businesses, and community activities bringing energy back to our historic core. Although, I would love to see the possibility of a museum that celebrates Kyle’s history and the people who helped build our community.

What should remain unchanged is Kyle’s sense of community. We can grow while still preserving the character, history, and values that make Kyle special.

 

3. The City of Kyle went into 2026 with a $14 million budget deficit. What is your budgeting mindset when it comes to city finances?

It is important to put the $14 million figure into context. The actual budget gap that city staff initially brought forward to Council was approximately $4 million, largely due to projected declines in sales tax revenue and development fees. The remaining approximately $10 million was designated as a contingency fund.

With a city budget of approximately $604 million, I believe we should have carefully reviewed the budget to identify areas where spending could be reduced with the least impact on residents and essential services. I would have worked to find the $4 million difference without unnecessarily cutting services that our residents depend on. 

A $4 million gap in a $604 million budget is manageable. With experienced leadership, careful budgeting, and accountability, we can get our finances back on track while continuing to invest in the infrastructure and services Kyle needs.

 

4. The cost of water utilities in Kyle are going up and residents are concerned about the long term sustainability of our water. How can the city ensure that we have a secure water supply for the long term future of Kyle?

Water is an issue I am deeply experienced with and passionate about, so pardon me if this gets a bit technical. The ARWA Waterline Connection was established before my tenure on council, but the current council has made sure that it is online and bringing in water. During my time on council, I oversaw the installation of Line A from the ARWA pipeline that brings in 2,400,000 gallons of water a day, and I am currently working with staff to make sure that Lines B &C are installed promptly. Unfortunately, the bill is due, and many will likely see an increase in their water bills for bringing this infrastructure online. Additionally, we were also looking at water storage to make sure we have water for the hot summer months and continue to expand our water capability, as well as options for waste, such as purple pipe endeavors.

 

5. Texas law requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE officers. City government can limit the extent of that cooperation. Please explain where you believe appropriate limits should be.

Immigration enforcement is not the city’s role; it is the responsibility of the federal government.

I believe anyone who commits a crime should be held accountable, regardless of immigration status. At the same time, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As a Hispanic American (Tejano) who has spent many years around construction sites, I understand the fear that immigration enforcement can create, including for people who are law-abiding members of our community.

Our city should focus on public safety, follow the law, and never target anyone based on race or ethnicity.

 

6. Do you support the use of surveillance cameras like Flock in your city? Why or why not?

Regarding Flock cameras, I originally supported them because I believed they could be an important tool for law enforcement to help solve crimes and keep our community safe. However, I also believed we needed a strong policy to prevent abuse and protect residents’ privacy and constitutional rights. Unfortunately, I ran out of time during my last term, and I was not able to finalize that policy.

We are now learning more about concerns involving the misuse of Flock systems by officers in other jurisdictions, as well as concerns about accountability and the company’s unwillingness to correct problems. Because of these concerns, I believe we need to take a serious look at Flock, re-evaluate the system, and consider other options.

Public safety is important, but so is public trust. Any technology we use should have strong safeguards, transparency, accountability, and clear limitations on how information can be accessed and used.

 

7. How will you ensure that underserved areas and populations receive the services they need?

Since 2019, I have worked diligently to serve our community, both as a volunteer and as a member of the Hays County Food Bank Board of Directors, helping bring much-needed resources and educational materials to Kyle.

I have also worked with our county commissioners to advocate for bringing additional services and resources to the east side of Kyle. My goal is to see much-needed infrastructure improvements, road repairs, parks, and quality retail brought to the east side of our city.

I believe every resident deserves access to quality city services and infrastructure, regardless of where they live. That includes completing the East Side Road Bond projects approved by voters and making sure future growth brings investment to the areas that need it most.

 

8. Kyle City Council recently approved a series of forensic audits. Kyle already performs annual audits to ensure council and staff are following all applicable rules. Do you support conducting these additional forensic audits?

The City of Kyle has received strong results from its annual outside financial audits, and those independent audits are an important part of maintaining accountability and public trust.

While I understand why some residents have called for a forensic audit, if Council is going to conduct one, it needs to be truly independent and comprehensive. I am concerned about having the city’s Finance Director oversee an audit that could involve areas within the Finance Department.

I believe the process should include all appropriate departments and individuals, including the Finance Director, while ensuring that no one is placed in the position of effectively auditing their own work. The goal should be transparency, accountability, and getting the facts—not conducting an audit for political purposes.

 

9. Do you support a City of Kyle Pride Celebration?

Yes, as a Council Member, I voted to support Pride Market Days, and I will continue supporting community events that bring people together. I also support celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Juneteenth, and other events that recognize the diverse people, cultures, and history that make our community and our country stronger. Our city belongs to everyone, and I believe we should create opportunities for residents to celebrate our differences while recognizing what we share as a community.