Claudia Zapata for Kyle City Council District 3 At Large

Claudia Zapata

ENDORSEMENT ALERT - KBAD Membership voted overwhelmingly to endorse Claudia Zapata in the 2025 Election. 

 

How can voters contact you?

Campaign Email - Claudia4Kyle@gmail.com
Campaign Website - https://msha.ke/claudia4kyle/
Facebook - Claudia for Kyle City Council, District 3
Instagram - @ClaudiaForKyle

 

1. In a few sentences, tell us about your background, focusing on your education, professional experience, and leadership roles that prepared you for this position?
I’m a proud Democrat, policy writer, budget analyst, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience advancing progressive causes across Texas. I have Capitol experience, assisted state agencies in policy and budget development and analysis, and fight for legislative improvements around workers’ rights, housing, infrastructure, and anti-displacement. Locally, I’ve organized disaster relief, civic engagement drives, and mutual aid across Hays County.

I ran against Chip Roy in 2022 to give our district a true progressive voice, and I’ve stayed in the fight: I serve as President of Hays County Young Democrats, Treasurer of my union, State Democratic Executive Committeewoman for CD-21, and an Advisory Board Member of the Texas Progressive Caucus. These roles have deepened my commitment to grassroots leadership and collaborative governance.

I bring more than credentials—I bring lived experience and a track record of showing up. I’m deeply rooted in Kyle, and I’m running because I believe progressive values belong at the local level: transparency, equity, affordability, sustainability, and justice. I’m ready to bring community-rooted, values-driven leadership to the dais, and to fight for a Kyle that works for all of us.

 

Instructions: For the next questions, please limit your responses to 100 words each.

2. Many residents are dissatisfied with road conditions, traffic congestion, and limited sidewalks in Kyle. What specific steps would you take to improve mobility without overburdening taxpayers?

I’ll fast-track the highest‑scoring sidewalk segments from Kyle’s Sidewalk Master Plan — beginning with gaps on FM 150, Beebee Road, Kohlers Crossing, and Veterans Drive. I’ll propose adopting road and stormwater impact fees so new developments help fund safer infrastructure. I’ll push for a clear, public scoring system for all capital projects, so investments go where they protect the most people. I’ll support and expand projects like the Vybe Trail and ensure the 2026 Mobility Plan gives priority to safe bike lanes, crossings, and neighborhood connectivity. I’ll also propose new development standards requiring safe, connected pedestrian and bicycle access between zones.

 

3. Many in our city are fearful of the warrantless and extrajudicial removal of Latino members of our community by federal authorities. Where do you stand on the federal government’s deportation agenda?

I stand unequivocally against the Trump Administration’s treatment of immigrants and the everyday fear it’s inflicted on Latino communities. That fear has only deepened with the recent Supreme Court ruling that greenlights racial profiling for ICE. My opponent has knowingly pushed for surveillance tools—like drones, license plate readers, and even “robot dogs”—despite knowing these systems funnel data to ICE. That’s reckless and dangerous. I did not vote for Trump. I’ve spoken against these abuses because I believe in dignity, due process, and justice for all. I will never trade immigrant safety for political convenience. Our neighbors deserve protection.

 

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?

Kyle already has a strong foundation: groundwater wells, diverse sources, and a growing Alliance Water partnership that will significantly raise our reliable supply by 2032. I’ll fast-track aquifer storage and safe reuse of treated water, and explore how to require (not just encourage) low-impact development practices. I’ll author a “One Water” resolution, like in Fredericksburg and Boerne, to manage rainwater, wastewater, and drinking water together, avoiding shortages and protecting working families. With smart planning and collaboration, we can manage growth so it’s sustainable and residents aren’t stuck with the long-term costs.

 

5. Kyle has seen rapid commercial growth, often dominated by fast food and corporate chain stores. What policies or incentives would you propose to attract and support local businesses, small retailers, and locally owned restaurants, while maintaining the city’s unique character?

I want to help local entrepreneurs thrive while preserving Kyle’s unique identity. As we implement the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, I’ll advocate for a small-business zone downtown that limits chain store size. I’ve spoken with local business owners about permitting challenges, and I support streamlined reviews and targeted fee waivers to reduce barriers. I’d also explore leasing city-owned downtown properties affordably, so public land benefits locals. I will push for procurement policies that prioritize registered local businesses and explore projects like a food truck pavilion or ghost kitchen. Together, with ingenuity and collaboration, we can build a truly community-rooted economy.

 

6. Compensation for Kyle’s mayor and council members has been a regular topic of conversation in Kyle. Should compensation be lower, stay the same, or be higher?

Right now, I believe council compensation is reasonable. Public service should never be a financial hardship, but it also shouldn’t come with disproportionate perks. I also signed the petition opposing council healthcare because I believe we must serve our staff first: part-time City employees currently don’t receive those same benefits. I also support removing City-issued credit cards for councilmembers and pledge never to use mine. Fiscal responsibility means leading by example. I’ll prioritize transparency, equity, and long-term sustainability, and I’ll never support something for Council that we aren’t also offering the hard-working staff who keep Kyle running.

 

7. Kyle has plans for parks, art installations, downtown developments, a sportsplex, and more. What possible City projects are you most (or least) looking forward to?

I’m most excited about projects rooted in public input, like the Public Art Master Plan. It’s not yet complete but will give Kyle its first strategy for murals, sculptures, utility box art, and more. I’m also proud of community-based public-private partnerships like the City’s work with Howdy Disc Golf to expand disc golf courses in our parks starting with Steeplechase. I believe in building affordable “third spaces”—parks, trails, and art-filled public places—that people of all incomes can enjoy. I’ve heard concerns about the Sportsplex, and I agree: we need infrastructure that serves our community directly, not just revenue goals.