Welcome City of Fair Oaks Ranch as a Greet Partner
The City of Fair Oaks Ranch leadership and staff are dedicated to serving the community, while honoring city roots and preparing for growth.
Fair Oaks Ranch is more than just a city—it’s a community built on shared values of progress and preservation. From its ranching roots to a thriving city, its story reflects the dedication of leaders and residents who have worked tirelessly to balance growth with maintaining its unique character.
Humble Beginnings
Originally a working cattle ranch owned by the Fair family, Fair Oaks Ranch became a haven for retirees in the Texas Hill Country. The city incorporated in 1988, and its early days were modest. “City Hall was the old foreman’s house,” recalls Assistant City Manager Carole Vanzant, who joined in 1998. One of the city’s first major decisions was to acquire its water utility, ensuring local control over a critical resource. “The leadership knew this area would grow and wanted to protect our future,” Carole says.
Originally a working cattle ranch owned by the Fair family, Fair Oaks Ranch became a haven for retirees in the Texas Hill Country. The city incorporated in 1988, and its early days were modest. “City Hall was the old foreman’s house,” recalls Assistant City Manager Carole Vanzant, who joined in 1998. One of the city’s first major decisions was to acquire its water utility, ensuring local control over a critical resource. “The leadership knew this area would grow and wanted to protect our future,” Carole says.
For Steven Fried, a 21-year veteran of the Public Works department, those early days were about resourcefulness. “We were a small team handling everything—road repairs, animal control, you name it,” he recalls. This resilience set the foundation for the city’s success.
Adapting to Growth
As young families moved in during the 2000s, the city’s demographics shifted. Parks, schools, and expanded services became priorities. Public Works upgraded road maintenance techniques and expanded the water system from 1,700 to over 3,200 connections, adding Canyon Lake as a supplemental source. “These changes have been critical to supporting our growing population,” says Steve.
As young families moved in during the 2000s, the city’s demographics shifted. Parks, schools, and expanded services became priorities. Public Works upgraded road maintenance techniques and expanded the water system from 1,700 to over 3,200 connections, adding Canyon Lake as a supplemental source. “These changes have been critical to supporting our growing population,” says Steve.
Christina Picioccio, who joined in 2009, witnessed the city’s evolution firsthand. Starting as an assistant in Public Works, she saw the demands of growth up close. Now the City Secretary, Christina values the collaborative work culture that feels like family. “Everyone knows each other, and we all work together to serve the community,” she says.
Strengthening City Operations
As the city grew, so did its infrastructure and staff. Joanna Merrill, Director of Human Resources and Communications, emphasizes the importance of teamwork. “Our staff wear multiple hats and consistently go above and beyond,” she says. Programs supporting professional growth, like leadership development and certifications, ensure employees are prepared to meet the community’s needs.
As the city grew, so did its infrastructure and staff. Joanna Merrill, Director of Human Resources and Communications, emphasizes the importance of teamwork. “Our staff wear multiple hats and consistently go above and beyond,” she says. Programs supporting professional growth, like leadership development and certifications, ensure employees are prepared to meet the community’s needs.
Scott Huizenga, City Manager, highlights the seamless collaboration between departments. “There are no silos here. Everyone works together to serve the residents,” he says. Scott also credits the city’s success to forward-thinking leadership that balances growth with preserving the city’s unique qualities.
Transparency and Trust
Finance Director Summer Fleming sees transparency as central to maintaining residents’ trust. Her team created the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) to simplify the city’s complex financial data, earning accolades for its accessibility. “It’s about building trust with residents by showing them how their tax dollars are used,” Summer explains.
Finance Director Summer Fleming sees transparency as central to maintaining residents’ trust. Her team created the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) to simplify the city’s complex financial data, earning accolades for its accessibility. “It’s about building trust with residents by showing them how their tax dollars are used,” Summer explains.
The city also engaged residents during its first-ever road bond initiative, hosting town halls to explain the need for the funds. When the bond passed, it was a testament to the community’s faith in the city’s leadership.
Community-Centered Public Safety
Interim Police Chief Todd Smith has redefined public safety in Fair Oaks Ranch. His philosophy, “We Go First,” emphasizes proactive engagement with residents. “Our officers aren’t just first responders—they’re community servants,” Todd says. From helping residents with daily tasks to fostering connections, the department prioritizes building trust and relationships.
Interim Police Chief Todd Smith has redefined public safety in Fair Oaks Ranch. His philosophy, “We Go First,” emphasizes proactive engagement with residents. “Our officers aren’t just first responders—they’re community servants,” Todd says. From helping residents with daily tasks to fostering connections, the department prioritizes building trust and relationships.
Preserving Identity Amid Growth
Assistant City Manager Jim Williams, who grew up in the area, values the city’s balance of progress and preservation. “Fair Oaks Ranch has managed to maintain its sense of community even as it grows,” he says. Jim’s return to the city is personal as well as professional. “It’s rare to find a place where people know and support each other like this.”
Assistant City Manager Jim Williams, who grew up in the area, values the city’s balance of progress and preservation. “Fair Oaks Ranch has managed to maintain its sense of community even as it grows,” he says. Jim’s return to the city is personal as well as professional. “It’s rare to find a place where people know and support each other like this.”
For Public Works, growth means future-proofing infrastructure. Under the leadership of Director Grant Watanabe and Steven Fried, the city has implemented advanced road maintenance techniques and water resource planning. “We’re constantly improving to meet the needs of residents while maintaining the city’s quality of life,” Steve says.
Looking Ahead
As Fair Oaks Ranch continues to grow, its leadership is focused on managing this growth thoughtfully. “It’s about honoring the city’s ranching roots while planning for the future,” says Scott. The city’s comprehensive plan, developed with community input, ensures development aligns with its values.
As Fair Oaks Ranch continues to grow, its leadership is focused on managing this growth thoughtfully. “It’s about honoring the city’s ranching roots while planning for the future,” says Scott. The city’s comprehensive plan, developed with community input, ensures development aligns with its values.
Joanna emphasizes fostering a supportive work environment to attract and retain talented staff. “People want to feel valued, and that translates into better services for residents,” she says.
For Carole, who has been with the city for over two decades, the journey has been rewarding. “We’ve grown, but we’ve stayed true to our roots,” she reflects. Similarly, Steve takes pride in the city’s progress. “Fair Oaks Ranch is part of who I am. Its strength lies in the people who take pride in their work and community.”
The City of Fair Oaks Ranch’s story is the epitome of resilience, collaboration, and a deep respect for its unique character. As it looks to the future, the city remains committed to preserving the values that have guided it since its earliest days.