On Oct. 19, more than 50 participants from Bandera, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Medina, Real, and Uvalde counties gathered in Utopia for the Hill Country Alliance and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Rural Roundup.
The event aimed to provide rural communities with the tools and strategies to win grants, featuring success stories from local groups that have secured funding for essential public services such as recycling, parks, fire departments, and EMS.
'We’re proud of the work we’re doing in Utopia,' said Allan Boutwell, a volunteer with Keep Utopia Beautiful. 'This event was an opportunity to showcase our success and also learn from others who are making an impact in their communities.'
The day’s agenda included several sessions and tours. Highlights included:
• Building Parks and Community in Utopia: Valerie Moore of the Utopia Parks Board, Allan Boutwell of Keep Utopia Beautiful, and Bandera Mayor Rebeca Gibson shared fundraising strategies for long-term and project-based success.
• Funding Safety in Utopia:
Local leaders, including James Trotti of the Utopia Volunteer Fire Department and Judge Cindy Casburn of Sabinal, discussed securing funding for critical public services in unincorporated communities.
• How to Win Big: Regional, State, and Federal Funds: Experts from the Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development, and Keep Texas Recycling shared insights into navigating grant applications from a funder’s perspective.
• Walking Tours and Networking: Participants took walking tours of Utopia Square and the local recycling plant, capping off the day with live music and drinks at Castlerock Gym.
The Rural Roundup series, part of the Leading in the Rural Hill Country initiative, is dedicated to fostering leadership and innovation in rural Texas communities.
For more information, visit the Hill Country Alliance website.
