First elected in 2020, Kristen H. Hoyt served five years as Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector, focusing on transparency, customer service, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Under her leadership, the office expanded services, cut wasteful spending, and returned more than $1 million to taxpayers in just one year. Her leadership has been recognized with state and local honors for public service and community impact. A longtime community volunteer and small business owner, Hoyt holds a B.A. from the University of Georgia and completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives program. She serves on multiple civic and nonprofit boards and is raising two children with her husband, Matthew.
Q&A Responses
1. Growth and infrastructure
Q: How will you ensure county infrastructure, permitting, and public services keep pace with growth so businesses can expand and invest with confidence?
A: Counties in Texas don’t control city-style permitting—and I respect those limits. But we do control the infrastructure, coordination, and leadership that determine whether growth is responsible or chaotic.
As county judge, I’ll focus on core conservative principles: planning ahead, protecting taxpayers, and keeping government predictable. That means disciplined infrastructure planning for roads, drainage, and public safety, and making sure growth pays for itself instead of shifting costs to families.
Chambers of Commerce are important partners in that process. They’re closest to employers, job creators, and workforce needs. I’ll work directly with our Chambers to inform strategic planning, identify infrastructure priorities early, and ensure county decisions support economic growth without expanding government or adding red tape.
Smart growth comes from strong partnerships, clear expectations, and accountability—not more regulation. That’s how we keep Comal County competitive and business-friendly while preserving our quality of life.
2. Emergency preparedness and continuity
Q: What steps will you take to strengthen disaster preparedness, coordination, and communication so businesses can better plan for and recover from disruptions?
A: Disasters don’t just disrupt families—they disrupt jobs and local commerce. As County Judge, I’ll strengthen advance planning, unified command, and pre-staged resources so responses are fast and coordinated. I’ll maintain strong working relationships with local first responders, cities, state and federal agencies, and trusted nonprofits and emergency partners—ensuring clear communication, real-time updates, and a single point of contact so businesses can plan, reopen, and recover faster.
As a business owner who relies on the Comal River, I understand firsthand the negative economic impact of mandated closures caused by natural disasters and pandemics.
3. Workforce and community stability
Q: How will you support a stable workforce through coordination with courts, schools, and health providers to reduce disruptions that affect employers andemployees?
A: A stable workforce depends on healthy workers, strong families, and local opportunity. I will work with school districts and the private sector to strengthen education, technical training, STEAM, and workforce opportunities that prepare students for real jobs. By focusing on job recruitment and retention, we can protect our local economy without growing government and keep Comal County competitive for employers and workers.