Building a better future for Williamson County starts with smart development
Williamson County’s rapid growth is bringing new opportunities and challenges. At a recent “Nashville Business Journal” panel, business and community leaders, including BELL Construction’s VP of Growth and Strategy Rebecca Ozols Goss, discussed what’s needed to ensure that development benefits both longtime residents and newcomers.
For more than five decades, we’ve played a key role in shaping Middle Tennessee’s landscape. At BELL, we believe growth and community go hand-in-hand and are committed to responsible development that keeps areas accessible, livable and thriving.
During the discussion, Rebecca was joined by Thomas McDaniel, Director of Office Properties and Partner at Boyle Investment Company, and Luis Parodi, VP at Republic Bank and Chairman of the Williamson Inc. board, to share insights on how Williamson County can continue to grow with intention. Here’s what they had to say:
Rebecca Ozols Goss: Growth is exciting, but we need a solid foundation
Development across Williamson County, from Spring Hill to Thompson’s Station and Leiper’s Fork, is fueling economic momentum. But Rebecca emphasized that growth should be strategic, not sprawling. That means prioritizing infrastructure, ensuring adequate parking and designing spaces that enhance quality of life rather than creating congestion.
“When we think about growth, we have to think about how people experience it,” Rebecca said, reflecting on the panel. “Are we making it easier for people to live and work here, or are we creating frustration?”
According to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, more than 97,000 people commute into Williamson County for work. That number will continue to climb as companies move into the area. But if infrastructure doesn’t keep up, those same companies could struggle to attract and retain talent. BELL works with partners early in the process to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development. The last thing we want is to design projects that look great today but can’t sustain the needs of tomorrow.
Luis Parodi: Housing must be part of the plan
As Williamson County attracts more businesses and workers, housing affordability is becoming a critical issue. Without a diverse range of housing options, many professionals will struggle to live where they work.
“Attainable housing isn’t just something we should consider — it’s something we have to plan for,” Luis says. “If we don’t prioritize affordability, we risk making Williamson County inaccessible to the very people who help drive its success.”
Home prices and demand are surging in Williamson County, according to the Greater Nashville REALTORS’ 2024 Annual Housing Market Report. Notably, residential sales were up 7% and condo purchases were up 22% year-over-year. Home prices in Williamson County are bringing up the average of the entire region as well – the median cost of a home in Williamson County is just shy of $1,000,000, whereas the next highest average price is in Davidson County at around $500,000. These trends make it clear: if housing isn’t a priority, affordability will continue to be a barrier for those who live and work in Williamson County.
Thomas McDaniel: Solutions require collaboration
It’s true: growth brings higher occupancy and rising costs. The best way to manage these challenges is through collaboration. As Thomas pointed out, the region needs open, solutions-driven conversations among developers, business leaders and policymakers.
“There’s no room for polarization,” Thomas says. “We have to be honest about what growth means and work together to ensure it strengthens our community rather than dividing it.”
This means breaking down silos between industries and government. Businesses, developers and elected officials must align on policies that support responsible development, from infrastructure funding to zoning regulations that encourage balanced growth. Williamson County’s stakeholders have an opportunity to define an era of growth that will benefit today’s residents and future generations.
Moving forward
Williamson County must prioritize infrastructure, housing accessibility and collaboration to continue thriving without losing what makes it special.
At BELL, we know that responsible development is about more than just building; it’s about strengthening communities. As Williamson County moves forward, we’ll continue leading conversations and projects that make Williamson County a place where people want to live, work and stay.
