Building Beyond Austin - BUDA

Growth and Development - Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

Presenting Sponsor

WELCOME FROM CITY OF BUDA

Micah Grau - City Manager - City of Buda

Micah Grau serves as City Manager for the City of Buda, where he leads day-to-day municipal operations and works closely with City Council to implement policy, guide strategic priorities and address needs of a rapidly growing community in Central Texas.

Micah joined Buda in 2017 as Assistant City Manager and appointed City Manager in 2022 after serving both interim and deputy roles. Micah has provided continuity during a period of significant growth, with focus on organizational leadership, infrastructure planning and maintaining quality of life as development accelerates.

Prior to Buda, Micah held multiple leadership positions with the City of Hutto, including Interim City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance, and Budget and Special Projects Coordinator. His background in municipal finance and operations gives a well-rounded perspective on managing growth, allocating resources, and delivering city services effectively.

Active in the profession, Micah has served in leadership roles with the Texas City Management Association and is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and Certified Mediator, and is a graduate of the Strategic Government Resources Supervisor’s Academy.

Micah holds a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

FIRELESS FIRESIDE CHAT

Panel Sponsor

Jennifer Storm - Executive Director - Buda Economic Development Corporation

Jennifer Storm serves as Executive Director of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, where she leads business recruitment, strategic planning, and partnership development for one of the fastest-growing communities in the Austin region. Known for her high-energy, community-first approach, Jennifer focuses on attracting investment while also building a strong foundation for local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.

Under her leadership, Buda has emerged as a competitive destination for high-quality employers and innovation-driven companies. Her work has helped drive major corporate investments, support small business growth, and launch initiatives like business incubators and local incentive programs that strengthen the city’s long-term economic resilience.

In 2025, Jennifer was named Economic Developer of the Year by the International Economic Development Council — becoming the first Texan to receive the honor. The award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing economic prosperity, highlighting her role in positioning Buda as a hub for high-wage job creation and forward-looking development.

Prior to her work in Buda, Jennifer held leadership roles across Texas in education advocacy, retail, and construction industry organizations, giving her a broad perspective on economic growth from multiple angles. She remains actively involved in regional partnerships and boards, helping align economic development efforts across Central Texas.

Jennifer is widely recognized for her ability to connect vision with execution — bringing together public and private stakeholders to create real, lasting impact for the communities she serves.

Check Out Buda Bus Tour Program "CLICK HERE"