From the Desk of Mayor White | Planning & Zoning Meeting Recap - November 4, 2025

The Runaway Bay Planning and Zoning Board met on November 4, 2025, to review development discussions regarding the RB Golf Club & Resort property. I’d like to share a brief summary and the City’s official position on the matters discussed.

Golf Course Donation Offer

The RB Club and Resort owners informally offered the golf course property as a donation to the City of Runaway Bay. After reviewing the condition of the existing city infrastructure and the city’s current financial priorities, Council-member Steve Holt, who is familiar with the City’s finances said, “the burden on the City’s financial resources from the cost of maintaining and operating the golf course and its related assets would negatively impact the City’s financial resources.  Secondly, this burden could negatively affect the City’s ability to qualify for grants and loans from Federal and State sources.  In short, the City can not afford to take the donation.”  Accepting the golf course donation is not in the City’s best interest at this time.

While the offer was appreciated, the City is operating under a declared sewer and water emergency and simply does not have the funding or resources to operate or rehabilitate a golf course of this scale. In addition, the city does not have the payroll capacity to support staffing a golf course. Our priority must remain on maintaining water system reliability and continuing the infrastructure improvements that directly serve our residents.

It’s important to note that the golf course was also offered to Weatherford College and the Trinity Waters Regional District (TWRD), and both organizations declined for similar reasons.

Zoning and Land Use

The property is currently zoned RSG - Recreational, Scenic, Greens. The City Council unanimously agrees this zoning should remain intact. Maintaining this designation preserves the land’s intended recreational use and aligns with the community’s long-term vision.

Proposed Development Concept

The RB Golf Club ownership team presented a preliminary concept (“Concept A”) proposing a restructured 9-hole golf course, with additional community amenities such as trails, fields, and mixed-use spaces. A formal rezoning proposal is expected to be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Board in January 2026.

Community Feedback

Residents who attended and spoke at the meeting were strongly in favor of preserving the existing 18-hole golf course and voiced opposition to the proposed rezoning or restructuring plans.

The City of Runaway Bay supports our residents’ desire to preserve the course in its original form and remains hopeful that a suitable private buyer will come forward - one capable of restoring and maintaining the golf course to its full 18-hole potential.

Our Commitment

As your mayor, I remain dedicated to fiscal responsibility and protecting the character of Runaway Bay. Preserving our greenspaces, ensuring reliable water infrastructure, and planning for responsible growth remain our top priorities. The council and I will continue to do everything within our power to support the current and future owners and preserve it as an 18-hole course. It is central to Runaway Bay’s identity and what our residents value.

We appreciate everyone who participated in this discussion and encourage continued civic engagement as this matter progresses in the coming months.

Disclaimer: The City of Runaway Bay communicates only through this website, https://runawaybaytexas.com and one Facebook platform. Any other pages, groups, or online discussions are independent and do not represent the City’s views or positions.

— Mayor Herman White

City of Runaway Bay