PEARLAND, Texas \u2013 Pearland has changed dramatically over the past two decades, growing from a fast-developing suburb into one of the most diverse cities in the Houston area.<\/p>\n
Now, voters are ushering in another historic shift with the election of Quentin Wiltz, who will become Pearland\u2019s first Black mayor and the city\u2019s first Democratic mayor in decades. <\/p>\n
Drive through Pearland today, and signs of growth are hard to miss: cranes, construction, new neighborhoods and heavier traffic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s changed tremendously, population, actually the traffic,\u201d Pearland resident Tevyne Price said. \u201cYou can see the daily construction going on to make it more convenient for the everyday citizens of Pearland.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the City of Pearland, the city\u2019s population was 37,640 in 2000. By the 2020 Census, it had grown to 125,828 people. City leaders say Pearland has added more than 95,000 residents since 2000, with population growth continuing in recent years. <\/p>\n
From 2010 to 2020, Pearland added more than 34,000 residents, a nearly 38% increase, according to the city. <\/p>\n
Wiltz said his election reflects the people who now call Pearland home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are all pieces of who I am, but it feels really good to know that people show up for the change they believe in,\u201d Wiltz said. \u201cReally, I\u2019m a representation of what\u2019s here in Pearland.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, what is driving the growth? Residents and experts point to new development, strong schools, more housing and access to major Houston job centers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s opportunity not just for us younger growing adults, but kids and adolescents,\u201d Price said. \u201cIt gives our kids something to look forward to and hope and dream for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Political experts say that growth is also reshaping Pearland politically.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing is a more diverse community in Pearland, where they\u2019re more willing to look at Democratic candidates or people who are more on the center to center-left,\u201d said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University.<\/p>\n
As for Wiltz, he said he is focused on connecting the city and bridging divides.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne is just really the connectivity,\u201d Wiltz said. \u201cThere\u2019s different challenges that exist financially across how we\u2019re going to be able to afford for the things that people want, the returns that they expect, and then the undercurrent. We made some headlines for the social challenges that are here. So bridging the gap between the expectations of what Pearland could be, both financially and ethically here in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wiltz is expected to be sworn in Monday.<\/p>\n
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