About Us
This platform began as Willow Park Civics, a grassroots initiative dedicated to informing the citizens of Willow Park, Texas.
Founded on the principles of civic responsibility and government transparency, Willow Park Civics earned the trust of the community by digging deep into local issues, breaking down complex policies, and shining a light on the decisions that shape our daily lives.
Today, we proudly build on that foundation.
This publication continues the mission—with a broader scope and a renewed commitment to clear, accessible, and independent local reporting. Our expanded coverage includes:
Local Politics – In-depth coverage of city council decisions, elections, and zoning developments.
Business & Economics – Spotlighting growth, real estate, entrepreneurship, and how policy affects your bottom line.
Science & Technology – Exploring innovation in our region, from energy and infrastructure to AI and education.
Agriculture – Honoring our rural roots and the role of land, water, and stewardship in Parker County’s future.
Culture – Highlighting the voices, stories, and events that make our community vibrant and unique.
We are here to connect residents with the facts, context, and conversations that matter. Whether you’re a lifelong local or newly arrived, our goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and part of something bigger.
The Citizen Letter
Friends and Neighbors,
I’m not the focus here, but my name is Spencer Hodge. I am the founder and publisher of The Citizen | Willow Park.
This platform exists for you—for your right to know, to question, to decide for yourself what matters, and what it means. In an age of noise, distortion, and half-truths, we stand for clarity, context, and light. We won’t tell you what to think or how to think—but we will give you the pieces, and the stage they’re playing on. The rest is yours.
You’ll see some of our taglines, including: “No Noise. All Signal.” That phrase—borrowed from Nate Silver’s The Signal and the Noise—reminds us that in a world drowning in data, it’s the meaningful patterns, not the loudest headlines, that help us make sense of the world.
What to Expect from Us
Local government and policy — Contextualized.
We’ll break down decisions and debates so they make sense for your neighborhood.
Economic development — Including hyper-local real estate analysis and trends.
From new businesses to housing shifts, we’ll track what’s shaping our local economy.
Science + Technology — Regionally relevant innovation.
Innovations, research, and tech developments that impact our region and beyond.
Agriculture + Land use — From soil to policy.
Exploring how land is cultivated, conserved, and contested in our communities.
Arts, culture, and community stories — Rooted in place.
Celebrating the voices, events, and creative expressions that define our shared identity.
By year 2, we aim to publish quarterly print editions—anchored essays and visual journalism on the complex issues shaping our town, county, and state.
You’ll also see the launch of our Data & Mapping Platform for Premium Subscribers—an open-source, community-driven hub for demographic, infrastructure, and economic data.
What We Stand For
This project isn’t built on my name—it’s built on our shared responsibility to one another. We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and transparency. Our legal structure, governance policies, and financial model will be public. Accountability isn’t a slogan—it’s the scaffolding.
We will not give space to those who exploit others, distort facts, or abuse power. We are not in the business of clickbait or outrage. We are in the business of clarity, civic empowerment, and standing up for those not usually at the microphone.
We’re Hiring
If you’re a journalist, photographer, designer, researcher, or production assistant—or simply someone with a fierce eye for the truth—we want to hear from you. Send us a note at careers@willowparkcitizen.com
Our Broader Vision
Yes—we have aspirations beyond Willow Park. But our focus is right here, right now. We’re committed to building something foundational and lasting at home, first.
And Finally
A heartfelt thank you to KJ Hannah, whose stewardship through WillowParkCivics.org has been a gift to this community. Your dedication and generosity have made you a pillar. I’m honored to call you a friend. We’re just getting started. I’m excited, I’m proud, and I’m ready to take this journey alongside each of you.
With resolve and respect,
Spencer Hodge
Founder & Publisher
The Citizen
