The City of Round Rock recently gained national recognition for a new twist on its tool-sharing initiative that’s transforming neighborhoods.
The Community and Neighborhood Services Department received Neighborhoods USA’s Best Neighborhood Program award for Physical Revitalization/Beautification for the Tool Depot. Created in early 2024, this new lending service allows city residents to borrow lawn mowers, trimmers, ladders, chainsaws and other tools for use at home. The program resulted in 1,279 tools checked out from March through December 2024, along with a noticeable decrease in code violations for environmental issues such as tall grass, low-hanging branches and visible trash.
In 2014, the City launched its Tool Lending Center (TLC) program, which allowed for the borrowing of items during organized projects such as neighborhood clean-ups. However, TLC did not allow for residents to check out tools strictly for individual purposes.
Through the Tool Depot, residents are provided access to the building where borrowed items are stored, after creating an account and accessing an online app. Tools need not be refueled upon returning but should be returned in the condition in which they were received.
Besides being launched to assist in home improvement and beautification, the Tool Depot was also eyed as a way to help residents avoid property code violations.
“Since the official introduction of the Tool Depot, we’ve seen a significant positive impact on residents,” said Community and Neighborhood Services Director Joe Brehm, who introduced the initiative. “Its success lies in our ability to help residents keep their properties in excellent condition without the burden of purchasing expensive tools or handling regular maintenance.
“I am so proud of our team, and we also truly appreciate City leadership for their support on our exploration of new and innovative services for the residents of Round Rock.”
The demand for tools has increased each month since the introduction of the Tool Depot. Most tools may be borrowed for up to four days, and wait lists can be expected during rainy seasons that lead to faster weed growth. To learn more about the Tool Depot or to make a reservation, contact neighborhoods@roundrocktexas.gov.
