Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | October 2025

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 OCT. 15NOV. 12, 2025

Local farmers and artisan markets growing

By Katlynn Fox

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RIDGELINE BLVD.

Lakeline Farmers Market

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PECAN PARK BLVD.

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 6 Check out the original cocktails at The All Good bar

Government

Page 10

Learn about Cedar Park’s budget for FY 2025-26

Lakeline Farmers Market is home to over 30 vendors each Saturday, selling seasonal produce, jams and more. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

October is National Dental Hygiene Month Thanks to our amazing hygienists, MARILYN and DEBBIE , we are able to provide the best hygiene care for our wonderful patients! NEW PATIENT SPECIAL $199! * Become a new patient and get FREE teeth whitening for LIFE ! *Eligible for cavity free patients who complete any treatment requirements and maintain annual x-rays and biannual cleanings. We provide custom bleach trays and 1 tube of bleach per year. Upgrades available. Inquire for details. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL $199! * Become a new patient and get FREE teeth whitening for LIFE ! *Eligible for cavity free patients who complete any treatment requirements and maintain annual x-rays and biannual cleanings. We provide custom bleach trays and 1 tube of bleach per year. Upgrades available. Inquire for details. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL $199! * Become a new patient and get FREE teeth whitening for LIFE ! *Eligible for cavity free patients who complete any treatment requirements and maintain annual x-rays and biannual cleanings. We provide custom bleach trays and 1 tube of bleach per year. Upgrades available. Inquire for details. 209 Denali Pass Ste B, Cedar Park, TX | www.cedarparkdental.com 209 Denali Pass Ste B, Cedar Park, TX | www.cedarparkdental.com October is National Dental Hygiene Month Thanks to our amazing hygienists, MARILYN and DEBBIE , we are able to provide the best hygiene care for our wonderful patients! October is National Dental Hygiene Month Thanks to our amazing hygienists, MARILYN and DEBBIE , we are able to provide the best hygiene care for our wonderful patients!

Subject to credit approval 512-782-0821 | Follow us on: BV 512-782-0821 | Follow us on: 209 Denali Pass Ste B, Cedar Park, TX | www.cedarparkdental.com Subject to credit approval

Happy Dental Hygiene Month Happy Dental Hygiene Month

Happy Dental Hygiene Month

512-782-0821 | Follow us on: BV

Subject to credit approval

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson

Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia

Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst

Denise Seiler General Manager dseiler@ communityimpact.com

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Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

Cedar Park & Leander

• Opened Aug. 1 • 251 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. 108A, Cedar Park • Instagram: Halo Nails Cedar Park

Leander

4 Lava Leander Cafe & Hookah Lounge The establishment offers a variety of flavored tobaccos that can be smoked on the premises from a range of hookah pipes. The facility will also offer a full restaurant and coffee bar, featuring a variety of small plates and specialty coffee. • Opened Sept. 23 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 901, Leander • www.lavaleander.com 5 Mother Acres The shop sells ground beef, steak cuts, beef tallow- based skincare products, cooking tallow, pickled vegetables and more. • Opened Oct. 1 • 12800 Anderson Mill Road, Cedar Park • www.motheracres.com 6 Prime IV Hydration and Wellness The business offers intravenous recipes aimed at regulating sleep, improving performance in sports, assisting with weight loss and more. • Opened Aug. 1 • 1320 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.primeivhydration.com 7 Rise Dental Modern Wellness Rise Dental Modern Wellness applies a wellness-based approach to dentistry, founder and lead dentist Dr. Thu Trinh said. The office offers preventive dental care services, including regular checkups and cleanings, as well as more extensive dental work, including crowns and fillings. Rise also offers some specialty treatments, such as laser and ozone therapy. • Opened Oct. 1 • 1651 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.risesmiles.com 8 Simply Pho House The restaurant specializes in pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Simply Pho House also offers a range of vermicelli noodle dishes, fried rice and Chinese

BLUELINE DR.

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Cedar Park

LAKELINE MALL DR.

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LITTLE ELM TRL.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Burlington The clothing retailer offers a wide range of designer clothing at reduced prices as well as home decor, beauty supplies, pet care and more. • Opened Sept. 12 • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 307, Cedar Park • www.burlington.com 3 Halo Nails Owner Jenny Nguyen has begun offering nail care to Cedar Park. The studio offers manicures, pedicures and styling services.

Now open

1 Black Swan Yoga The yoga studio expanded to Cedar Park with a new space. Black Swan first opened in 2009, according to Cedar Park grand opening coordinator Tiffany Asha. The company now has locations in Texas, Arizona and Colorado. • Opened Sept. 13 • 1050 Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 105, Cedar Park • www.blackswanyoga.com/studios/cedar-park

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12332 FM 620 NORTH AUSTIN NEAR HWY 183 AND 45 TOLLROAD WATERLOOSWIMMING.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

favorites like General Tso’s chicken. • Opened Sept. 18 • 905 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park • www.simplyphohouse.com

Now open

In the news

9 TacoDeli The restaurant is known for breakfast tacos like The Otto, made with organic refried black beans, double bacon, avocado and jack cheese; and lunch offerings like the Cowboy, which includes dry-rubbed beef tenderloin, grilled corn, caramelized onion, roasted peppers, guacamole and queso fresco. • Opened Sept. 8 • 1400 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.tacodeli.com

13 The All Good The new neighborhood bar offers more than 20 beer and wine varieties on tap, many from local Austin breweries. The bar will also serve 10 signature cocktails, including the Mex-spresso Martinez—made with Dulce Vida Tequila, cold brew nitro coffee, simple syrup and Cantera Negra Café. In addition to a full drink menu, JABS food truck will also provide smashburgers. • Opened Sept. 26 • 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 500, Cedar Park • www.theallgoodbar.com Leander on Sept. 25. The wholesale hardware supplier was founded by Charles Batts and his son, Chuck, in 2000. • 700 Blueline Drive, Bldg. 1, Leander • www.cbhardware.com 14 Lakeline Farmers Market The market is celebrating one year in Cedar Park. Lakeline Farmer’s Market launched at the Lakeline Mall in September 2024. The market’s vendors offer a variety of locally-grown produce, bread, plants, gluten- and

15 Smokey Mo’s Texas BBQ The Texas barbecue chain is celebrating 25 years. Smokey Mo’s was founded in Cedar Park in 2000 by Morris “Mo” and Lisa Melchor and now has 21 locations throughout Texas. The restaurant is known for its ribs, brisket, sausages and pork-belly burnt ends, in addition to a wide range of sides, from mac and cheese to potato salad. • A 100 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • B 1550 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.smokeymosbbq.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

10 Melt n Dip A new Melt n Dip franchise location is expected to complete construction in Cedar Park this December. The shop offers a variety of treats, including cakes, crepes, gelato and waffles, which can be dipped or drizzled with Belgian chocolate. • 2005 Little Elm Trail, Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.meltndip.com

Relocations

16 Reveal Resource Center The faith-based nonprofit marked its 15th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 22. The center is requesting donations of canned beans, vegetables, fruit, tomato sauce and meat, as well as pasta, cereal, oatmeal and breakfast bars.

11 Jaida’s Clayworks Jaida Simental, pottery teacher and the owner of Jaida’s Clayworks, will be moving to a new studio space in January. Artist Abraham Christian Brown will join Simental at the new 2,000-square-foot space, offering advanced realism, portfolio preparation and art theory instruction. • Relocating in January • 1805 Hur Industrial Blvd., Cedar Park • Facebook: Jaida’s Clayworks

• 1150 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park • www.revealresourcecenter.com

Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center The center will have been training healthcare professionals for a year come Nov. 4. The hybrid nurse aid certification training program comprises online

dairy-free goods, honey, meat, and more. • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • www.lakelinefarmersmarket.com

In the news

instruction and in-person practice. • www.txhealthcaretraining.com

12 CB Hardware The hardware store celebrated its 25th anniversary in

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

Splendor, made with almond foam, Godsent milk and a double shot of espresso; and the Golden Splendor, made with corn cream foam, Godsent milk and a double

Now open

shot of espresso. • Opened Sept. 2 • 9817 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.godsentcoffee.com

1 The Bae Spot The food truck serves a variety of South Asian fusion treats like royal mango mastani and samosa sandwiches. The Bae Spot also sells desserts like croffles, a combination of a croissant and a waffle, cake cans and matcha lattes. • Opened Sept. 5 • 9817 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • Instagram: @thebaespot_atx 2 Gelatoro A second Gelatoro location is now open on Anderson Mill Road, following the original location in Hyde Park. The menu features gelato flavors like buttered caramel with salt, espresso sorbetto, amarena cherry and banana pudding, all of which are made from scratch. The shop also has vegan and dairy-free options. • Opened Sept. 1 • 10300 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. B, Austin • www.gelatoro.com 3 Godsent Coffee The food truck features classic espresso-based coffee drinks, tea lattes, matcha drinks and more. The coffee truck features two signature drinks: the Almond

183A TOLL

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4 Little Innovator Workshop The business provides a hands-on learning

LAKELINE BLVD.

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environment that puts an emphasis on teaching STEM skills. Children are able to experiment and build their own creations, which they get to take home at the end of the day. The location offers a variety of workshops on activities like sewing, origami, soap making, candle making, pottery, 3D printing and more. Parents can sign their kids up for individual workshops or can purchase monthly memberships. • Opened Sept. 1 • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Austin • www.littleinnovator.com 5 Tamarind Indian Cuisine The restaurant serves classic Indian cuisine such as meat and vegetarian curries and biryanis, breakfast items such as dosas, street snacks, and desserts such as gulab jamun. • Opened Aug. 2 • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 119, Austin • www.tamarind-restaurants.com

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

HYMEADOW DR.

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SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, KATLYNN FOX & STEVE GUNTLI

• Opening this fall • 14951 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin • www.verabank.com

Coming soon

In the news

6 Happy Slice Pizza The new pizza restaurant will include an updated interior space, as well as expanded seating in the back with a new patio deck and turf area. The outdoor seating area will have five TVs and 10 fans. • Opening in late October • 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin • www.happyslicepizza.com 7 Planet Fitness The new Northwest Austin location will feature new workout equipment, trained fitness instructors and the PF Black Card Spa, accessible to PF Black Card members. The branch is currently accepting membership applications on its website. • Opening in October • 13729 N. Hwy. 183, Ste. 1200, Austin • www.planetfitness.com 8 VeraBank The bank, which celebrated its 95th anniversary earlier this year, will be taking over the former Capital One location near the intersection of Avery Ranch Boulevard and Parmer Lane. The bank offers a range of financial services such as personal banking, home loans and wealth management.

In the news

9 Ronald McDonald House Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas has announced the development of a new Ronald McDonald House for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin. The space is expected to open in 2026 and will feature nine private family suites, a communal kitchen, a laundry room and a multipurpose family support space where families can have private conversations with doctors, learn about support resources and more. • Opening in 2026 • 9835 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.texaschildrens.org 10 Kid to Kid North Austin The children’s resale shop is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The shop sells children’s clothes, shoes, books and toys, and can also purchase used items for either cash or store credit. • 14010 Hwy. 183, Ste. 420, Austin • https://kidtokid.com/

11 Hand to Hold The nationwide nonprofit based out of northwest Austin is celebrating 15 years. Hand To Hold was first created in late 2010 to help provide mental health support for families with an infant in the NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit, which specializes in the care of ill or premature infants. The nonprofit connects families to resources such as support groups, bereavement therapy, peer-to-peer mentoring and counseling services. • 12325 Hymeadow Drive, Ste. 4-102, Austin • www.handtohold.org

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Cedar Park tax bills set to increase with FY 2025-26 budget

The average homeowner in Cedar Park will see a $96 increase in taxes after Cedar Park City Council passed the city’s FY 2025-26 budget at its Sep. 11 meeting. Council set the FY 2025-26 property tax rate at $0.36 per $100 of taxable value. What residents need to know Interim Director of Finance Erica Solis said the budget totaled $215.2 million. “The general fund is the largest component of this at $82.8 [million],” she said in a presentation to council. “That funds the day-to-day operations for the city.” The utility fund, which pays for water and wastewater services, is the second largest portion of the budget at $45 million, Solis said. What else? The property tax rate was set at $0.36 per $100 of taxable property. “That’s a decrease of 0.3 cents from the current

rate of 36.3 cents,” Solis said. The maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate funds the city’s day-to-day operations and accounts for 54% of the rate. The other category, applied to the city’s debts, will account for 46% of the rate, she said. Dig deeper Though the adopted tax rate is a decrease from the prior rate, the city saw 4.9% growth in taxable value, Solis said. The city’s taxable value jumped from $15 billion in FY 2024-25 to $15.73 billion in FY 2025-26. “Our base values grew by 3.3%, and new growth accounts for 1.6%,” Solis said. “The new growth does include additions to existing properties and new builds on the tax roll at Jan. 1, 2025.” Because property value grew, residents will see a higher tax bill on average even though the tax rate has decreased.

General fund expenses The general fund, which finances day-to-day operations in the city, makes up the largest portion of the budget.

Public safety: $43.9M

Support services: $10.8M Culture and recreation: $10.8M Public works and development: $10.8M General government: $6.6M

$82.9M

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY SAM SCHAFFER & GRACIE WARHURST

Williamson County commissioners approved a $702.4 million budget and supporting tax rate of $0.413776 per $100 valuation for fiscal year WilCo approves $702M budget and tax hike

This is an increase of approximately $122 per year from FY 2024-25. What happened The final budget includes two changes from the last budget workshop. At the Sept. 3 meeting, commissioners unani- mously approved removing money allocated for a county vehicle that was already delivered this year, coming out to around $87,000. Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey also proposed adding $17.9 million to the general fund for the Capital Improvement Plan and the Long- Range Transportation Plan. Because the adopted tax rate would raise more funds than needed for the originally proposed budget, this amount is the difference. The amount is in addition to the previously allocated $20 million for the CIP, and $17 million for the LRTP. The addition passed 4-1, with Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long opposed. “The theory behind [the additional funding] is paying for it now with cash versus financing over the future, costing the taxpayers even more

Williamson County’s budget can be divided into three categories: The general fund: $401.2M The debt service fund: $222.7M The road and bridge fund: $78.5M $702.4M

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

money,” County Judge Steven Snell said. What they’re saying The FY 2025-26 budget is about $67 million more than the previous year’s budget. Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the cost of materials is going up, which contributes to the additional funding needed in the budget. “We’re talking about deputies and construc- tion material,” Boles said. “It’s core services.”

2025-26 at a Sept. 3 meeting. What residents should know

The newly approved tax rate is the highest rate commissioners can adopt without calling for an election. It is a 3.4% increase over FY 2024-25’s rate. Using the new tax rate, a resident’s estimated county property tax bill for the upcoming fiscal year comes out to $1,556, based on the median property value of $358,542, according to county documents.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT DISCLAIMER: AMENDMENT TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

Ban on securities transaction taxes HJR 4 would bar lawmakers from imposing taxes on the purchase and sale of financial assets or requiring financial market operators to pay a tax to conduct business.

Judicial oversight SJR 27 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct to include six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the governor.

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

Texas State Technical College funding Senate Joint Resolution 59 would create two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College System, which has campuses statewide. Up to $52 million could be appropriated this year.

Tax exemption for military spouses HJR 133 would allow lawmakers to create a future property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from an illness related to their military service.

Increasing homestead exemption SJR 2 would raise the property tax exemption on a person’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

Ban on capital gains taxes SJR 18 would prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing any future taxes on capital gains, which is income received from selling an asset. Texas does not currently have such a tax.

Ban on death taxes HJR 2 would prohibit the legislature from imposing future taxes on a deceased person’s estate or an inheritance passed to their heirs. Neither tax currently exists in Texas.

State dementia research institute SJR 3 would allocate $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. An additional $300 million would be available for dementia-related research grants.

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

Tightening bail rules SJR 5 would require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, if the state demonstrates that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.

Business tax exemption HJR 1 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a $2,500 exemption.

Parental rights SJR 34 would add language to the Texas Constitution stating that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody and control” of their children and determine how to raise them.

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

Water supply funding House Joint Resolution 7 would send $1 billion in sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund each year from 2027-47. The state fund was formed in 2023 to finance water projects.

Homes destroyed in fire SJR 84 would allow a future state legislature to create a property tax exemption for someone rebuilding a home that is completely destroyed in a fire.

Requiring citizenship to vote SJR 37 would enshrine in the Texas Constitution that people who are not U.S. citizens may not vote in Texas elections. Only U.S. citizens are currently eligible to vote under state law.

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

Animal feed tax exemption HJR 99 would allow state lawmakers, in a future legislative session, to create a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed.

Exemption for elderly homeowners SJR 85 asks voters to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability to $200,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Border security tax exemption HJR 34 would exempt increases in a property’s value from taxation if the land is along the Texas- Mexico border and the added value is due to the installation of border security infrastructure.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

Actual/projected fund balance

Minimum fund balance requirement

Leander ISD’s fund balance LISD’s fund balance will be out of Texas Education Agency compliance by FY 2027-28 if budget reductions are not implemented.

$200M $150M $100M $50M $0

$190M

$120M

$79M

$61M

2019- 2020

2020- 2021

2021- 2022

2022- 2023

2023- 2024

2024- 2025

2025- 2026

2026- 2027

2027- 2028

2028- 2029

LISD opens new instructional centers The Denise Geiger Compass Center opened in August as the new location of LISD’s transition services, which serves adults ages 18-22 who qualify for special education services. Sorting out details The program provides adult living and community integration skills, and features vocational spaces and an apartment. Fund- ing for it was approved in the 2023 bond.

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Leander ISD talks fixes for $22.8M shortfall The LISD board of trustees held a special workshop meeting Sept. 9 to discuss the district’s future budget shortfalls and long-range planning. The gist Current budget projections show a $22.8 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2026-27, which could

increase to $32.3 million by FY 2028-29. On Sept. 9, Superintendent Bruce Gearing discussed potential alternative revenue streams, including having an open enrollment policy, increasing average daily attendance, getting addi- tional funding from House Bill 2’s special educa- tion allotment or selling, or leasing land parcels. If the district does not implement any of these options, other considerations would have to be made, which could include cutting upward of 200 staff and making changes to scheduling, fine arts, athletics and other programs, Gearing said.

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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & BROOKE SJOBERG

Cuero fills empty RRISD board seat Round Rock ISD trustees selected an appointee in September to serve out the remainder of the term being vacated by Place 6 Trustee Tiffanie Harrison. The action taken Fabian Cuero, one of five applicants interviewed by the board Sept. 17, was unan- imously approved as the board’s appointee. Cuero said he has a long history of volun- teering with the district, and most recently served as the co-chair of the Citizens Bond Committee for the 2024 bond alongside Lindsey Ledyard. Cuero will serve in Place 6 until the original term expires in November 2026. Harrison tendered her resignation in an Aug. 21 meeting, after serving on the board for nearly five years.

RRISD signs contract for employee health clinic Trustees approved a contract with Marathon Health for a future worksite clinic to provide employee health services in August, just over two months after giving the go-ahead for administrators to begin negotiating with the health care company. In a nutshell The worksite clinic will provide in-house medical services to RRISD employees, Chief of Human Resources Eddie Curran said. The contract states services will begin Jan. 14, with an initial contract period of four years. After this initial term, the contract will renew for one year at a time until either the district or Marathon Health chooses to terminate it, the document states. The contract also includes a provision to allow the district to scale services in the event of a layoff or increase in headcount. It will provide a variety of services to district

SETTLEMENT DR.

SUNRISE RD.

Employee health clinic

DAVID CURRY DR.

staff, including: • Primary and preventative care • Men’s and women’s health • Mental health • General wellness • Condition management • Urgent care • Pharmacy

The clinic could also potentially provide primary care to dependents of staff, Curran said previously.

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OUR CULINARY STORY

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

The more you feed the blob the bigger it gets, becoming a monster clog causing expensive repairs, foul odors and sanitary sewer overflows! Fat, oil and grease comes from food like cooking oil, meat drippings, butter, sauces, gravy, dairy products, and even salad dressing. Help stop the Grease Blob! 6 Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost if you can 6 Collect cooking oil in a container then toss into the trash 6 Use paper towels or wipes to remove grease. DON’T FLUSH , toss them into the trash

Austinwater.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY STEVE GUNTLI

Upcoming projects

Leander

1 Intersection improvements from Whites- tone Boulevard to 183A Toll Project: This project will improve vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian safety. Update: Pre-design phase • Timeline: Expected winter 2026 • Cost: $2.57 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond 2 Toro Grande Boulevard Expansion North and South Project: The north section from RM 1431 to New Hope Drive will receive intersection and signal improvements, turn lanes and utility upgrades. The south section will connect RM 1431 south and west to Parmer Lane, and extend Toro Grande Boulevard from Whitestone

183A TOLL

BLOCK HOUSE DR.

TORO GRAND BLVD.

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183

1431

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

183

Boulevard to New Hope Drive. Update: Contractors selected • Timeline: Expected spring 2027 • Cost: $36.5 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond

734

ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

3 Hwy. 183 at Scottsdale dedicated U-turn Project: This project will shift southbound through lanes west and construct a new right turn lane at Scottsdale Drive. Update: Recommendation for professional engineering

STAKED PLAINS DR.

Cedar Park

services approved by council Sep. 11 • Timeline: Expected winter 2027 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond

45 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

620

4 New Hope Drive expansion at Block House to CR 180 & 183A Toll innovative intersection Project: The road will expand from four to six lanes and add an innovative intersection design at 183A Toll. Update: Road expansion north of New Hope Drive and

5 RM 1431 expansion from New Hope Drive to Bagdad Road Project: This project will widen two miles of the roadway and expand the four-lane roadway to six-lane. Update: Currently in design phase • Timeline: Construction expected winter 2027 • Cost: $8.15 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond

Ongoing projects

6 183A Toll frontage roads Project: This project will add two lanes on either side of 183A Toll from E. Whitestone Boulevard to Avery Ranch Boulevard. Update: Project began construction this summer • Timeline: Expected completion 2029 • Cost: $139 million • Funding Source: Texas Department of Transportation

innovative intersection in process. • Timeline: Expected winter 2027 • Cost: $2.5 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY KATLYNN FOX, STEVE GUNTLI & GRACIE WARHURST

Samsung’s WilCo plant awarded $250M in state incentives

Cedar Park’s Firefly acquires defense company for $855M

Cedar Park Library wins Best Public Place The Cedar Park Public Library was recog- nized by Urban Land Institute Austin as the Best Public Place on Aug. 27. The award recog- nizes a completed development that gives the public an enhanced experience or space. Quote of note “Cedar Park’s library is a perfect example of how you can bring that new innovative energy from the urban core out to the subur- ban area,” said ULI juror Rudy Metayer.

Firefly’s bid for SciTec Firefly is purchasing SciTec, Inc. through cash and stock payouts.

The Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor will receive $250 million from a Texas Semi- conductor Innovation Fund grant, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced Sept. 17. About the program The TSIF is a part of the Texas Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Sci- ence Act, which Abbott signed into law in 2023. The TSIF grant furthers the incentive program that aims to bring more semiconductor-related businesses to Texas, as well as support existing semiconductor manufacturers, like Samsung. “The state’s considerable support of the Sam- sung Austin Semiconductor facility in Taylor is a powerful testament to Texas’ leadership in semi- conductor innovation and economic growth,” State Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, said in the news release.

The history Samsung announced its plans to build a semi- conductor plant in Taylor in 2021. A $45 billion project, it is the largest foreign direct investment in Texas on record, according to the Sept. 17 news release. Samsung has also invested $4.7 billion for its fabrication facility to produce 2-nanometer chips, a new advancement in chip technology that increases efficiency, with smaller transistors that have lower energy consumption and higher speeds. Why it matters The Taylor plant will create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region, according to a 2024 statement from the federal government. The majority of the jobs, about 17,000, will help with the construction of the facility. Over 4,000 employees will work on manufacturing.

The Taylor project includes:

Cash: $300M

Two new fabrication plants

$855M

On Oct. 5, Firefly Aerospace, based in Cedar Park, announced it would be acquiring SciTec, Inc. for $855 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, according to a news release. The details SciTec, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, specializes in national security initiatives such as missile detection, surveillance and intelligence. Firefly aims to use the company’s programs to enhance its space services by adding mission driven defense software, remote sensing and data analysis capabilities. Earlier this year, SciTec was awarded a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to help improve tracking technology and improve military

Stocks: $555M

A new research and development lab

SOURCE: FIREFLY AEROSPACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

An advanced packaging facility

response times. What else?

SOURCE: SAMSUNG/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Firefly became publicly traded in July and raised more than $800 million on its initial public offer- ing. However, it saw its share price tumble nearly 30% after a Sep. 29 rocket test led to an explosion at its test facility in Briggs, Texas. No personnel or facilities were harmed during the incident.

What’s next The plant is expected to be fully operational by 2026, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

183

S. PARKWEST DR.

PECAN WOOD DR.

Cedar Park Public Library

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

Local farmers and artisan markets growing From the cover

Two-minute impact

Regional markets 1 Sazón Latin Market

Leander

183

• Pop-up market, varying dates • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • Products sold: prepared food and drinks 2 Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell • All year long weekly, Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • 200 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park • Products sold: produce, meat, homemade goods, prepared foods and more 3 NightMarket.fun • Annual market, varying dates • 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • Products sold: handmade goods, art, prepared food and more 4 Lakeline Farmers Market • All year long weekly, Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • Products sold: produce, meat, homemade goods, prepared foods and more

SCOTTSDALE DR.

Saturdays in Cedar Park and far Northwest Austin oer residents access to locally sourced and handmade oerings. From jewelry to heirloom tomatoes and single-ingredient dog treats, pop-up booths across town are stocked with diverse products. Since the relocation of Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell in May 2024, the creation of Lakeline Farmers Market in September 2024 and the expansion of NightMarket.fun to Cedar Park this October, organizers and vendors are seeing an inux of interest in local consumption. “That’s one thing that’s really unique about farmers markets is that you get those individual one-on-one relationships with people, other vendors and customers that you don’t necessarily get when you go to the grocery store,” said Molly Pantalone, owner of Amber Oaks Ranch. “Especially when you’re talking to people that produce your food. It makes a big dierence.”

183A TOLL

Cedar Park

ALEXIS DR.

LITTLE ELM TRL.

45 TOLL

LAKELINE MALL DR.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

SOURCES: SAZON LATIN MARKET, TEXAS FARMERS MARKET AT BELL, NIGHTMARKET.FUN, LAKELINE FARMERS MARKET, MOTHER ACRES/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

620

Bell District timeline 2014 City of Cedar Park adopts the Bell Boulevard Redevelopment Master Plan 2020 RedLeaf selected as the master developer 2021 Construction on the new library begins 2024 • May: Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell moves to the Bell District • November: new Cedar Park Public Library opens, Bell District grand opening • December: Bell Park opens

The background

Managing the impact

The push for a space that mimics a traditional downtown for residents began in 2014 when the city adopted the Bell Boulevard Redevelopment Master Plan; construction on the initial land- scape began in 2021 in partnership with RedLeaf development firm. The 54-acre development includes a dedicated market space for Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell. Construction on the Bell District is expected to continue in 2026 with mixed-use residential and retail businesses.

Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell first sprouted up at Lakeline Mall in 2010, making the move to the new Bell District for customers wanting a more pedestrian-friendly location, Execu- tive Director Laura McDonald said. At their very first market, before moving to the mall 15 years ago, McDonald said they sold out of product in the first few hours. “It was definitely proof of concept that people were eager and excited to support local farmers and ranchers,” McDonald said. Lakeline Farmers Market moved into the Lakeline Mall space in September 2024, bringing together a new cohort of 34 local vendors to occupy the mall parking lot, offer- ing customers accessible parking in a familiar location, according to market manager Emylee Boone.

• January:The Backyard at Bell opens 2025

SOURCE: THE BELL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

Weekly attendance

Weekly attendance at Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell has reportedly doubled since making the move to the Bell District, according to marketing manager Mallory Bush. Weekly attendance is now between 2,000-3,000, according to Ryan McCulloch, vice president of development at RedLeaf Properties. In 2024, the market saw about $3.5 million in esti- mated local economic impact, across the estimated 100 vendors. Lakeline Farmers Market attendance ranges from 450-800 people each week, Boone said.

Weekly range (low)

Weekly range (high)

Market

# of vendors

3,000

Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell Lakeline Farmers Market

Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell

Approximately 100

2,000

800

NightMarket.fun

120+

450

Lakeline Farmers Market

30+

SOURCES: TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT BELL, LAKELINE FARMERS MARKET, NIGHTMARKET.FUN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: REDLEAF PROPERTIES, EMYLEE BOONE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATLYNN FOX

What’s new

Stay tuned

We’re wanting to get closer to [the] suburbs and [activate] a lot of the attendance and community out in North Austin. We recognize that Cedar Park has like a 14% Asian population, so we want to also bring our market to them as well. ANDREW LEE, CO-CHAIR OF THE LUNAR FOUNDATION

Cedar Park is also home to various food and artisan markets celebrating different cultures. Sazón Latin Food Market recently popped up at The Field- house at The Crossover in September with music, drinks and food representing flavors from Central and South America and the Caribbean. The market is set to return Nov. 2. NightMarket.fun is also hosting its first suburban night market Oct. 18 at Lakeline Park with activities, contests, giveaways, performances and 120 vendors. Its inaugural market was last May in Austin. This year, The Lunar Foundation collaborated with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the event. The event will host over 40 street food vendors and food trucks, along with handcrafted goods from Always Sonny Candle Company, Mimi’s Origamis and Tak Tak. Vendors last year experienced a high number of sales, The Lunar Foundation co-Chair Andrew Lee said, noting that one vendor sold a $3,000 painting at the event.

This fall Lakeline Farmers Market is offering more events to engage the community, such as dog meetups, plant swaps and homestead workshops. The market is looking to add new vendors each week, Boone said. At the Bell District, continued construction is expected to attract more foot traffic to the area.

“[Last year] a good number of our vendors sold out of their inventory,” Lee said. “Some of them had to run back to their store to grab more inventory to continue selling.” Aida Valenzuela, owner of AHV Jewelry, began selling at the Lakeline Farmers Market in Septem- ber 2024 and expanded to the Domain Farmers Market in March 2025. From January 2025 to early September, Valenzuela reported having around 700 customers at both markets, a nearly 550% increase from her reported 107 customers in 2024 from September through the end of the year.

Sazón Latin Market • www.ourlatincity.com

Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell • www.texasfarmersmarket.org NightMarket.fun • www.nightmarket.fun Lakeline Farmers Market • www.lakelinefarmersmarket.com

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