Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | July 2023

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 4 JULY 29AUG. 25, 2023

MARKET ‘BACK TO NORMAL’ HOME EDITION 2023

New dog day care and boarding facility opens School districts pass budgets with pay increases

Education

HOME EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Belmont Village Senior Living • Velocity Credit Union

Bill and Sara Kauman listen to Realtor George Castillo during a tour of a Southwest Austin home. (Nell Carroll/Community Impact)

Siblings use decades-old recipes at Azul Tequila

Home prices stabilize after historic highs in Southwest Austin area

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY BEN THOMPSON

year with observers crediting broader trends, such as rising interest rates, lasting ination and more mild job growth, for spurring the changes. Every month in 2023 has seen local homes priced well below 2022 levels and taking longer to sell. The days of new home listings drawing crowds and selling rapidly

are not entirely over, some real estate experts said. Generally, they said buyers now have a better chance to explore their options thanks to narrowing prices and increased availability. Sellers may now need to be more conscious about the quality and cost of their oerings. CONTINUED ON 36

Even as Southwest Austin remains among the most desirable and pric- ier areas of the metro to buy or rent, local data points to the housing mar- ket settling down after a recent burst of activity. Movement toward a more balanced market has been underway since last

From mammography to urogynecology, our women’s care team puts you first. After all, you know what you need better than anyone else. And we’re right here in Oak Hill to support you every step of the way. Care that’s on your side and around the corner

Schedule today

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2023 Baylor Scott & White Health. 18-AU-586763-RHAustinWomen

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Already have solar? HESOLAR is now installing batteries for all solar owners.

Home Batteries are becoming more and more popular…. Since the winter storm of 2021, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for home batteries. Home batteries can compliment solar panels and provide the following benefits for homeowners: The Hoffman Brothers have been installing solar panels and battery back up for over 10 years! Tradi- tionally, we only added batteries for existing HESO- LAR customers. We are happy to announce that we will begin installing batteries for ALL solar owners, reagardless of original installer. The addition of batteries to a solar panel system allows the homeowner to back up their loads and continue to use their solar panels during a power outage. Multiple batteries can be stacked to back up an entire home! Keep the lights on during a power outage.

Use more of your solar energy.

Without batteries, a lot of the energy produced by solar panels on a home will flow back into the grid. With batteries, excess solar energy can be stored in the batteries instead of exporting to the grid. The solar energy that is stored in the batteries can be used to feed the home loads later on in the day or later at night. Best of all, more savings! – Many Texans have experi- enced an increase in their electricity rates. At the same time, some electric providers are starting to provide less credit for exported solar energy (what gives?) Batteries help homeowners use more of their solar energy resulting in even lower electric bills. Transportation Independence. Electric vehicles can charge directly from solar panels and home batteries allowing you to stay on the move during an extended grid outage. The Hoffman Brothers are helping current customers prepare for future Vehicle to Home applications where you can use an electric vehicle to assist a home energy system during a power outage.

HOME MONITORING SYSTEM DURING AN OUTAGE

Tax Credit.

Tax credit update! Solar and batteries are eligible for a 30% tax credit. This means that 30% of what you spend on solar and batteries may be eligible as a credit on your taxes.

for energy independence throughout the year.

Get A Free Quote Today! HESOLARLLC.COM

Every design. Every installation. By The Hoffman Brothers. TECL #28865

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

A Place to Call Home

√ Quick, easy online application √ Personal service from Austin’s top mortgage lender √ Conventional, Home Equity, VA, Community Hero loans, and more

Scan to Start Your Loan Application Now UFCU.org

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Weston Warner METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES swanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING swaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: My husband and I often say it’s a good thing we bought our home when we did ve years ago. As we’ve grown our family in it, we’ve watched our neighbors’ homes y o the market at skyrocketing prices we would not have been able to aord. But things seem to be settling. Our front-page story gives an update on the housing market leading you into our annual Home Edition (see Pages 20-37). Happy hunting! Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM DARCY: The rst year I worked on Community Impact’s home guide, I was a brand- new homeowner. I learned so much in the process. I still pull out our past issues when I am navigating my own tax bill. We know readers are often too busy to call dozens of experts and debate the nuances of homestead exemptions, so we do it for you! This year, our guide will tell you about home prices, repairs and home improvement projects, and more. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

Every LOCAL business has a STORY to tell. to your marketing mix. Add

communityimpact.com

@impactnewsatx

@impactnews_swa

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

Past advertisers include:

Proudly printed by

*Storytelling is created by CI Marketing Advisors & Multi-Platform Journalists; it is labeled as “sponsored” content, appearing dierent & separate from CI editorial coverage.

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION

Dental care you can smile about

All Wellness Plans

STORE LOCATIONS 1014 N. Lamar Blvd. 4477 S. Lamar Blvd.

WholeEarthProvision.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

MOPAC

Bodhi's Bodacious Hideaway

COURTESY BODHI’S BODACIOUS HIDEAWAY

290

section offering bottles of wine, caviar and other specialty items for purchase. www.underdog-atx.com 4 The Bone Inn , a dog boarding and day care service, opened at 2005 Southern Oaks Drive, Austin, in June and is co- owned by cousins Khamila Quevedo and Jesus Roman. The location had its soft opening June 5 and a grand opening June 24, and boarding and day care services can be booked online. 281-924-5674. www.theboneinn.com 5 Pure Dermatology began serving clients May 25 at 8701 Hwy. 71, Ste. 101, Austin. The owners of the practice, Dr. Christopher Chu and his wife, Dr. Chelsey Straight, are board-certified derma- tologists. Services provided include skin checks; skin cancer treatments; treatment of common skin conditions; hair loss consultations and treatments; and cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, injectable fillers, microneedling and chemical peels. 512-766-2610. www.puredermtx.com 6 Consignment clothing store 2nd Street USA , which has four other loca- tions in Texas, opened its newest location in Sunset Valley at 5601 Brodie Lane, Ste. 515, Sunset Valley. The store had a pre- opening from July 1-7 for buying clothing and then held a grand opening July 8. The store buys and sells secondhand clothing. www.2ndstreetusa.com COMING SOON 7 Restaurant chain 54th Street Restau- rant & Drafthouse will open in June. Located at 127 E. Ralph Ablanedo Drive, 183

290

SOUTHERN OAKS DR.

1826

MOPAC

RALPH ABLANEDO DR.

OLD MANCHACA RD.

SOUTH AUSTIN

SOUTH AUSTIN NOW OPEN

3 Underdog , a Korean American-in- spired restaurant and wine bar, opened May 10 at 1600 S. First St., Austin. Own- ers Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave said the available wines and Korean American-inspired dishes featured on the menu vary by season. Some dishes Lee and Hargreave said they are most proud of include clams and mussels with grilled milk bread, pork belly ssam, and blue crab on crispy rice topped with trout roe. Adjacent to the restaurant is a retail

2 South Menchaca Road’s newest bar, Bodhi’s Bodacious Hideaway , opened June 24 at Stinson Yard, 10402 Menchaca Road, Unit D, Austin. This beach-themed bar is the brainchild of David Pearce and Ryan Thomas, who opened South Austin Beer Garden down the street at 10700 Menchaca Road, Austin, in 2019. Similar to SABG, Bodhi’s offers an indoor space and a large covered deck area with tele- visions and games in addition to areas for group photos. Facebook: Bodhishideaway

1 Gong Cha opened a bubble and milk tea shop at 4220 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 140, Austin, on July 17. Owner Shane Pang said customers can choose between hot or cold drinks, add toppings, and control the ice and sugar level. The shop also offers slushes. 512-284-8647. www.gongchausa.com

Austin Habitat for Humanity

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & AMANDA CUTSHALL

Underdog

The Bone Inn

COURTESY UNDERDOG

AMANDA CUTSHALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin, the restaurant will sit on 2 acres. The menu features more than 150 items as well as handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine. This is the second location in the area as officials opened a location in Pflugerville at 19109 Limestone Com- mercial Drive, Pflugerville, in March 2021. www.54thstreetrestaurants.com 8 Spirit Halloween will open for the season during the first week of August at 2110 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin. The loca- tion will replace Tuesday Morning. Spirit Halloween sells makeup, costumes, dec- orations and other themed goods for Hal- loween. www.stores.spirithalloween.com 9 Crunch Fitness will replace 24-Hour Fitness at 4625 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, in late 2023. Crunch Fitness offers strength and cardio equipment, yoga, Zumba, tanning, group fitness classes, and personal trainers. The gym provides a range of memberships starting at $9.95 a month and will begin preselling mem- berships in 2023 at a discounted price. www.crunch.com 10 Ghostletics Gym will open at 10203 Old Manchaca Road, Unit C, Austin, on Aug. 5. The gym is an open-warehouse- style facility where members have 24/7 access to machines, free weights and cardio equipment. Owner Kevin Xavier said it was previously located in Buda, but moved to offer a larger space. In-house services include IV therapy, massages and chiropractic services. www.ghostleticsgyms.com RENOVATIONS 11 The golf course at Grey Rock Golf Club and Tennis , located at 7401 Hwy.

45, Austin, is undergoing a greens and tee box renovation that began in May and is anticipated to be complet- ed in November. The driving range, putting green, chipping green and the golf club’s grill will remain open during the renovations. 512-288-4297. www.greyrockgolfandtennis.com CLOSINGS 12 After four years of operating Il Saporis as an Italian scratch-made food truck at 603 W. Live Oak St., Austin, owner Tony Destefano closed the truck May 21 to prepare for the opening of a brick-and-mortar location that will open downtown at 800 Brazos St., Ste. 115, Austin, as Sapori Italian Roots this sum- mer. Instagram: saporiatx 13 Radix House Southside Cafe & Pizza closed its first brick-and-mortar location at 11600 Menchaca Road, Austin, on July 9—less than two months after opening. Roger Pilney, South Austin native and Radix founder, said he made the decision due to financial and logistical constraints. The small food trailer reopened July 11 at 3008 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin. The large food trailer remains open at 2701 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin. www.radixhousecoffeeshop.com 14 Vegetarian restaurant Mr. Natural closed its 2414-A S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, location after 20 years in business June 30. Co-owner Isabel Mendoza said the rising costs of rent and produce along with the business still trying to recover from COVID-19 led to the shuttering. Mr. Natural’s east side location remains open and began serving lunch specials July 1. www.mrnaturalatx.com

Calaveras Tacos Y Mas serves Mexican-inspired street food, such as the foot-long Machete for $18.

COURTESY CALAVERAS TACOS Y MAS

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Calaveras Tacos Y Mas opened a Mexican-inspired street food truck June 12 at 11300 Old San Antonio Road, Menchaca, inside the Way South Food Truck Park. Co-owner Alyssa Rodriguez said she aims to bring the avors of Matamoros in Tamaulipas, Mexico, coupled with Brownsville to the Austin area with her dishes, including mini tacos, autas, Crazy Fries and a foot-long burrito called the Machete. www.linktr.ee/calaverastacosymas 15 Whitfield’s BBQ closed its food truck at 9001 Brodie Lane, Austin, in May and is now offering catering only. Orders can be placed by messaging the restaurant on Facebook. Whitfield’s officials said they are looking for a brick-and-mortar loca- tion to open in the near future. Facebook: Whitfields ATX ANNIVERSARIES 16 Cabo Bob’s Burritos celebrated its 15th anniversary July 26. The restaurant

1626

first opened at 500 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin, in 2008, offering customizable burritos and fish tacos. Since opening in South Austin, Cabo Bob’s Burritos has expanded to nine locations in Texas. 512-432-1111. www.cabobobs.com The nonprofit The SAFE Alliance cel- ebrated 10 years of serving survivors of sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence in May. The SAFE Alliance offers educational courses, counseling and legal help, housing services, and more for women and children. www.safeaustin.org

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

Join Us for a Fun Family Resource Fair! • Learn about valuable resources in our community • Interact with City of Austin departments • Enjoy free food, prizes and activities for the kids SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. DEL VALLE HIGH SCHOOL 5201 Ross Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617

#CCFair23 If you require assistance or would like more information, please contact us at 512-972-7929 or communityconnections@austinenergy.com .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT

INDIAN SPRINGS TRCE.

PLANT LADY LN.

FITZHUGH RD.

185

290

DRIPPING SPRINGS

MCGREGOR LN.

HARGRAVES DR.

Sunday Bookshop

Sugaring NYC

164

ELLE BENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

290

Hargraves Drive, Ste. 140, Austin. The studio offers lash services as well as hair removal by sugar wax, which is made of sugar, lemon juice and water. Sugaring NYC offers prepaid and monthly member- ships that offer savings on hair removal. It is owned by franchisee Dylan Patel. 512-300-0202. www.sugaringnyc.com EXPANSIONS 4 Greater Goods Roasting Co. , located at 160 McGregor Lane, Dripping Springs, plans to break ground on a new tasting room this summer as an expansion of the existing coffee wholesaler. The tasting room is estimated to open in early 2024 and will be operated by Greater Goods as a learning and training center with events. Cafe General Manager Bryanna Estrada said she is excited to keep ex-

panding. The expansion comes after the announcement that the East Austin loca- tion for Greater Goods will change own- ership effective Aug. 28. 512-858-2680. www.greatergoodsroasting.com NEW OWNERSHIP 5 The Hill Country Tasting Room and Event Space announced May 22 that Elizabeth Van Huffel is the new owner, replacing past owners Jamie and Deepa Eveleigh, who left to focus on spend- ing time at home with their children. The tasting room opened in 2018, featuring an event space that can host up to 75 people. It offers beer, wine, mead and cider from Texas as well as a menu of light bites at 18992 FM 150 W., Ste. 101, Driftwood. 512-536-0409. www.hillcountrytastingroom.com

BLUE CREEK RD.

1826

162

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

DRIPPING SPRINGS NOW OPEN

sign studio will be attached to the store. 512-586-8295. www.rural-birch.com 2 Sunday Bookshop opened June 22 at 28101 RR 12, Dripping Springs. The bookstore is owned by local Dixie Frechette and offers books, home decor, gifts and paper goods. It is the only bookstore in Dripping Springs. Frechette offers over 800 titles and plans to host book clubs in the future. 512-858-5300. www.shopsundaybooks.com

1 Rural Birch Designs opened May 29 at 181 Plant Lady Lane, Dripping Springs. The home decor boutique features pieces handpicked by lead interior designer Kim- berly Kennedy and also offers hats and jewelry. The store is open by appoint- ment only. Specific items are available for pickup and delivery, and are often posted to Facebook Marketplace and Instagram. Kennedy said eventually a de-

3 Sugaring NYC , a hair removal service, opened in Belterra on May 24 at 165

PROUDLY LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

all new!

When Knowledge and Accountability Matter

�512� 990�9252 � SWIMAUSTIN.COM

Buy Ahead and Save at NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

SAME OWNERS FOR OVER 30 YEARS

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

SAVE UP TO $ 1200 ON FLOOR MODEL CLOSEOUTS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

0% FINANCING FOR UP TO 5 YEARS

INVENTORY MUST GO!

FREE DELIVERY SETUP & REMOVAL *With $699 purchase or more. Not valid with any other offer.

FREE ADJUSTABLE BASE UPGRADE

*With select purchase. Not valid with any other offer.

FactoryMattressTexas.com

With Purchase. $ 300 GIFT

King Mattresses SAVE UP TO $ 600

SCAN CODE FOR LOCATIONS IN AUSTIN & SAN ANTONIO

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

August events

COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

AUGUST 04 DANCE ALL NIGHT Le Petite Fete will host Euphoria: A Euphoric Summer Dance Party at Come and Take It Live. The adults-only party will have a live DJ showcasing music and video from the TV show “Euphoria.” Attendees are encouraged to wear metallics and neon colors. 8 p.m. $15. 2015 E. Riverside Drive, Bldg. 4, Austin. www.comeandtakeitproductions.com 09 PRACTICE YOGA Yoga Vida will host violinist Will Taylor, who will play classical music while those attending practice yoga. 6-7 p.m. $25. 3620 Bee Caves Road, Austin. www.yogavidaaustin.com 10 THROUGH 26 SEE A PLAY Jenna & the Whale will make a world premiere at Ground Floor Theatre. The play follows Jenna, who after a surng accident nds herself with a man named Jonah in the belly of a whale. 7-9:30 p.m. Free-$45. 979 Springdale Road, Austin. www.groundoortheatre.org/jenna 11 HEAR CLASSICS Candlelight Concerts will present 100 Years of Warner Bros. at the Historic Sanctuary at St. David’s Episcopal

Church with music from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Casablanca,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and more. Admittance is for those age 8 and older. 6 p.m., 8 p.m. $40-$50. 301 E. Eighth St., Austin. www.feverup.com/125511 12 TAKE A STROLL St. Elmo Brewing Co. will oer a family-friendly summer walkabout where those attending can stroll down East St. Elmo Road and taste coee, wine, beer, cocktails and food featuring citrus. Noon- 5 p.m. Free (admission). 440 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin. www.stelmobrewing.com 12 ATTEND AN OUTDOOR CONCERT Vista Brewing will oer a concert series called Outside the City Limits on its 21-acre Hill Country ranch every second Saturday throughout the summer. The family- and dog-friendly series will also feature local vendors, craft beer, food and wine. 6-9 p.m. Free. 13551 FM 150, Driftwood. www.vistabrewingtx.com 12 THROUGH 13 DISCOVER VINTAGE TREASURES City-wide Vintage Sale, a woman-owned small business based out of Austin, will ll the Palmer Events Center with vintage nds for those attending to purchase. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Aug. 12), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Aug. 13). Free (admission for age 12 and younger), $9-$12 (over age

AUG. 12

CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE DOWNTOWN

AUG. 1820

ROAM WITH DINOSAURS MOODY CENTER

12). 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.citywidevintagesale.com 14 THROUGH 15 HEAD BACK TO CLASS Austin ISD students will head back to class after summer break on Aug. 14. Dripping Springs ISD students will return to class the following day. The full academic calendars are available on the districts’ website. www.austinisd.org, www.dsisdtx.us Austin will hold its 31st annual Pride Parade & Festival. Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10-$150. 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin. Parade: 8-11 p.m. Free. 1100 Congress Ave., Austin. www.austinpride.org

Jurassic World Live will stop at the Moody Center for a live arena show featuring life-size dinosaurs, heroes and villains. Times vary. $25-$65. 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.moodycenteratx.com 26 GET BATTY Austin will hold its 18th annual Bat Fest on the South Congress Avenue bridge, featuring live music, food and a bat costume contest plus a chance to see the world’s largest urban bat colony—1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—take over the sky. 4 p.m.-midnight. Free (kids under age 8), $25 (age 8 and older). 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest

Find more or submit Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

Coming this August at On Stage Ready: Grades 3 – 8 “Once Upon a Mattress”

Shift and save!

Group Classes Imagination Group Age 4 – Gr 1 Acting and Improv – all ages Glee Club

Conserve energy during Power Rush Hour

Aug 19 – Dec 2 Grades 9 – 12 “Tracks” Aug 15 – Dec 3 Adult Audition Notice Aug 16 “Mama Won’t Fly”

Private lessons Drums, Percussion, Piano, Guitar, Ukelele, Acting, and Vocals

onstageready.com

Power Rush Hour is between 2 and 7 p.m. ®

BEGINS EARLY GOOD DENTAL HEALTH There’s nothing more important than your child’s smile!

As the weather heats up, Professor Volt and PEC want to help prevent high electric bills. By shifting your electric use outside 2 and 7 p.m. and conserving energy all day, you can help us avoid peak use to beat Power Rush Hour.

(512) 892-0013 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 292 Austin, TX 78704 thielpediatricdentistry.com We take pride in providing a fun, comfortable visit for your child.

Learn more at pec.coop/power-rush-hour pec.coop/power-rush-hour.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

WE ARE IN A DROUGHT This is a time for everyone to be mindful of their water use – every drop counts. It is important to know that despite the rainfall we’ve gotten this spring, our water supply lakes are still only half full. Things you can do right now to save water 6 Use outdoor irrigation only on your designated day and times. 6 Shorten shower times and run the washing machine or dishwasher only when they’re full. 6 Check all water heaters, faucets, showerheads, and pipes under cabinets for leaks and drips. 6 Set up your account in the My ATX Water customer portal to access your water use data, get custom notifications, and receive potential leak alerts. We’re in this together. We appreciate everything you are doing to conserve our most precious resource.

Austin Water continues to monitor conditions with the Lower Colorado River Authority. You can find out more about Austin Water’s drought response here.

austinwater.org

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD After a payroll processing error made by Austin ISD, some teachers are being forced to pay back a $2,000 stipend payment they received on their June 30 paychecks. The district sent teachers an email July 1 explaining the situation. According to the email sent by Brandi Hosack, AISD chief human capital officer, a processing error led to teachers being mistakenly paid a stipend that was intended only for newly hired bilingual, special education, career and technical education, math, and science teachers. The overpayment will be paid back to the district in either four monthly payments of $500 or one lump sum of $2,000. AUSTIN ISD The district is on track to install solar panels on 16 more schools thanks to a nearly $15 million federal grant. The U.S. Department of Energy will award Austin ISD the grant to help the district achieve its goal of having net-zero- emissions schools and increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within the district. AUSTIN ISD As temperatures in the Austin area remain high, Austin ISD officials are beginning to address the heating, ventilation and air conditioning problems with money from the $2.44 billion bond package passed in 2022. The first round of HVAC projects included in the 2022 bond package will begin this summer, specifically replacement projects that don’t require extensive permitting or engineering services, officials said. Austin ISD will meet Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at 4000 S. I-35, Austin. www.austinisd.org Dripping Springs ISD will meet Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at 300 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs. www.dsisdtx.us MEETINGS WE COVER

Austin ISD passes largest budget shortfall in 6 years AUSTIN ISD Trustees approved a fiscal year 2023-24 budget with a projected $52.25 million shortfall during a board meeting June 22. The shortfall—the largest approved since the 2017-18 school year—was approved to fund raises. BY AMANDA CUTSHALL for the district—ideally an increase in basic allotments. The basic allotment is the amount of money a district can keep per student. PAY INCREASES Austin ISD approved a projected $52.25 million shortfall for the 2023-24 academic year to finance raises. The plan includes:

In case you missed it: Trustees approved a “historic” pay raise at a May 18 meeting, raising salaries for teachers and staff throughout the district. As a result, the district will spend about $53 million of its reserve funds to achieve the raise. The compensation package will begin in the fall semester. The breakdown: The district’s $2.1 billion budget is determined based on enrollment numbers, daily attendance and taxes. Ramos said he anticipates an enrollment of 73,681 students with an average daily attendance rate of 92%.

$4 -per-hour raises for all classified employees 7% raises for teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches and special education-related positions 5% raises for administrative professionals 3% increase for executive directors and above Above-market-level pay adjustments for licensed specialists in school psychology and educational diagnosticians $7,000 stipends for bilingual and special education staff

What’s happening: After grappling with alternative solutions to reduce the shortfall since Chief Financial Officer Eduardo Ramos’ budget presentation June 2, trustees made the decision to move forward in adopting the proposed budget with an adjustment to add $500,000 to add six athletic trainers to the district. Trustees also decided to circle back early this fall to approve an amended budget with the hope the state will approve more money

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

DSISD to fund staff raises, double school resource officers DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD Trust- ees approved a fiscal year 2023-24 budget with 61% dedicated to payroll, totaling a $122.8 million general fund budget. BY ELLE BENT BREAKING DOWN THE BUDGET Dripping Springs ISD passed a $122.8 million general fund budget for 2023-24 school year. It includes: Utilities 2% Supplies/materials Other 2% 4% Contracted services 4% Payroll 61% 27% State recapture Total: $122.8M

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What you may have missed: On May 22, trustees approved a 3% pay increase for teachers and staff for the 2023-24 year. Additionally, the board voted to nearly double the amount of school resource officers, or SROs, to campuses. The majority of the budget is for payroll, Deputy Superintendent

Elaine Cogburn said.

• Increase in employer health care contributions to $330 per month • Child nutrition services pay of $18 per hour • Custodial pay of $16 per hour • Addition of 36 full-time employees • Seven SROs across campuses

The breakdown: The general fund expenditures include: • 3% salary increase for all staff • Bus driver pay of $30 per hour • Bus monitor pay of $16 per hour

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, ELLE BENT & ZARA FLORES

Open house held for SH 45 road project in Hays, Travis counties

RISING REVENUES Revenues for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority are anticipated to rise about 39% for fiscal year 2024.

ONGOING PROJECTS

RAINES PASS

FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24

+39.11%

Total: $184.88M Total: $257.19M

BY ZARA FLORES

The land where the road would go is already owned by developers but could be developed in the future; there are already three active projects underway. Stacey Benningfield of STV, the prime consultant firm, and project manager said the firm is trying to get ahead of the development so there is flexibility in the potential road design and plan. “At some point, that entire area build outs [and] it becomes very difficult then to get the infrastruc- ture in place,” Benningfield said. The feasibility study is expected to take two years to complete, followed by years of subsequent studies, design and right-of-way acquisition and construction, for a timeline of about a decade, according to Hays County. There will be a follow-up open house late summer or early fall that will bring together the feedback provided and offer some potential routes for the road for additional input from the community. Residents can find more informa- tion about the project and provide feedback at www.sh45gap.com.

Buda and other area residents were invited to an open house June 15 to learn about the SH 45 gap road project, nearly a year after the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a $2.5 million contract with CP&Y Inc. for engineering services and a feasibility study. This comes just four months after the city of Buda entered into an interlocal agreement with Hays County for the assessment. The gap within SH 45 lies between FM 1626 in Manchaca and I-35 in Buda, in both Hays and Travis counties. Following con- tract approval last August, Travis County commissioners penned a letter to the Hays County com- missioners stating their explicit disapproval of the project, citing the environmental impact the project would have on the Edwards Aquifer. The study began with a meeting between all entities involved including both counties, the city of Buda and property owners within the study boundaries.

Tag revenue

$126.19M

$153.79M

RIVER PLANTATION DR.

Video tolls

$38.13M

$64.35M

Fee revenue

$15.88M $12.96M

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 20. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. substandard street, which are streets within the city that do not meet cer- tain city infrastructure requirements, including pavement widths less than 24 feet with a lack of sidewalk, bicy- cle, curb and gutter accommodations. Funds from the 2020 safety and active transportation bond, which consists of $53 million for multiple projects, are being used to develop the preliminary engineering report, but there are no construction funds allocated for the project. Timeline: TBA Cost: TBA Funding source: 2020 bond The project is part of the Local Mo- bility Program of the 2020 mobility bond, evaluating road conditions, sidewalks, curbs and drainage. Bradshaw Road is considered a Bradshaw Road substandard street project The city of Austin is discussing improvements to Bradshaw Road spanning from Slaughter Lane to River Plantation Drive. On June 21, the Aus- tin Transportation and Public Works Department hosted an open house to discuss the project.

Miscellaneous revenue

$4.68M

$26.08M

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Toll agency anticipates 39% revenue growth

BY GRACE DICKENS

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority passed its

fiscal year 2023-24 budget June 26, approving a decade-high revenue amount of $257.19 million, or a 39% year-over-year increase compared to FY 2022-23. The mobility authority oversees several area toll roads, including 290 Toll, MoPac, Hwy. 71 and SH 45 N. The organization anticipates revenues to rise 39% in FY 2023-24 to $257.19 million, compared to $184.88 million in FY 2022-23. The agency expects expenses to rise 19.7% year-over-year in FY 2023-24 to $168.7 million. Most of the increased costs come from maintain- ing roads, which increased 30% YOY.

MANCHACA

1626

BUDA

WE ARE BUILDING AUSTIN Learn more about what’s happening in your community!

We currently serve children 8 weeks - 12 years

Fully accredited by the American Montessori Society

Facebook.com/ATXCapitalDelivery AustinTexas.gov/CapitalDelivery

ADOLESCENT PROGRAM (Ages 12-15)

COMING FALL 2023

MARIPOSA MONTESSORI SCHOOL, 3338 PAISANO TRAIL, AUSTIN, TX (512) 428-4280

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

Get Hired!

Jobs starting at $20/hr + Benefits

Apply today at AustinCityJobs.org

Saturday, August 26 JW Marriott Downtown Austin

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters for Austin’s brightest gem, the 2023 Ice Ball Gala. Come spend an evening that makes a lifetime of difference for a child. Your support provides life-changing mentoring relationships for even more children

and families in Central Texas. www.AustinIceBall.org

Platinum Sponsor:

Ice Ball Chairs Pamela & Will Hurley

Crystal Sponsors:

Ice VII Honorees Lori & Mark Ramseur

Jenn & Sam Bassett Cayetano Pamela & Will Hurley Love, Tito’s LoveJoy Gourmet Sarah & Albert Swantner

Gold Sponsors:

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Dripping Springs

Austin City Council will meet Aug. 1, 3, 8, 10 and 16-18 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov Dripping Springs City Council will meet Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.cityofdrippingsprings.com Travis County Commissioners Court will meet Aug. 8, 10, 15, 22 and 24 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN The city’s homestead exemption for senior and disabled residents will increase by $11,000. The exemption allows eligible homeowners to lower the taxable value of their houses for some property tax relief. AUSTIN Plans to redevelop two city-owned properties located downtown and in Crestview have fallen through after extended negotiations over the proposed projects ended this year, delaying hundreds of aordable housing units and other community benets such as parkland. The city could not reach agreements with separate developers selected to transform the sites, and city ocials on July 20 moved to issue new solicitations for builders interested in improving the properties based on community and City Council goals. DRIPPING SPRINGS With its existing 9,000-square-foot building running out of space, the Dripping Springs Community Library is looking to expand to a new, larger facility as materials and programs grow with the community. Since opening in 1998, the DSCL has grown from serving about 12,000 residents to 52,000 today. City Council voted to support federal assistance for the expansion in May and the library plans to launch a fundraising campaign in 2024.

City manager search begins

SETTING UP THE SEARCH The council-driven search for Austin’s next city manager could wrap up next summer.

BY BEN THOMPSON

ocials developed a solic- itation for a search rm to seek out candidates. A tentative schedule laid out by Mayor Kirk Watson calls for the rm chosen by council to begin recruiting later this year with a goal of onboarding a nalist by late next summer. “[Sept. 1, 2024,] is only a target. If things go beyond that, so be it,” Watson said on council’s message board. “We all want to be thoughtful, and there’s no need to rush to a decision if, at the time, we feel we want more time. This is too

AUSTIN City Council members initiated a search for Austin’s next perma- nent city manager and could pick a nalist before next fall. The unelected city manager is responsible for local government administration, such as hiring department heads, and fullling ocials’ policy directives. Interim City Manager Jesús Garza was appointed by council in February after Spencer Cronk was red. This spring, several city

Oct.-Dec.: Recruitment, community outreach begin July: Request for search rm issued Sept.: Council chooses rm

Jan.-March: Candidate pool cut to shortlist

April-May: Three to ve seminalists named; community meets with candidates June-Aug.: Finalist selected; contract negotiated Sept.: New city manager starts work

SOURCE: AUSTIN CITY COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: TIMELINE AS PROPOSED IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

important of a decision.” The search will be paid for through the city’s

general fund, per Watson’s oce, at a cost to be nal- ized during negotiations.

Austin moves to end DPS partnership, state sends more troopers

BY BEN THOMPSON

partnership with DPS,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a July 12 statement. “This partnership was an innovative approach to address acute stang shortages that were years in the mak- ing. However, any approach must be in sync with Austin values.” Despite city leaders stating the partnership had ended, the DPS said it had no intention of halting its Austin operations. On July 13, Gov. Greg Abbott deployed 30 additional state troopers to Austin on top of the 100 already patrolling the city. A push to halt the program came soon after some council members cited local news reports about recent state trooper activity in Austin. The program has been criticized

AUSTIN City ocials announced the suspension of a law enforcement collaboration with the Texas Depart- ment of Public Safety July 12, citing a break with local values. The update came several months after local and state leaders formed the partnership and just 10 days after state troopers returned to Austin following a pause in eect since May. Troopers had been backing up Aus- tin’s short-staed police department and responding to violent crimes and critical trac incidents since March. “From the start of this partnership with DPS, I said I wanted Austinites to feel safe and be safe. Recent events demonstrate we need to suspend the

State troopers will continue patrolling Austin, now without local oversight.

for concentrating law enforcement in areas with more nonwhite residents and disproportionately targeting Black and Hispanic drivers, but also drew support from some community members. APD representatives said the collaboration resulted in positive public safety outcomes.

∙ Get updated vaccines ∙ See a full picture of your child’s health ∙ Ask learning and behavioral questions ∙ Complete camp and sports paperwork CHECK IN FOR A CHECKUP

ARCcheckup.com Book now

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

ANY PROJECT , BIG OR SMALL Call TDS to order a Roll-Off

More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Enjoy rebates averaging $1,800 on home energy improvements » Get up to $105 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives » Earn rebates starting at $400 on a new air conditioner or heat pump » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy use and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/go/summer

Dumpster today and we will find the right sized solution for you!

737-236-7067 TexasDisposal.com

Scan the code for more information.

Meet Denise.

She joined CI in 2007 as a receptionist and

today serves as one of the company’s General Managers.

“The opportunities that are given here and the amount of faith that our owners —John and Jennifer—have in every employee, it’s unlike any company.”

WE ARE HIRING and we think you’d be Amazing

Customer Driven. Community Focused.

Scan to learn more about various career paths at CI and view our current openings.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ENVIRONMENT Experts begin third year of treating toxic algae in Lady Bird Lake

While not all algae found in lakes is toxic, exposure to cyanobacteria can cause illness in people and pets, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If people or their pets experience symptoms they should report them to the city of Austin and seek medical attention. COURTESY AUSTIN WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC ALGAE

BY ELLE BENT

wildlife around as well as humans.” City ocials recommend avoiding contact with the algae, including not drinking directly from either lake. In 2019, the algae blooms in Lady Bird Lake reached a peak and caused the deaths of ve dogs over the course of a week, Shuler said. The treatment of Lady Bird Lake with the modied clay is being funded by the city of Austin until 2025 for a total of $1.5 million over ve years. The project will likely expand to larger-scale treatment based on the results, Shuler said. The rst treatment for 2023 was completed June 5, the second on July 10 and the third tentatively scheduled for Aug. 14. The south shore of the lake will not be treated and instead will be used to monitor eectiveness, Shuler said. “We’re here talking about Lady Bird Lake today, but this is a massive

Experts began treating toxic algae blooms in Lady Bird Lake on June 5 after blooms were found at sites at Red Bud Isle and east of I-35 between May 2-12. The treatment is part of a pilot program by the Austin Watershed Protection Department that began three years ago. EutroPHIX, a company under SePRO that works to restore and improve water quality, is applying a total of 20,000 pounds of modied clay to the lake throughout the summer as a preventive measure. The modied clay, called lantha- num-modied bentonite, reduces the amount of phosphorus in the lake, a key nutrient that cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, need to bloom. “It’s a very benign substance other than its anity for phosphorus,” EutroPHIX National Manager Scott Shuler said. “So there’s no threat to the

SYMPTOMS IN PEOPLE

SYMPTOMS IN PETS

• Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat or lungs • Stomach pain • Headache • Neurological symptoms, such as dizziness or muscle weakness

• Excessive salivation • Vomiting • Staggered walking • Diculty breathing

• Liver failure • Death • Convulsions

• Vomiting • Diarrhea • Liver damage

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

problem nationwide, and these harm- ful algal blooms are becoming much more prevalent,” Shuler said. “We need to continue to think about ways

to manage our polluted waterways as well as be more proactive and think bigger about managing the water- sheds as well.”

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with the nation’s top universities. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

BelmontVillage.com/Lakeway | 512-253-8507

LAKEWAY

Licensed nurse on-site 24/7 | Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care | Urgent care telehealth Dedicated Alzheimer’s care | Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness | Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

2023

HOME EDITION

COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

The Community Built for Life. You worked hard to create a good life for your family. Now it’s time to live the life you earned. At Belmont Village, we take care of the details. Residents enjoy expansive amenities and services in thoughtfully designed apartments and common spaces for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Our community design and award-winning programs make it easy for residents to make new memories with family and friends, continue lifelong learning and stay active. Hospitality is unparalleled, with a dining program second to none, concierge and transportation services, full-service salon and spa, heated pool, o-site trips, and a daily calendar of enriching activities tailored to resident interests. Resident health and wellness are supported by highly trained caregivers and nurses on-site 24/7. Telehealth with board-certied physicians is available around the clock. A professionally managed tness center oers therapy services and resident-centered wellness. Tours available. BelmontVillage.com/Austin

LAKEWAY

GOLD SPONSOR

Looking for free checking, better rates, and lower fees? We’re Velocity, the Austin area’s trusted credit union, serving your friends and neighbors for more than 75 years! Velocity oers convenient online banking, personal and business accounts, a no-annual-fee credit card, loans for just about anything, and secure investment opportunities. With branches to serve you in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park — including our Slaughter Lane Branch, located at 9300 South I-35, and our Brodie Oaks Branch at 4220 South Lamar Blvd. — Austin is our home. And we can take care of your home's nancial needs ... all under one roof! Our full-service Mortgage Services experts are ready to help you purchase the home of your dreams with personalized service, great low rates, low closing costs, and down payments as low as 5%. Already a homeowner? Check out our great home equity and home improvement loans. Visit us online at velocitycu.com.

REAL ESTATE DATA

COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE

2022-23 Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs real estate market data at a glance While home prices in Austin are falling year over year after a historic spike, increased interest rates mean buyers’ purchasing power is limited. However, increased inventory means buyers have more choices and time when considering a home, according to the Austin Board of Realtors.

78620 78735 78736 78737

78739 78745 78748 78749

MOPAC

290

SOURCES: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS, FREDDIE MACCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Median home sales price

Number of homes sold

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

$743,000

$861,500 $860,000

-7.01%

-0.17%

78620

78739

$690,947

$855,000 $880,500

$551,450 $532,750

+2.98%

-3.39%

78735

78745

$632,750 $590,000

$495,000 $489,845

-6.76%

-1.04%

78736

78748

$843,990 $870,000

$625,000 $625,000

+3.08%

78737

78749

78620

78735

78736

78737

78739

78745

78748

78749

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2023

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24-25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48

communityimpact.com