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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 10 JAN. 25 FEB. 27, 2023
ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
Brodie building boom
AFTER
BEFORE
P. Terry’s opens location near Belterra
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ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
SPONSORED BY • Austin Water
Plans to replace the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center with a mixed-use project are expected to receive nal city approval on Jan. 26.
PHOTO CREDIT: BARSHOP & OLES COMPANY, FALCON SKY PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY IMPACT
New development in South Austin set to gain nal approval
A project to replace the decades- old Brodie Oaks Shopping Center strip mall, located 5 miles south of downtown, with mixed-use build- ings up to 25 stories is set to receive City Council approval Jan. 26. BY AMANDA CUTSHALL New council members plan for active year
“Brodie will be a destination landmark for South Austin, re ect- ing the unique character of the area through its creative design and the incorporation of public art and per- formance venues,” said Rebecca Leonard of Lionheart Places, the
urban design and landscape archi- tecture rm for the project. With the development on track to start Phase 1 construction in 2025, existing businesses in the shopping center, which sits at South Lamar CONTINUED ON 30
Community snapshot
17
With a focus on a ordability, Austin City Council with several new members readies to get to work in a new term. SOURCE: AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY IMPACT IN SPOTLIGHT TOP ISSUES
A ordability
Homelessness
Preferred plan for I 35 project announced
18
BY BEN THOMPSON
After fall elections, four fresh faces now ll seats on Austin’s City Council dais previously held by members with a combined 35 years of City Hall experience. Several new o cials ran on the issue of a ordability in last fall’s election campaigns. They and their returning colleagues are now getting to work on attending to a rising count
New leadership
Mobility
of people experiencing homelessness and multiple transportation projects picking up steam in 2023. Those and the cost-of-living question are at the top of an agenda that could see council working quickly to produce tangible results,
according to city o cials. “The people [who] that were elected were elected because people want to see action on a ordability,” new District 3 Council Member José Velásquez said.
Keepers Coastal Kitchen unveils new menu items
35
CONTINUED ON 32
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
Bringing the best to Austin. Our family is growing.
Beansprout Pediatrics is now part of the Texas Children’s Pediatrics family.
We’re excited to announce that Beansprout Pediatrics is now part of Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric group in the nation. Beansprout Pediatrics joins more than 20 Texas Children’s locations in Austin offering pediatric, urgent care and specialty care services. At Texas Children’s Pediatrics, everything we do is to ensure your family’s future is a healthier one.
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Make an appointment at texaschildrenspediatrics.org .
© 2022 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. TCP_0000302_22
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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 EDITORS Beth Marshall, Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 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 PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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: Happy New Year! You’re reading our Annual Community Guide, which we hope will catch you up on the biggest projects, programs and decisions heading into 2023, aka your survival guide should you feel like you’ve been living under a rock or just moved to the neighborhood. Our front-page story details the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center redevelopment, which aims to place a Domain-like shopping experience where Ben White and South Lamar boulevards meet. Area growth shows no sign of slowing down. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM DARCY: Texas loves elections. How many times did you end up at the polls in 2022? Five if you are an Austin resident who voted in the primary, regular and run o elections? Six times if you were in District 4 a year ago? Whether the candidate you chose won, or if your council member is new or returning, our front-page story serves as a primer for where Austin o cials stand on some of the most pressing issues of our city. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR
CORRECTION: Volume 15, Issue 9 On Page 31, the spelling of the P. Terry’s Burger Stand CEO’s name is Todd Coerver.
DAILY EMAIL AND START JANUARY IN STYLE WITH OUR
Cheers to your rst newspaper of the new year! Community Impact is also celebrating 2023 by welcoming our 100,000th email subscriber. If you don't receive the CI Morning Impact to your inbox yet, you're missing out. Our emails include everything you need to know about local government, new businesses coming to your area, dining hotspots and events. When you sign up as a new subscriber this Jan. 10-Feb. 10, we'll thank you by entering your email into a drawing to receive a gift basket featuring a CI shirt, jacket and hat, plus other surprise goodies to keep you on trend all year. One winner will be announced in each of the four metro areas we serve: Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio*.
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© 2023 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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4 Taquería La Popular will open in Lan- tana Place at 7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 5, Ste. 100, Austin. The first La Pop- ular location is in Mexico City. The taque- ria offers authentic Mexican food, such as tacos, quesadillas, tostados and desserts, including tres leches, flan and sorbet. La Popular also offers a craft cocktail menu and a variety of agave spirits. La Popular will open in the spring. 310-405-9645. www.lapopularcdmx.com 5 ProSource Concepts will open a storefront at 12100 FM 1826, Austin, in March. The 3,900-square-foot space will offer services such as residential remodeling. A company representative said the company plans to expand its custom residential home fabrications and builds. Some services offered include interior and exterior painting, power washing, parking lot striping, curb and pavement marking, drywall repair and popcorn removal. ProSource Concepts offers free on-site estimates with project details, which can be requested online or by calling the company. 512-806-0662. www.prosourceconcepts.com RELOCATIONS 6 Austin Ear Nose Throat Clinic will move to 6503 Menchaca Road, Austin, from 4315 James Casey St., Ste. 300, Austin. The move is expected to happen in the spring. Austin ENT Clinic has been in business for more than 50 years. It offers services to adult and pediatric patients by 15 specialists through several Austin-area locations, all of whom are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. The clinic also offers services by licensed audiologists to help N
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN NOW OPEN 1 Avis Car Rental opened Nov. 9 at 2110 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 140, Austin. Avis Car Rental offers various vehicle rental options, including weekend rates, student rates, one-way and short-term car rental specials, and unlimited mileage rentals. 737-304-0769. www.avis.com
COMING SOON 3 Locally owned bakery Hayley- Cakes and Cookies will open a new location in February at 9001 Brodie Lane, Austin. The Brodie Lane location is the bakery’s third location in Aus- tin, offering cookie and cake designs, custom orders and daily specials. The bakery will replace Crema Bakery, which closed in September. 512-346-2253. www.hayleycakesandcookies.com
2 Austin Mindfulness Center opened a second location at 4425 S. MoPac, Austin. The new location opened Jan. 2. Officials said most insurances are accepted. The mental health counselors at the Austin Mindfulness Center provide in-person and telehealth appointments for anxiety, stress, depression and other topics for individuals of all ages and cou- ples. The center is taking appointments. www.austinmindfulness.org
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Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries & Cakes
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COURTESY MANOLIS ICE CREAM, PASTRIES & CAKES
AMANDA CUTSHALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
diagnose and find treatment solutions for hearing needs and issues. 512-444-7944. www.austinent.com 7 Locally owned, family-run Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries & Cakes relocated to 8907 Circle Drive, Austin, on Oct. 7 from 603 W Live Oak St., Austin. The dessert food truck opened in 2019 and has expanded its menu since to include what it calls “pops,” ice cream, sorbet, Italian ice, pastries and cakes. Pops come in several different flavors, and Manolis offers dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan options. The new location is at the old Graceland Oaks wedding and event space, which the owners of Manolis converted into a seating area with parking outside. www.manolisusa.com EXPANSIONS 8 South Austin Beer Garden expanded to add an enclosed patio to its location at 10700 Menchaca Road, Austin. The loca- tion also has an indoor space and an out- side yard available for patrons. The bar serves craft cocktails and offers 61 draft beers. SABG is dog friendly and holds special events, such as trivia nights each Wednesday and live music on the week- ends. Catering is also available. 512-704- 2787. www.southaustinbeergarden.com 9 Austin Ridge Bible Church Southwest at 7416 Hwy. 71 W., Austin, is undergoing an expansion to add another classroom to its space. Classes are offered for every- one including children, adults and those with disabilities. www.austinridge.org 10 The Tesla Gigafactory —the electric automaker’s 10-million-square-foot
headquarters in southeastern Travis County—will be expanding in 2023. According to six Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings, plans are in the works to expand the factory by over 1.7 million square feet, amounting to over $800 million in work. Travis County has received some permit applications, including for a cathode plant, a die shop and expansions of the existing factory. Construction is slated to begin as early as the end of January, per the permits. However, projects filed in the TDLR are subject to change. www.tesla.com ANNIVERSARIES 11 Casino South Side lounge is celebrat- ing its 10-year anniversary in January. It first opened its doors at 1502 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, on Jan. 10, 2013, and is the second location of Casino El Camino located on East Sixth Street, which opened in 1994. Casino South Side features 1960s decor, billiards, shuffleboard, darts and golden-tee golf. The bar is known for its jukebox with hand-selected mixes that are updated each month. Casino South Side Lounge has an outdoor patio that is pet friend- ly and smoker friendly. 512-445-9122. www.casinosouthside.com CLOSINGS 12 Nomi Health closed a COVID-19 test- ing site at the Austin ISD Burger Athletic Complex at 3200 Jones Road, Austin. The site opened in 2022 and had its final day of testing Jan. 13. Nomi Health offered free rapid antigen and PCR testing at the site. Last year, Nomi Health opened an Austin headquarters and administered an
Jo’s Coffee will open its sixth Austin-area location in the spring at the corner of Menchaca Road and Stassney Lane.
AMANDA CUTSHALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Jo’s Co ee will open its sixth Austin- area location in the spring at 5532 Menchaca Road, Austin. Known for its signature Ice Turbo co ee, Jo’s Co ee opened in 1999 at South Congress Ave., Austin. The new location will o er a drive-thru and indoor seating and will continue serving breakfast tacos and other food, alongside its regular drink menu, o cials said. Jo’s regularly hosts fundraisers and concerts throughout the year, and dogs are always welcome. The location used to be Speedy Cash. www.josco ee.com approximate 50,000 COVID-19 tests in the city at no cost. www.nomihealth.com 13 Anna’s Toy Depot —a local toy store with a large secondhand selection— closed Dec. 24 after 33 years in business. Owner Anna Barr said she decided to close following her 60th birthday in early December when the store’s lease expired in the same month. The store opened in 1989, when Barr began her business by buying used toys from garage sales and selling them to child care centers. Even- tually, Barr switched to her own brick- and-mortar retail space. Most recently,
N
her store was located at 220 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin. 14 Trudy’s Del Mar —a new concept restaurant from local Tex-Mex eatery Trudy’s—closed its 1600 S. Congress Ave., Austin, location at the end of December to make way for a new concept. The restaurant, which opened just over a year ago, offered coastal Tex-Mex dishes, such as seared tuna topped with grilled pineapple pico and fajitas with steak and lobster. The new concept will occupy the same space and is set to open in the spring. www.trudys.com
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT
since 1996. EcoClean uses a wet cleaning process that is gentler than hand washing and effective on a range of garments. General Manager Jeff Madsen said garments are cleaned without the use of chemicals, such as perc, used in many dry cleaning services. Once cleaned, clothes are hand-finished by pressers. 512-991-9416. www.ecocleanaustin.com 4 P. Terry’s Burger Stand opened a location near Belterra at 12680 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 200, Dripping Springs, on Jan. 18. P. Terry’s CEO Todd Coerver said the location is a double drive-thru and features a walk-up window but does not include a dining room. P. Terry’s first opened in Austin in 2005, and since then has expanded to 24 locations in Austin and five in San Antonio. The burger stand offers angus-beef burgers, chicken burgers and a veggie burger. Breakfast, desserts and milkshakes, including a shake of the month, are also on the menu. www.pterrys.com. COMING SOON 5 Call-Light , an on-demand health care platform, will launch this spring at 100 Commons Road, Ste. 7-102, Dripping Springs. The platform will connect inde- pendent nurses and clinicians to clients seeking medical care at home anytime. Nurses with Call-Light will be able to set their own hours and rates as well as choose which jobs to accept. Founder and
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DRIPPING SPRINGS NOW OPEN 1 Camp David Adventure Retreat
2 The Great British Baking Co. opened Dec. 14 in downtown at 104 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, and offers tradi- tional British pastries and baked goods. The bakery is owned by local father and son Andrew and Johnty Scriven, who are originally from Yorkshire, England. Everything is made fresh, in-house daily. The store offers dine-in, takeout and bake-at-home options. The menu includes sausage rolls, scotch eggs and sticky toffee pudding. 737-336-0725. www.thegreatbritishbakingco.com 3 EcoClean opened Jan. 15 at 165 Hargraves Drive, Austin, within Belterra. EcoClean has been operating in Austin
opened Nov. 2 at 4451 McGregor Lane, Dripping Springs. Camp David is a retreat site that sits on 10 acres and is able to accommodate large groups, such as wed- ding parties and corporate events. The property fits up to 28 guests between two different cabins. Activities at Camp David include hiking, an obstacle course and sports courts. The property also has a pool and a hot tub. 800-813-2689. www.cdadventureretreat.com
The Great British Baking Co.
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CEO Courtney Hogenson launched Call- Light to allow patients to choose their own providers and make in-home medical care more accessible and affordable. 800-476-6523. www.call-light.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
February & March events
COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
to taste and vote for their pick for The Best Bloody Mary in Austin. The festival will bene t the Girls Empowerment Network. Times vary. $50.25 (general admission), $69.50 (VIP). Fair Market, 1100 E. Fifth St., Austin. www.thebloodymaryfest.com 14 THROUGH 19 EXPERIENCE ALADDIN LIVE Bass Concert Hall will present live performances of Disney’s “Aladdin” based on the 1992 movie. The national touring Broadway show includes Michael Maliakel as Aladdin, Michael James Scott as the Genie and Shoba Narayan as Jasmine. Showtimes vary. $45- $150. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-471-2787. www.aladdinthemusical.com 15 THROUGH 19 ATTEND AN ART FEST OUTsider Festival brings together members of the LGBTQIA community for a festival to showcase lm, performance art, music, visual art and more. OUTsider is an Austin-based transmedia nonpro t that supports the LGBTQIA community through presentations of art. Times and prices vary. The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road, No. 2135, Austin. www.outsiderfest.org
THROUGH MARCH 5 SEE A CINDERELLA STORY
Zach Theatre will perform “Cinderella” based on Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s adaptation. This show is a comedic, modern adaptation of the Broadway musical. Produced in partnership with Deaf Austin Theatre, it will be performed simultaneously in English and American Sign Language. Showtimes are 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $25-$95. 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-476-0541. www.zachtheatre.org FEBRUARY 06 EAT SOME CHILI Jo’s Co ee will host its 15th annual Chili Cook-o bene t. The event will help raise money toward Free Lunch. Free Lunch works to address food insecurity for those living in Austin. Both amateur and professional culinary talent will compete for the prized chili pot. Noon-3 p.m. $25. Jo’s Co ee, 1300 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.josco ee.com 11 DRINK FOR A CAUSE The Bloody Mary Festival will o er Bloody Mary drinks made by local bars and restaurants as well as craft bottled mixes. Attendees get the opportunity
FEB. 04
CELEBRATE CARNAVAL SPEAKEASY
Carnaval Brasileiro is Austin’s annual Brazilian Mardi Gras celebration. The tradition was started in 1978 by a group of University of Texas students from Brazil. 8 p.m.- 1:45 a.m. $35. Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave., Unit D, Austin. www.sambaparty.com (Courtesy Merrick Ales Photography)
18 DINE FOR CHARITY The 33rd annual Dripping Springs Wild Game dinner will raise money for local charities. The meal will include pork and venison sausage, smoked brisket, venison, turkey and sides. The event will also feature auction items as well as ra es. 6-9 p.m. $10 (children), $25 (adults). Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center. 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. https://dswildgamedinner.square.site
19 PARTICIPATE IN A MARATHON The Austin Marathon will take place in downtown Austin. Sponsored by Ascension Seton, the event will include a full marathon, a half-marathon, a 5K and virtual races. Runners will begin at Second Street and Congress Avenue and nish at Ninth Street and Congress Avenue for the marathon and half-marathon. 7 a.m. (half- and full marathons), 7:45 a.m. (5K). Prices vary. www.youraustinmarathon.com
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.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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CITY & COUNTY
Austin City Council Will meet Feb. 7 and 21 at 9 a.m. and Feb. 9 and 23 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/austin-city- council Travis County Commissioners Court Meets Feb. 7, 21 and 28 at 9 a.m. and Feb. 9 and 23 at 1:30 p.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissioners-court Dripping Springs City Council Will meet Feb. 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/ city-council MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS SUNSET VALLEY After 29 years of service, Jerry Rusthoven retired as chief zoning o cer at the Austin Housing and Planning Department and moved on to serve Sunset Valley. Rusthoven began the role of development services coordinator in Sunset Valley on Jan. 11. TRAVIS COUNTY On Jan. 3, Travis County commissioners approved $80,000 in funds to provide nancial assistance for 23 local families facing eviction after a city of Austin program that would typically provide the relief ran out of funding. The families are working with nonpro ts Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and El Buen Samaritano and negotiated a stay with their landlord. The city has an agenda item Jan. 26 to add $600,000 to the program. HAYS COUNTY On Dec. 20, Hays County commissioners approved a $1.2 million agreement with the Hays County Food Bank for a potential new facility. The funding comes from the county’s $44.7 million allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The HCFB is seeking to build a new, 30,000-square- foot facility on Reimer Avenue in San Marcos with the funding. COMPILED BY BEN THOMPSON, ELLE BENT, KATY MCAFEE & ZARA FLORES
News from Austin, Sunset Valley, Hays & Travis counties
Austin Water audit released after incidents AUSTIN An external audit of Austin Water prompted by a string of water quality incidents in the last few years was released Jan. 11. The report found the city utility continues to capably produce quality drinking water and has made strides on infrastructure and reliability. However, auditors said it continues to face management shortcomings, haphazard water treatment operations and a risk of further water quality failures during extreme events. The audit’s release comes two weeks after former AW Assistant Director Shay Ralls Roalson was appointed to helm the utility. Roalson is responsible for overseeing the dozens of recom- mendations for AW operations forwarded by The University of Texas auditors, several of which are already in progress. The audit, conducted by UT’s Center for Water and the Environment, cost around $816,000. City Council’s audit committee will review the report on Jan. 18. WATER DISRUPTIONS An audit of the city utility was commissioned after Austinites endured several water treatment breakdowns since the late 2010s. Oct. 2018
Austin could trade its east side maintenance complex for new parkland and other improvements. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)
O cials review parkland swap
AUSTIN Over one year after Austin voters passed Propo- sition B—authorizing the city to swap a 9-acre property for almost 50 acres of parkland— some Austin o cials have questioned the value of the proposed deal that could close in early 2023. Based on the 2021 ballot measure, the city parks department’s Central Maintenance Complex at 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd. could either be sold or leased in exchange for a 48-acre parcel near an existing city park. The city would also require its partner to provide for a replacement facility, remove an old maintenance complex at Fiesta Gardens and restore parkland there. While voters enabled a public solicitation for the trade, terms were narrowly tailored for the technology company Oracle, headquar- tered on Riverside next door to the lakeshore complex. The 48-acre future park is the former Driveway Austin race track, located o the
Colorado River east of US 183, which Oracle acquired in late 2021. Austin and Oracle have yet to complete the trade. City sta said in December they were awaiting new land appraisals before bringing a deal for City Council approval. The maintenance complex is appraised around $35 million and the Driveway property at $1.25 million, while a new parks facility could cost $15 million to $45 million. The potential exchange drew some unease from o - cials, who said Austin may be crafting a deal that does not su ciently value its own property—labeled by former Council Member Kathie Tovo as among the city’s most valuable—and may not meet Proposition B conditions. The city said its appraisal for the Lakeshore land was made at its present “highest and best use,” not accounting for any value likely to be added through upzoning after a possible deal.
Heavy rainfall and ooding a ects water supply quality, leads to boil-water notice Zebra mussel presence causes “serious taste and odor issue” in water supply Fire response in Tanglewood leads to re foam back ow to local drinking water Demand for water during widespread power outages caused by Winter Storm Uri leads to a boil-water notice Employee error at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant leads to boil-water notice
Feb. 2019 Jan. 2020 Feb. 2021 Jan. 2023 Feb. 2022
Austin Water audit released
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
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AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
“I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO 2023 AND ANOTHER
STATE COMPARISONS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas ranks in the middle of a sampling of southern states when it comes to pre-K through 12th- grade overall per-pupil spending. Funding comes from local, state and federal sources. These numbers from the Census Bureau in 2021 show some of the surrounding states:
PRODUCTIVE LEGISLATIVE
NUMBER TO KNOW The number of bills led by Texas lawmakers a month from the start of the Jan. 10 session. Lawmakers started ling bills Nov. 14 and have until March 10—the 60th day of the session—to submit bills for this Legislature. 1,100+ SESSION THAT WILL SET THE STAGE FOR AN EVEN GREATER TEXAS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.” LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK LEGE STICKS WITH ODD YEAR PATH When the Legislature was established, lawmakers could travel across Texas on foot or by horse. Journeys were long and dangerous, so lawmakers chose to meet in Austin every two years, according to Dallas Morning News reports. Many states switched to annual sessions in the 1970s, but Texas did not. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas are the only states that do not meet every year. Sessions are limited to 140 days, according to the Texas Constitution. The governor has the authority to call special sessions, which are limited to 30 days. Each special session focuses on speci c topics chosen by the governor and only laws on those topics can be passed.
$11,075 Louisiana $9,827 Texas $9,323 Oklahoma
$8,625 Arizona
$10,388 Arkansas
$9,284 Mississippi
$10,177 New Mexico
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT
JOE WARNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Early bill lings show education, property tax relief among major priorities for 2023 legislative session
BY HANNAH NORTON
average daily attendance threshold. But when a student is frequently absent, their school loses money, even if the school’s day-to-day operations do not change. Bills have been led to raise the allotment and change the per-pupil funding formula. Property taxes Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation. This is because the state does not charge an income tax. Additionally, local property taxes are used to fund schools, city infrastructure, emer- gency services and more. Multiple bills have been led to eliminate or reduce schools’ mainte- nance and operations taxes, which fund day-to-day operations and employee salaries. Rep. Andrew Murr,
R Junction, led two bills to eliminate the tax. HB 29 would create a joint commit- tee that would deal with the details of eliminating the tax, while HB 38 would increase certain state taxes in place of the local property taxes. Homeowners can also receive homestead exemptions, or a reduction in a portion of the home’s value for tax purposes. A $40,000 reduction is available for each homeowner’s primary residence. HB 40, led by Rep. Erin Zwiener, D Driftwood, would create a homestead exemption for property that is used to harvest rainwater or gray water. HB 144, led by Rep. Diego Bernal, D San Antonio, would create an exemption for the parent or legal guardian of someone who receives care in their home while waiting on state support.
A month before the Jan. 10 start of the 2023-24 legislative session, Texas lawmakers had led over 1,100 bills. Thousands more are expected to be led, but only some will become laws. Lawmakers have until the 60th day of the session—March 10—to le prospective pieces of legislation. Education funding and property tax relief are two topics of early lings. Education and public schools Changing the way Texas funds public schools is top of mind for many educators, administrators and parents. Schools receive per-student funding from the state under the basic allot- ment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of students in attendance on average. Schools earn $6,160 per student who meets the
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
Prepare for Freezing Weather LOCATE YOUR WATER SHUTOFF
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand: ■ WATER
Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure if you have an inside shutoff valve, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. KEEP OUT COLD AIR Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. EXPOSED PIPES AND WATER HEATERS Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. OUTSIDE FAUCETS Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. PREPARE BEFORE LEAVING TOWN If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher. FOR UPDATES AND INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS go to: austinwater.org
METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary
34”
■ INSULATION for indoor and outdoor pipes
■ HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets
■ Battery
powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT
■ Have enough water for 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE
COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
Austin Water has been and continues to be an industry leader serving customers for more than 100 years. On January 1, 2023, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk appointed Shay Ralls Roalson as the new Director of Austin Water. Shay brings 29 years of experience working with water utilities on the planning, design, and construction of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Texas. She joined Austin Water as Assistant Director in April 2020, where she led the engineering services team responsible for delivering the utility’s $1.4 billion ve-year capital program. Shay, along with the entire dedicated Austin Water workforce, are focused on providing a ordable and reliable service to the community, and continuing e orts to strengthen our infrastructure and enhance system-wide resiliency.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
Data and information on local communities
COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON
SOUTHWEST AUSTIN The ongoing in ux of new residents to Austin continued from 2016-21. The city’s population grew by more than 4% in that time. Austin’s median age increased by 1.5 years, and the median household income in the city rose by nearly 30%.
DRIPPING SPRINGS
The population of Dripping Springs nearly doubled from 2016 to 2021. At the same time, it became less diverse with 79.3% of people identifying as white. The median income increased 62%.
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5 YEAR ESTIMATES COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin
Dripping Springs
Population change Austin’s population grew by a moderate 4% from 2016 to 2021, compared to 16% from 2011 to 2016. However, the city of Dripping Springs increased signi cantly.
Local demographics, 2021* Hispanic or Latino White Black or African American American Indian or Alaska native Asian Native Hawaiian or other Paci c Islander Some other race
33.11% 47.81% 7.3% 0.15% 8.12% 0.04% 0.29% 3.18%
15.2% 79.3% 0.6% 0% 3.5%
907,779 944,658
2,407
2016
2016
4,699
2021
2021
0% 0% 1.5%
+4.06%
+95.22%
5-year population change
Two or more races
Hays County: +26.32%
Travis County: +10.42%
*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.
Age analysis, 2021 0-19 22.26%
Education level** High school diploma or higher achieved
Median household income
2016 2021
Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved
30.56%
2016 $60,939
39.15%
27.22%
20-39
2021 $78,965
88%
90.59%
47.71% 55.12%
24.68%
24.3%
40-59
12.05%
12.47%
60-79
2016 $68,750
1.87% 33.9
5.45%
80+
77.7% 93.5% 31.9% 53.4%
2021 $111,429
Median age
37
**EDUCATION LEVEL IS FOR THE POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JANUARY 2023
TRANSPORTATION
Top transportation stories to watch in 2023
Work to continue on Bergstrom Spur
Bridge work to begin
OAK HILL PARKWAY
OLD BEE CAVES RD.
71
BY KATY MCAFEE
increase connectivity for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit networks, according to city o cials. Several other trails will be improved or expanded in 2023. The Trail Conservancy will begin construction on the Rainey Street trailhead and begin gathering per- mits to realign and restore landscaping for the Holly Project, a site located west of the decommissioned Holly Power Plant at Festival Beach.
Intersection closes summer 2023
The William Cannon Drive and Hwy. 290 intersection will be restored and work on the Old Bee Caves Road and Hwy. 290 intersection will begin as part of the Oak Hill Parkway project.
SCENIC BROOK DR.
The city of Austin’s Urban Trails Program is making progress on the Bergstrom Spur Trail, a 6.5-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that will run through an abandoned rail corridor from Vinson Drive to US 183. The design for the west section of the trail—one of three parts—will continue in 2023 and be nalized in 2024. Construction will be completed by 2026. When nished, the trail will
CIRCLE DR.
290
W. WILLIAM CANNON DR.
Sound wall
MOPAC
Intersection restored
1826
N
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
Oak Hill $674 million project construction pushes west
BY ELLE BENT
Lane and Joe Tanner Lane will reopen. Work will begin at Old Bee Caves Road at Hwy. 290 in the summer and close the intersection for about six months. Drivers westbound on Hwy. 290 will continue onto Hwy. 71 and detour onto Fletcher Lane to access Old Bee Caves Road. In 2023, the sound wall near the Rid- geview neighborhood will be completed and work will begin on ground-level bridges on the cross streets of Convict Hill Road, RM 1826, Scenic Brook Drive and Circle Drive, Wheelis said. Work on the Hwy. 290 frontage roads will also continue.
Some of the work being done as part of the $674 million Oak Hill Parkway project will wrap up while new sections will break ground in 2023. The project, which will widen the road up to 12 lanes from Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 71 and add two yovers, broke ground in 2021. In 2023, the intersection of Hwy. 290 and William Cannon Drive will be restored to normal use with left-turn lanes before the driver reaches the intersection, said Brad Wheelis, Texas Department of Transpor- tation public information o cer. McCarty
360 BERGSTROM SPUR TRAIL
Austin will make progress on a plan to redevelop an abandoned rail line into the Bergstrom Spur trail which will be completed in 2026.
290
35
VINSON DR.
71
W. ST ELMO DR.
183
N
SOURCE: AUSTIN URBAN TRAIL PROGRAM
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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