Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | January 2025

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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 JAN. 25FEB. 25, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Lake Travis area sees wellness industry growth

BY KAROLINE PFEIL

Just west of Austin in the forested region of Spicewood, yurts, hammocks, and 13 acres of quiet Texas Hill Country welcome visitors to Moonacre Ranch, a local wellness retreat owned by business executive Liz Bradford. Founded in 2018, the ranch was created with the goal of providing peace and quiet for its guests, many of whom are working women seeking a respite from stressful corporate environments, Bradford said. “They do come away more peaceful, more invested in themselves, and not apologizing for taking that time for self-care,” Bradford said. The wellness industry, which encompasses a wide range of businesses that provide services to reduce stress and improve quality of life, is quickly growing in Austin, and over 50 wellness-focused businesses can be found in the Lake Travis-Westlake area alone.

LOST COVE DR.

COLORADO RIVER

LOST COVE DR.

S. COVE

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Visitors to Moonacre Ranch in 2022 take part in a guided meditation.

CONTINUED ON 36

COURTESY MOONACRE RANCH

Also in this issue Impacts: Check out A Health and Wellness Shop in Steiner Ranch (Page 8)

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INSIDE

Education: Learn more about the closure of Valley View Elementary School (Page 13)

As you embark on this amazing journey, know that we’re by your side for every moment. We’re here to keep you calm, make you comfortable and remind you just how strong you are. This is your moment. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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rmational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All act dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, m of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. rmational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All act dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, m of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Neighborhood Market Repor ts

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. ation is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, pass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. able but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, ousing Opportunity. 8507 CHALK KNOLL DR 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES mpiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All ng the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, censed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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s subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal,

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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 Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

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

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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

Impacts

620

LAKE TRAVIS

3 Best Brains The tutoring center is now offering supplemental education to children ages three to fourteen, specializing in math, English, coding and abacus. • Opened Jan. 17 • 2501 S. RM 620, Ste. 130, Austin • www.bestbrains.com/austin-beecave 4 Vital Stretch The business aims to enhance physical mobility of its customers through assisted stretching practices. With several locations throughout the United States, the new Bee Cave location marks the company’s second in Texas, after Alamo Ranch. One-on-one sessions are offered, as well as corporate group stretching classes. • Opened Oct. 10 • 15500 Hwy. 71, Ste. 220, Austin • https://beecave.thevitalstretch.com 5 Glo30 Austin Westlake Glo30 opened a new location in Westlake offering tailored, all-inclusive facials, called SmartGLO treatments. Services also include laser resurfacing treatments, botox, and micro infusions with nanoneedling treatments using fillers. • Opened in September • 3201 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 165, Austin • www.glo30.com/westlake 6 Mattr Biowellness Club Now open in Lantana Place, Mattr Biowellness Club is a health spa that offers IV therapy, float therapy, cryo therapy and more wellness modalities in one place. • Opened Aug. 19 • 7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 5, Ste. 200, Austin • www.mattrbiowellnessclub.com 7 Ashley Ferguson Interiors The business opened its corporate offices in Lakeway. Ashley Ferguson Interiors is a full-service interior design firm offering custom remodels, new builds and virtual design guidance. • Opened in October • 2101 Lakeway Blvd., Ste. 235, Lakeway • www.ashleyfergusoninteriors.com

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• 1905 N. RM 620, Austin • www.clementspaint.com

Now open

1 Clement’s Paint Company The business opened a new storefront in Lakeway, replacing the building’s former occupant, Rooster’s ACE Hardware & Paint, and marking the business’ ninth location in the Austin area. The company offers paints, stains, and primers as well as painting supplies such as brushes, rollers, and trays. • Opened in September

2 BarkSuds Austin The locally-owned business offers a dog grooming membership starting at $45 a month for unlimited grooming services. • Opened Jan. 17

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BY GRACE DICKENS & KAROLINE PFEIL

Coming soon

Now open

In the news

8 Chipotle The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain Chipotle is coming soon to Bee Cave. The business offers tacos, burritos, and salad bowls. The new location, just north of the Hill Country Galleria, was confirmed at a Bee Cave City Council meeting Jan. 14, and will feature a drive- through pick up window. Opening is expected near the end of 2025, developer Bill Walters said. • Opening late 2025 • S. RM 620 and East Ladera Boulevard • www.chipotle.com

Relocations

website. The new owners also acquired the Bee Cave location of Restore in 2022. • 3267 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 118, West Lake Hills • www.restore.com 13 Texas Honey Ham Company The business celebrated its 20th year of business in West Lake Hills in November. The restaurant serves breakfast tacos, salads, sandwiches, homemade soups, and more. Premium meats such as honey-glazed hams, roasted turkey breast, and ham bones are also sold by the pound. • 3736 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 6, West Lake Hills • www.texashoneyham.com 12 A Health and Wellness Shop The shop in Steiner Ranch offers items for lifestyle management, such as supplements, healthy snacks, vitamins, clean beauty products and more. The shop is owned by Audra Smith, who was a college track and field coach for 15 years after her time as a college athlete. • Opened Jan. 4 • Steiner Ranch Shops, 2900 N. Quinlan Park Drive, Ste. 230, Austin • www.ahealthandwellness.shop

15 Engage & Heal Foundation The nonprofit mental health organization based in Lakeway won the Austin Young Chamber’s Favorite Austin Venture or Enterprise Way to Keep Austin Healthy award, in recognition of their contributions to Austin’s mental, physical, and financial health. • 2121 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 504-393, Austin • www.engageandheal.org

9 Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry After 25 years in its location at 900 S. RM 620, the practice has moved to the new Cherry Peak Phase II development. The practice provides most general dental services for families with a focus on comprehensive esthetic dentistry. • Relocated Dec. 10 • 3502 Wild Cherry Drive, Bldg. 11, Lakeway • www.lakewaydentist.com 10 Cedarwood Financial Partners The financial services business has opened its’ doors in Bee Cave after serving customers out of a Lakeway office for the past year, Cedarwood founding partner Jeremy Self said. Services commonly provided by the company include assistance with retirement planning, managing an inheritance, divorce assets, and business exits. • Relocated in December

Bee Cave in January. The store, which is locally owned by Tony and Melissa Curtis-Wellings, sells a range of culinary tools from a wide variety of manufacturers, including cutlery, cookware, bakeware, cooks’ tools, blenders and more. • 12918 Shops Parkway, Ste. 540, Austin • www.faradayskitchenstore.com 16 Austin Family Counseling The practice celebrated 10 years of business in the community in January. The counseling practice offers expert-level guidance and support for families, children, couples and individuals. • 5000 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 100, Austin • www.austinfamilycounseling.com

• 13414 Galleria Circle, Ste. Q130, Austin • www.cedarwoodfinancialpartners.com

In the news

11 Restore Hyper Wellness The Westlake location of Restore Hyper Wellness underwent new ownership by David and Arden Wimberly in September. The wellness-focused business offers services such as cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV therapy, skin health services and more, according to its

14 Faraday’s Kitchen The store is celebrating its 20th year of business in

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

BY KAROLINE PFEIL

On Jan. 15, Judge Laurie Eiserloh of Travis Coun- ty’s 455th District Court issued a ruling allowing Velocis, developer of the West Austin Business Park, to resume construction while following city noise ordinances. The ruling comes after two court hearings Nov. 12 and Nov. 20, wherein the city of Bee Judge allows Bee Cave industrial park to resume construction According to Eiserloh’s letter, issued to devel- opers and city ocials Jan. 15, a violation of the business park’s development agreement with the city was made evident through court lings, evidence at court hearings and post-hearing briefs. On Nov. 12, at the rst of the two court hearings, Sgt. Keith Howard with Bee Cave Police testied,

Cave sought a temporary injunction and a halt to construction at the site. All legal relief requested by Bee Cave was denied, with only part of their request for a temporary injunction, pertaining to noise disturbances, being fullled. Velocis’ plea to dismiss the case was also denied. The overview The West Austin Business Park, a 270,000-square-foot distribution facility currently under construction in the Sweetwater Devel- opment, is located in Bee Cave’s extrajudicial territory near the intersection of Hwy. 71 and Serene Hills Drive.

sharing evidence of noise levels near the con- struction site reaching 98.8 decibels on his sound metering device at midnight Oct. 9, far exceeding the city’s allowable level of 60 decibels during the night. What’s next A trial is set for Aug. 18, in which the merits of Bee Cave and Velocis’ case will be argued. Until then, Velocis will be permitted to con- tinue construction. According to the West Austin Business Park’s website, construction is expected to reach substantial completion by March.

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & KAROLINE PFEIL

Bee Cave elects two interim members

TravCo expands emergency support Travis County commissioners approved $80,000 in funding Dec. 10 toward two pilot programs aimed to disseminate information during emergencies and increase accessibil- ity for the county’s vulnerable populations. Diving in deeper The rst program is an asset map of the county, identifying the authorities best positioned to reach residents, explained Maria Yuan, the fellow commissioned by the county. The second program will roll out training for county sta members geared to help sta learn new ways to collaborate and better support the community. “There is a tremendous need for clear communication ... about ... where [the public] can get help and resources,” Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said.

Eective Jan. 14, Bee Cave City Council will operate with two new temporary council members until a formal election is held for their seats in May. Following the resignations of council members Courtney Hohl and Jon Cobb, the city posted applications for the two temporary council seats on its website Jan. 8. Ocials appointed to the two seats are Kit Crumbley and Blake Sbrocco, both of whom have served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The background Jon Cobb resigned from his position on City Council on Dec. 25, according to a news release from the city. When reached for comment, Cobb explained that his reason for resigning was directly related

Interim council members Kit Crumbley and Blake Sbrocco are sworn in at the Jan. 14 meeting.

COURTESY CITY OF BEE CAVE

to the city’s lawsuit against Velocis, developers of the West Austin Business Park. Cobb’s resignation came just four days after his fellow council member Courtney Hohl announced her resignation Dec. 13 due to per- sonal matters, according to a city news release. What’s next? The interim City Council members will hold their seats until Bee Cave’s upcoming election May 3, where they can decide whether to run.

Lakeway shares updates on upcoming Butler Park Parks & Recreation Director Andra Bennett shared updates on Lakeway’s upcoming Butler Park on Dec. 16. Despite the changes, the project is not expected to go over budget, Bennett said. The overview Updated items included: • Additional shade structures for $67,000 • A concrete masonry dumpster enclosure for $20,000 • A proposed practice ball wall for $19,500, which would be $100,000 cheaper than the originally proposed electric ball wall. • The cost for the beginner bike course going from $32,000 in projections to $113,000 due to unforeseen infrastructure work

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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

LTISD places Superintendent Paul Norton on paid leave

The Lake Travis ISD board of trustees voted to place Superintendent Paul Norton on a paid administrative leave eective immediately at a Dec. 17 special meeting. The board appointed Pam Sanchez, LTISD assistant superintendent for business services, as acting superintendent in Norton’s place. Sanchez has been with the district since 2020. Additionally, the board voted to work with a law rm to conduct an investigation. The decision was made following a closed session discussion in which allegations of misconduct came to light in a report, according to a Dec. 17 news release from the district. What they’re saying “We understand that this decision may raise questions and concerns, and we want to assure our sta, students, families, and the greater Lake Travis community that the board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a fair and thorough

The board unanimously agreed at the Dec. 17 special meeting to place Superintendent Paul Norton on paid administrative leave and to work with a law rm to conduct an investigation into allegations of misconduct.

CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

process,” school board president Erin Archer said in an email statement from the district. What else? LTISD Police Chief Andy Michael’s resignation was also announced Dec. 17 through a letter from

Norton posted to the district’s website, prior to the board meeting. Michael began working as a consultant for a local nonprot organization Jan. 10, according to district information. Michael has served as the LTISD’s rst police chief since joining the district in 2018.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & CHLOE YOUNG

EISD consolidates 2 schools, ends Spanish Immersion program Two big changes are coming to Eanes ISD in the 2025-26 school year: Valley View Elementary will close and blend with Barton Creek Elementary, and the Spanish Immersion program will be dis- continued, all in an effort to address the district’s anticipated $6.5 million budget shortfall next year. The campus blend was unanimously approved, while the discontinuation of Spanish Immersion was approved in a 5-2 vote, with council members Kim McMath and Ellen Balthazar dissenting. Over 30 community members spoke during the public forum before the vote, including Valley View Elementary parent Lauren Amador, who said the blend was a “quick fix” to minimize anger for budget problems that have been around for years. Many parents also spoke in support of continuing

LISD making strides with police force Leander ISD is taking the next steps in creating its own police force. LISD is working to submit an application to create the department with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, or TCOLE, said Shā Rogers, LISD’s executive director of safety and security, at winter community events. The details If approved, TCOLE will issue an agency number that will be transferred to Rogers, who is slated to become the department’s police chief. LISD is hiring for several police officers and school marshal positions, which Rogers said she plans to fill by June 30. The board of trustees approved $1.84 million for startup costs on Nov. 21, plus $662,315 for nine positions on Dec. 12.

Next steps Jan. 28: board will consider additional decisions related to the blend Spring: board will direct further efficiencies or reductions to offset the shortfall May 20: board may vote on freezing staff salaries, if needed June 24: last day for the board to propose a November election to approve copper pennies

SOURCE: EANES ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SI, with Balthazar suggesting a substitute motion to table the issue as over 276 parents pledged $900,000 to financially support the program through the Eanes Education Foundation. What’s next Along with blending the campuses and discon- tinuing SI, other cost saving measures have been proposed by district officials, such as adopting nine copper pennies that would raise the tax rate and generate $4 million for EISD, making staff reductions or freezing staff salaries.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Transportation

BY GRACE DICKENS & KAROLINE PFEIL

Austin to add public parking, expand trail at Loop 360 overlook Upgrades will soon be made to the Loop 360 overlook trail by Pennybacker Bridge, following eminent domain proceedings filed by Austin City Council in December. Alison Alter, who formerly represented Austin’s 10th district, said current parking and access to the area presents visitors with safety concerns. The acquisition will secure a “large and safe” parking zone alongside an easement for sidewalk, trail and recreational use that will expand the overlook area, Alter said. The history The land that will be acquired is owned by 360 Overlook, LLC, and is located at 5379 W. Courtyard Drive, Austin. The city has previously attempted to purchase this property, but was unable to reach

City installs license plate readers Nine new license plate readers were set to be installed in West Lake Hills in early January to help reduce and solve crime, according to a January news release. The details Produced by public safety technology company Flock Safety, the cameras send real-time alerts to law enforcement offi- cials if the license plate of a stolen car or car involved in a crime logged in a crime database is detected. The Flock cameras will be used to reduce property and violent crime, the release states, and data is deleted after 30 days. A two-year contract authorized in October requires the city to pay $32,850 in its first year, funds which were previously allocated in the fiscal year 2024-25 budget.

BRIDGE POINT PKWY.

Proposed property acquisition

COURTYARD DR.

360

Proposed sidewalk, trail and recreation acquisition

Existing right of way

COLORADO RIVER

Pennybacker Bridge

an agreement with the property owners on the cost of the acquisition, according to city docu- ments. As a result, the city filed eminent domain proceedings in order to acquire the property, which is appraised at $167,186. “I’m very excited that this process will be moving forward and I hope that everything goes smoothly so that our community can continue to enjoy that favorite spot,” Alter said.

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Development

BY HALEY MCLEOD & KAROLINE PFEIL

Balcones Canyonlands visitor center advances Plans for a new visitor center at the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve o RM 620 are moving forward, according to a presentation to Travis County commissioners Dec. 17. The details A $19.5 million purchase by the county in 2019, the 93-acre property is set to feature multiple trails and a three-story, 63,000-square-foot facility. According to schematics presented by Jackson & McElhaney Architects, the property will feature: • A rst-oor visitor center, plus second- and third-oor sta oce space • Exhibits, an atrium and an amphitheater • 3.1 miles of trails and a children’s nature play area What’s next Construction on the remodel of an existing

Pipeline greenlit for Mirasol Springs The West Travis County Public Utility Agency nalized an agreement with Mirasol Springs for a 3-inch water pipeline to deliver water from Lake Travis to the 1,400-acre development. The details The nonstandard service agreement was updated with certain provisions specifying terms of abandonment of existing wells, how Mirasol can source potable water and wastewater treatment standards. Once these agreements have been issued, construction plans may be submitted for new water service, according to the WTCPUA’s website. After construction plans are reviewed and nal construction is completed, WTCPUA sta will install meters on the property site.

The new visitor center will have three oors, according to project plans.

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WILSON PARKE AVE.

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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

Real estate

The median home price more than doubled in ZIP code 78733 in November compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

November 2023

November 2024

+80%

+100%

+10%

-80%

+50%

+54.55%

-25% +16.67%

LAKE TRAVIS

78669

78730

78732

78733

78734

78735

78738

78746

78669

78734

78730

Median home sales price

78732

78733

620

November

2023

2024

78746

$596,000 $544,625 $864,650 $1,425,000 $765,000 $800,000 $862,500 $2,910,000

$551,250 $965,000 $699,000 $2,999,999 $830,000 $827,000 $822,000 $1,417,000

78669 78730 78732 78733 78734 78735 78738 78746

78738

360

78735

MOPAC

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

+117.65% +50% Average days on market

Lake Travis-Westlake

November 2023

November 2024

+6.35%

-98.70%

+9.86%

+22.39%

+17.50% +167.57%

November

2023

2024

219

191

New listings

126

137

Closed sales

78669

78730

78732

78733

78734

78735

78738

78746

Homes under contract

139

141

Homes sold by price point in November

Months of inventory

8.5

7.6

78669 78730 78732 78733 78734 78735 78738 78746

6 16 12

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

Price per square foot

$361

$362

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

1,080 1,029

<$299,999

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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BY GRACE DICKENS Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this year’s edition, learn more about nutrition, local trails and nding mental health providers.

Premium sponsors:

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

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Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway BSWHealth.com/Lakeway 5126545000 The power to live better.

What's inside

LTISD incorporates more local food into meals (Page 22)

Wellness industry sees growth in the Lake Travis area (Page 36)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

County health data Travis County performs better than the state average in health indicators such as life expectancy and number of those insured, while statewide numbers outperformed the county on the percent of those who drink excessively and spend more than 50% of their income on housing.

Snapshot

Health indicators

The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.

These are some of the statistics that inuence the overall health and wellness of the county.

Travis

Health factor

Health outcome

Travis County

Texas

Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.

Life expectancy Food insecurity

80.6 years

77.2 years

12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%

14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%

Limited access to healthy foods

Health outcomes

Adult smoking

Travis County

Excessive drinking

Access to exercise opportunities

Uninsured (under age 65)

State average National average

Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing

1,190:1

1,660:1

Health factors

270:1 30% 37% 16%

640:1

Travis County

33% 39% 14%

National average

State average

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY HANNAH NORTON

About 5 million Texans, or 16.4% of the state population, did not have health insurance in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Texas’ uninsured rate was higher than any other state and more than twice the national rate of 7.9%. “Texas leads the nation in a lot of good ways, but this is one of those things we don’t want to be leading the nation in,” said Annie Spilman, executive director of Texans for Affordable Healthcare. Advocates are calling on the Texas Legislature to expand Medicaid eligibility and cut regulations that have contributed to rising health insurance costs in recent years. 5M Texans were uninsured in 2023

The big picture

For three years in a row, Texas health insurance premiums have increased by over 5% annually, according to the Texas Association of Health Plans, a trade association representing insurers. “The last several years, we’ve had the Legisla- ture adding a lot more requirements—what we call mandates—to health insurance that go above … the federal requirements,” said Blake Hutson, director of public affairs for the Texas Association of Health Plans. “Employers, who do provide the bulk of coverage in the state, are just increasingly facing higher and higher costs.” Texas has the third most health care mandates in the nation, according to Texans for Affordable Healthcare. Recent state mandates have limited the types of health coverage small businesses can offer, barred certain insurance providers from directing patients to mail-order pharmacies and more.

High health care costs

68%

Nearly half of Texans have employer- sponsored health insurance.

About 68% of Texas’ 3.2 million small businesses do not offer health coverage to their employees.

On average, Texas families pay $7,500 in annual employer-sponsored insurance premiums, while employers pay $15,000 per employee.

SOURCES: TEXICARE, TEXAS 2036/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Uninsured rate by state Texas’ uninsured rate is five percentage points higher than the next two states. Texas

Zooming in

16.4%

Georgia

costs when the cost is made up of something that reflects no sense of reality. There’s no incentive for insurance companies to pay less and the system of health care delivery we have today demands the lack of transparency for it to work.” In a Dec. 10 report, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee said lawmakers should look into ways to increase “innovative, alternative” health coverage options and consider requiring insurance providers to publicly list their prices to help people shopping for coverage.

A lack of transparency is driving high health insurance costs, members of the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee said May 14. Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said giving peo- ple the true costs of medical services—“the needle, the doctor, the electricity and the bed”—could help lower insurance premiums and make coverage more accessible. “We could get really honest about what premi- ums and stuff can and should be,” Perry said. “It’s really frustrating to talk about health insurance

11.4%

Oklahoma

11.4%

Nevada

10.8%

Florida

10.7%

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Also of note

Groups served by local health centers Uninsured Texans can visit federally qualified health centers, which offer medical care regardless of insurance coverage or a patient’s ability to pay. 75 FQHCs serve 1 in 17 Texans across 127 counties. 34% of patients uninsured 34% Medicaid 23% private insurance 7% Medicare 2% CHIP or other

About 750,000 Texans are in the “coverage gap,” according to policy nonprofit Texas 2036, meaning they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid and too little to receive subsidized coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. Texas would spend about $700 million annually to expand Medicaid and receive $7 billion in federal funds, House budget analyst Eva DeLuna Castro said.

Texas is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, a state- and federally- funded health coverage program. Texans can qualify for Medicaid based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, pregnancy or disability status and age. In states with expanded Medicaid, residents can qualify based on income alone, according to the federal government.

SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Health & wellness

BY CHLOE YOUNG

As of January, Lake Travis ISD is serving students cafeteria meals using more food grown in Central Texas and across the state after receiving a federal grant. The district has served meals using a greater amount of meat, produce and products from local farmers upon receiving a nearly $100,000 grant through the Local Food for Schools program in November 2023. This school year, the district began partnering with the Central Texas Food Bank through its new Food Hub Program and is continuing to work with The Common Market Texas to receive chicken, fruits and vegetables. Lake Travis ISD now sourcing more local foods

Also of note

Why it matters

Going forward

Farmland acres lost daily over time in Travis County 16.8 acres of farmland are lost every day in Travis County, according to a 2022 report from the city of Austin.

Local harvest in LTISD

LTISD developed an interest in sourcing food locally following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the district discovered that its local ven- dors were better equipped to supply their food, Bell said. Sourcing from local farms builds resilience in the community amid emergencies and disasters, such as winter storms, she said. The district can now serve fresher food that has less time to degrade nutritionally, Bell said. LTISD has implemented more scratch cooking using minimally-processed products and removed allergens from menu items. The Central Texas Food Bank’s food hub system has provided greater opportunities for small- and mid-sized farmers who may not produce enough products to feed an entire school district on their own, said Tracy Ayrhart, vice president of strate- gic insights for the Central Texas Food Bank. Hallie Casey, partnership director for The Common Market Texas, said she has seen many

In December, the USDA announced the investment of $1.13 billion in local and regional food systems, including the Local Food for Schools program. LTISD is optimistic that it will receive additional funding and is awaiting direction from the TDA on how funding might be awarded, Bell said. The district plans to open a hydroponic flex farm that will allow students to observe lettuce and herbs growing in the cafeteria. Alongside introducing local foods, LTISD has sought to educate students about where their food is grown, Bell said. Through its food hub system, Central Texas Food Bank hopes to serve more school districts and may consider expanding to work with child care centers, restaurants, hospitals and retail businesses, Ayrhart said.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller started a Texas Farm Fresh program to incentivize districts to serve local foods upon being elected to the position in 2015. At that time, Miller told Community Impact he discovered many Texas schools were not serving local foods and were disconnected from their nearby farmers. Participation in the Texas Farm Fresh program has increased amongst school districts every year, he said. LTISD has been awarded for participating in the initiative by serving local foods for the past several years, said Marissa Bell, the district’s dietitian and marketing coordinator. On April 5, LTISD hosted State Rep. Carrie Isaac and TDA staff to celebrate the first Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day, which was created following the passage of Isaac’s House Bill 3991. “We threw that event… to really help promote fruits and vegetables, not only for our students, but to serve as an example statewide for encour- aging those options,” Bell said.

Sweet potatoes • Fredericksburg Peach Co. • Spicewood • 17 miles from LTISD

2012-17 4.6 acres

2018 9.3 acres

2022 16.8 acres

Carrots • Trosi Farms • Elgin • 42 miles from LTISD

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Green beans • J&B Farms/Jack’s Produce • Pearsall • 150 miles from LTISD

“Our school food system moves trillions of dollars of purchasing power. … It’s a huge opportunity to really create an impactful

change in your own community.” HALLIE CASEY, THE COMMON MARKET TEXAS PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR

Organic grapefruit • Triple J Organics • Mission • 322 miles from LTISD

farms close their doors in the Central Texas area over the last five years.

SOURCE: LAKE TRAVIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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