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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3 JUNE 29 JULY 29, 2024
2024 Health Care Edition
Maternal care in hospitals expanding in Travis County
Births on the rise
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
In 2023, for the rst time in over a decade, Travis County’s popu- lation grew due to the number of people born within its bounds—not because of the people moving there. For that year, Travis County’s population increased by about 7,400 people. With a net migration of -2,411, this increase comes from an estimated 16,289 births countywide. Despite the modest increase of 270 births from 2022 to 2023, there is a growing demand for maternal care in the area. Statewide sta ng pressures point to a strain in Austin’s maternal resources, even as hospital groups work to expand space for care. “There are times when induc- tions are being held because there’s too many people coming in in labor,” said Dr. Margaret Whitney, an OB GYN with Women’s Health and UT Health. “There’s no bed, or there’s no nurse, so I think that’s probably the more palpable bottleneck across the board.”
Austinite Kellie Connolly gave birth to her daughter at St. David’s Medical Center in March 2023.
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COURTESY KELLIE CONNOLLY
Also in this issue
Impacts: Alamo Drafthouse cinema chain sold (Page 7)
Government: ERCOT CEO talks grid, summer outlook (Page 12)
Education: Austin ISD eyes tax increase to ease de cit (Page 14)
Events: Zilker Summer Musical and more local events (Page 31)
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Austin is in STAGE 2 DROUGHT Water Restrictions
Watering one day per week
6 Automatic irrigation and hose-end sprinkler watering is restricted to one day per week. 6 Automatic irrigation watering times are before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m. The runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. 6 Hose-end sprinkler watering times are before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 6 Hand watering or watering with a refillable receptacle such as a bucket is allowed on any day or time.
6 Water waste is prohibited. 6 Restaurants may serve water only upon request. 6 Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing is only allowed while using a bucket. 6 Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight. 6 Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated. 6 New landscape variance required for watering outside of scheduled day
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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Impacts
BY ZARA FLORES, BEN THOMPSON & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
NORTH AUSTIN
5 Hui Lau Shan The Hong Kong-based dessert shop specializes in fresh mango desserts and drinks such as mango rice pudding, mango mochi and mango pancakes. • Opened May 21 • 7020 Easy Wind Drive, Ste. 150, Austin • www.huilaushan.us
MOPAC
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Spread & Co. Austin’s first grazing board company turned cheese- centric cafe, closed its Jefferson Square Shopping Center location on May 26 and will be relocating to a new space this summer, according to an Instagram post. Spread & Co. will continue working out of a commissary kitchen in the meantime, and the company’s Laguna Gloria location will serve as the new
MOPAC
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3 Toastique The micro cafe is owned by franchisee Carrie Carretta and her husband Rick Giambastini. Toastique will serve gourmet toast, granola bowls, smoothies, fresh cold-pressed juice, cocktails and espresso drinks. • Opening June 22 • 2620 Perseverance Drive, Retail B 2-2, Austin • www.toastique.com
pickup spot in the interim. • Opening summer 2024 • Location TBA • www.spreadandco.com
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In the news
PERSEVERANCE DR.
6 Innovative Water Solutions In April, the business celebrated its 20 year anniversary of providing sustainable water conservation systems to Central Texas, according to a news release. IWS specializes in rainwater harvesting, green infrastructure, drainage improvements and gray water reuse. • 501 W. Powell Lane, Ste. 206, Austin • www.watercache.com Alamo Drafthouse The Austin-based cinema franchise was acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which plans to expand the chain’s operations. Founders Tim and Karrie League launched dozens of theaters throughout the state since founding Alamo in 1997. The acquisition follows Alamo’s North Texas franchisee filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, resulting in theatre closures, which would reopen in the future.
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North Central
offers luxury dog boarding and daycare. Calabria—who was a former manager for BHV Austin's South location— said she and her staff were laid off during the pandemic, and the previous owner lived in Dallas. • Opened March 18 • 8613 Burnet Road, Austin • www.bhvaustin.com 4 The Art Garage The studio is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo, Kelly and Kaiya Emmert, and offers paint-your- own pottery, glass fusion and mosaic creation. This is the second location of The Art Garage and also hosts birthday parties, workshops and more. • Opened June 1
Now open
1 Make at Rosie Cat Ashton and Clairissa Simmons aim to empower women and nonbinary creatives with this space, featuring equipment for crafts and projects like jewelry making, woodworking, embroidery and more. • Opened in April • 8711 Burnet Road, Ste. B30, Austin • www.makeatrosie.com 2 BHV Austin TOO Locally owned by Vanessa Calabria, BHV Austin TOO
• Locations throughout Austin • www.alamodrafthouse.com
• 5501 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.theartgarageaustin.com
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Impacts
BY ZARA FLORES, SARAH HERNANDEZ & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine space. The restaurant comes from Innovative Dining Group with chef James Flowers leading the kitchen. The menu features signature dishes like roasted wagyu bone marrow; cocktails; beer and more. • Opened June 3 • 300 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.boasteak.com
Now open
GUADALUPE ST. 9
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In the news
6 The Headliners Club The private club will undergo $8 million of renovations starting Jan. 2025 without service interruption. The construction will include new dining options and an updated bar area. • 221 W. Sixth St., Ste. 2100, Austin • www.headlinersclub.com 7 Somaspace The studio is locally owned by Amanda Vernor and celebrated 15 years of business in June. Somaspace offers small group classes and specializes in private and
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3 Mad Dogs Founded by Moustafa Eissa in Houston, the food truck-based business has opened in its first brick- and-mortar location—in the same building as dessert shop Midnight Cravingz. Mad Dogs offers halal hot dogs, which refers to the preparation of foods inn accordance with Islamic practices. The menu features an array of loaded hot dogs. • Opened April 26
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semi-private classical Pilates instruction. • 1611 W. Fifth Street, Ste. 140, Austin • www.somaspacepilates.com
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• 917 W. 12th St., Austin • Instagram: maddogstx
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Closings
8 Hearth & Soul The shop—which was founded by Susie Busch and sold clothing, furniture and other goods— has closed. The Missouri and Florida locations will remain open. • Closed May 31 • 904 W. 12 St., Austin • www.hearthandsoul.com 9 Wheatsville Food Co-op General Manager Bill Bickford shared that the store’s sales have declined, and the effects of Austin Transit Partnership’s Austin Light Rail Phase 1 could hinder business, resulting in the closure. However, the team will search for another location in North Central Austin. • Closing Dec. 31, 2026 • 3101 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.wheatsville.coop
Downtown/West Campus
• Opened April 20 • 607 Congress Ave., Austin • www.sweetsensiwellness.com
Now open
4 Out of the Closet Thrift Stores The shop buys and sells second-hand clothes, home goods and more; Sexually transmitted disease testing is available weekdays, and HIV testing is available Saturdays. • Opened May 4
1 Retail Therapy The bar is owned by Eric Foster, Ryan Smith and Glenn Williams, and serves cocktails inspired by iconic fashion trends and designers. • Opened March 8
• 2927 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.outofthecloset.org
• 120 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.retailtherapyatx.com
2 Sweet Sensi Founded by Greg Autry, the business produces handmade CBD products like drinks, oils and more.
5 Boa Steakhouse The California-based steakhouse has opened in the former
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
The business will continue operations in its new South First Street space offering wine by the glass and bottle; an array of cheese and fruit boards; and other small bites.
Now open
MOPAC
• Relocating in late June • 1711 S. First St., Austin • www.housewineaustin.com
In the news
5 444 Tattoo The studio, formerly known as Companion Tattoo, underwent new ownership and a name change in June. 444 Tattoo is now owned by tattoo artist Annie Mess, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. The shop has several artists who specialize in different styles of tattoos, from traditional and color to black and gray.
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2 Date Nite Gallery The gallery is locally owned by artist Landry McMeans. Date Nite Gallery showcases a variety of local artists in a range of mediums, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and fiber art. • Opened June 1
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• 4390 S. First St., Austin • Instagram: 444_tattooatx
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Closings
• 3908 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.landrymcmeans.com
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6 1417 French Bistro The Bouldin Creek neighborhood restaurant shuttered its doors at the end of May, which was announced via social media. Allison Welsh owned the restaurant, offering a variety of French specialty dishes. A note on the door states the building will be redeveloped to make way for a new project called Bouldin Creek Lofts. • Closed May 30 • 1417 S. First St., Austin 7 Sunroom The women’s clothing and accessory shop, founded by Lucy Jolis in 2013, has closed its Austin location within the South Congress Hotel. The Malibu, California, location of Sunroom will relocate and remain open. The online shop will also remain open. • Closed June 1 • 1603 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.shopsunroom.com
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3 Kido International The global preschool and infant care brand will open a new location in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood this year. Kido International will offer daily Spanish immersion and outdoor play as part of its curriculum for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. • Opening in 2024
Coming soon
1 Tacodeli The Austin-founded chain will be taking over the space where Masa y Más taqueria sat on South Lamar Boulevard. This will be the first standalone location of Tacodeli which will feature an expanded cocktail menu with a new signature drink, the Doña Rita, a spicy cocktail featuring the restaurant's Salsa Doña. • Opening July 14 • 1817 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.tacodeli.com
• 1924 S. First St., Austin • www.kidoschools.com
Relocations
4 House Wine After 16 years, the locally owned bar helmed by Kerry White has relocated from 408 Josephine St., Austin.
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©CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval and only eligible with CMG Home Loans, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 5/21/24 and close by 6/30/24, while funds last, and finance with CMG Home Loans. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Flex cash offers vary per home and per community. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. The flex cash can only be used in one of the four ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions or interest-only/buy-down and second lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2024 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes. HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199 This Summer, Brohn is rolling out the red carpet for home buyers during our Home For Summer Sales Event! Use 8% flex cash to eliminate closing costs! Plus - Use any remaining funds to buy down your interest rate! + $0 Closing Costs + Interest Rate Buydown Turn Renting Into Owning
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EAST AUSTIN
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
fresh juices and sandwiches. The location features some artwork from owner Mike Affaneh. • Opened June 1 • 1623 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.pranacafe.love
Coming soon
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6 Hopdoddy Burger Bar Construction is slated for a new location of the Austin- founded chain offering burgers, fries, shakes and more. Hopdoddy was founded in 2010 by friends Larry Foles, Guy Villavaso, Larry Perdido and Chuck Smith.
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• Opening in spring 2025 • 2005 Aldrich St., Austin • www.hopdoddy.com
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3 Mam Mam The East Asian food counter is now open inside Springdale General. Mam Mam is locally owned by Kris Hoang, and offers East Asian-inspired dishes like papaya salad and Hat Yai fried chicken. • Opened March 7 • 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 1, Austin • www.mam-atx.com
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973 7 Radius Butcher & Grocery The new shop, led by founder Kevin Fishner and head butcher Joe Saenz, will replace Salt & Time Butcher Shop and Restaurant which will close July 6. Radius officials will source food from some of the same farms Salt & Time does. • Opening in 2024 • 1912 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.eatradius.com 8 OKO After eight years, neighborhood bar Ah Sing Den closed June 9, to be replaced by OKO from Trinity Concepts and FAM Hospitality group. The restaurant will offer dishes inspired by Filipino, Thai and Japanese culinary traditions. • Opening this fall • 1100 E. Sixth St., Austin 130 TOLL
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East Austin
spring. The cocktail menu, developed by Zachary Bobo, is agave-based with many Latin American ingredients. • Opened April 26 • 2808 Manor Road, Austin • www.thelonggoodbyeatx.com 4 Sunshine Vinyl The LGBTQ-owned record store, helmed by Luca Kisielius, offers new and used vinyl. It also hosts acoustic sets, DJ sets and charity events. • Opened June 15 • 1601 E. Fifth St., Ste. 108, Austin • Instagram: sunshinevinylatx 5 Prana Café The neighborhood cafe offers smoothies, coffee, tea,
Now open
1 La Seareinita A new restaurant from Gabriela’s Group has opened in what used to be a Whataburger, with a focus on seafood
Closings
including ceviche. • Opened May 25 • 2305 Burleson Road, Austin • Instagram: laseareinita
9 Cuvée Coffee The coffee shop and roaster closed its doors in East Austin but will continue operations in downtown at 48 East Ave. The shop is helmed by Mike McKim and shut down after a decade due to a rent increase. • Closed May 29
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2 The Long Goodbye The bar and patio, owned by Katrina and Charles Ferraro, began serving drinks off Manor Road this
• 2000 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.cuveecoffee.com
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Environment
BY HANNAH NORTON
As temperatures rise and more people crank up their air conditioning, Texans are likely to wonder if the state’s power grid is prepared to meet electric demand. Texas’ power grid operator asked residents to conserve energy 11 times last summer and twice during a January arctic blast. Energy leaders face continued skepticism from residents in the three-plus years after the deadly power outages during Winter Storm Uri, the days- long freeze in February 2021. Community Impact sat down with leaders from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas on May 21 to discuss how the grid has evolved to meet the needs of Texas’ rapidly growing population and what residents can expect this summer. Current situation “The summer used to be a fairly simple season to manage,” ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas said. “You would have your hottest part of the day at three, four or five o’clock, and as long as you had enough supply during those hours, you were in good shape and you could get through the summer.” It’s not as simple today. ERCOT relies partially on solar power to meet high demand during the summer, resulting in a “rapidly declining energy source” as the sun sets, Vegas said. “Oftentimes, wind picks up in the evenings in Texas, and so you have kind of this handoff from the solar power to the wind power,” Vegas said. “But that doesn’t happen every day.” ERCOT CEO talks grid reliability, summer outlook
During periods of high demand with low wind and solar capacity or high outages at power plants, officials may call on Texans to voluntarily reduce their energy use for a few hours. For the first time since Winter Storm Uri, ERCOT briefly entered emergency operations Sept. 6 as power reserves dropped, although the grid operator said rotating power outages were not needed. Digging deeper With summer on the horizon, Vegas said there are “more generating resources available this summer than we’ve ever had before,” which will help offset declining solar power in the evenings. “We operate the grid with a conservative point of view on making sure there’s always enough committed generating resources to what we expect to happen over the next hour,” Vegas said. “And what that does, is it ensures that we have enough resources called up and ready to deliver, and we’re going to continue to operate the grid that way coming into the summer.” Power plants and transmission facilities across the state have been upgraded to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures, said Venkat Tirupati, ERCOT’s vice president of DevOps and Grid Transformation. Legislation passed in 2021 required energy providers to “weatherize” their facilities after some power plants shut down during Winter Storm Uri. ERCOT did not confirm how many plants had been upgraded, but said officials have inspected 2,117 weatherized facilities since December 2021. This August, there is a 16% change of emer- gency conditions from 8-9 p.m. daily, when wind and solar power are low and more people are using electricity, ERCOT reported June 7. As Texas grows, officials project overall demand on the grid will rise from 85,000 megawatts to 150,000 by 2030.
When ERCOT asked Texans to help Below is a timeline of each time the grid operator asked Texans to conserve power from 2021-present, including two emergency incidents. Texans reduced their energy use by about 500 megawatts during recent voluntary conservation periods, ERCOT said. 2021 • February: five days of conservation requests; one grid emergency with rotating power outages • April: one conservation request • June: five days of conservation requests 2022 • July: two days of conservation requests
2023 • June: one conservation request
• August: seven days of conservation requests • September: two days of conservation requests; one grid emergency without mandatory outages
2024 • January: two days of conservation requests
Dallas
Houston
ERCOT’s service regions
Austin San Antonio
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Energy-saving tips To save energy during voluntary conservation periods, ERCOT recommends Texans:
Raise thermostats by a few degrees in the summer
Avoid using large and non-essential appliances or lights
Close blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight
Use fans to circulate cool air
SOURCE: ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Homestead tax exemptions boosted Austin’s senior and disabled homestead tax exemption was raised in May. The details In Texas, some of the value of residents’ primary homes can be reduced for taxing purposes under the homestead exemption. The city’s update reduces the taxable value of eligible Austinites’ primary residence by $30,000, for a $154,000 total exemption. The move follows other increases approved in recent years and adds onto Austin’s blanket 20% exemption for all homesteads. The change could cost others about $100 on their next bills. Eligible Austin homeowners can apply for the exemption or check their status through the central appraisal districts in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties.
Historical (1979-2020)
Near term (2021-2040)
Mid-century (2041-2070)
End-century (2071-2100)
Temperatures rising The number of hot days in Austin is expected to increase through the 2000s, especially with high greenhouse gas emissions.
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Min. temp. > 80°F 0 2 15
0 1 3
Number of days seasonally Max. temp. > 100°F
Max. temp. > 110°F
NOTE: MEDIAN PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON A HIGH GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION SCENARIO.
SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN CITY CLIMATE COLAB/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin prepares for summer heat to worsen With dangerous heat levels likely to continue this summer, local officials are advising residents to stay safe and prepared through the season. The gist Officials said to expect energy and water conser- vation, and for residents to watch out for friends,
family and neighbors as heat-related illnesses rise. What else? New projections from The University of Texas and city researchers suggest Austin can expect to see more hot days and intense weather swings as the climate changes and local population grows. Austin’s count of summer heatwaves and hot spells—respectively defined as three or more straight days of “excessive” heat and two or more straight days with highs over 102.5 days—are expected to at least double.
$1B wastewater plant project moves forward Austin officials approved spending more than $1 billion to upgrade one of two main wastewater treatment plants serving much of Austin Water, partially supported by upcoming utility rate hikes. What happened Multiple contracts for updates to the Walnut
Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
by City Council on May 30. The plant’s capacity will be increased by 33%. What’s next Austin Water’s projected rate adjustment will help cover the cost of wastewater plant projects. AW anticipates its rates could rise about 30% over the next four years. New rates will be set during the summer budget process.
SENDERO HILLS PKWY.
Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, which handles more than half of Austin’s sewage, were approved
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Education
BY ELLE BENT
Austin ISD o cials approved a scal year 2024-25 operating budget of $953.99 million and took on a de cit of $41.25 million June 20—as long as the board votes to place a tax rate increase on the November ballot. Without an increase in the tax rate to $0.9287 per $100 of property value and other savings, the de cit reaches about $78.2 million—the largest ever for AISD. Before recapture—when the state takes property tax dollars from a district—the general fund totals $1.78 billion. The operating budget is left at $953.99 million after paying $821.06 million in recapture. Austin ISD eyes tax increase to ease de cit
How we got here
"AISD did not put the [district] here; the state not supporting public education by way of funding has really exacerbated this problem that we have. My hope is that our legislators are paying
In mid-April, AISD sta discovered property value growth and average daily attendance rates were lower than they expected, bringing the pre- dicted $60 million shortfall to $89 million before cuts, resulting in less revenue for the district. O cials made about $29 million in cuts to central o ce positions and other costs this spring for FY 2024-25 to o set the de cit. AISD o cials are pointing to multiple issues with public education funding that impact the budget, including: • House Bill 3, passed during the 88th legislature session, mandating an armed security guard at every campus, incurring more costs to the AISD Police Department • A loss of $7.8 million promised in Medicaid reimbursements for special education students due to the ndings of a federal audit
attention to the pain that school districts are going through right now." MATIAS SEGURA, AUSTIN ISD SUPERINTENDENT
• The basic student allotment—the amount school districts receive from the state based on student enrollment and attendance—not increasing since 2019 despite ination • Slow property value growth due to Senate Bill 2, a property tax relief plan passed during the 88th legislative session
Budget spending
Going forward
General fund: $1.78B Debt service fund: $241.25M Food service fund: $47.42M
would receive a one-time incentive payment of $500, as opposed to a pay increase. “Our community has the ability to make a decision on taxes, their dollars can support our schools,” Education Austin president Ken Zari s said. “Every stone needs to be turned before cuts are made at schools.” District o cials will discuss possible revenue streams and vote on placing a VATRE on the ballot at a future board meeting.
District o cials will likely ask the community to vote on a tax rate increase in a Voter Approved Tax Rati cation Election, or VATRE, in November. If approved, o cials predict a VATRE would generate about $42 million in additional revenue. This would be about an increase of $35 a month to homeowners. Members of Education Austin, the district labor union, expressed support of a VATRE at a June 6 board meeting. Without it, full-time employees
Total: $2.06B
The district will pay $821.06 million, or 48% from the general fund to recapture. This leaves an operating budget of $953.99 million.
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Update: The last phase of work began in June. • Timeline: summer-fall • Cost: $300,000 • Funding source: Austin Mobility Bonds
Ongoing projects
W. KOENIG LANE
1 Airport Boulevard C1A Project: The project will bring new pedestrian and bike shared-use paths, intersection safety upgrades, enhanced sidewalk connectivity and a new pedestrian signal at Airport Boulevard and Middle Fiskville Road. Update: Construction began in June. • Timeline: June-December • Cost: $482 million for total Corridor Mobility Program • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond 2 Airport Boulevard IA Project: This segment of the project includes the installation of new pedestrian hybrid lights at Gunter Street, Harvey Street, 40th street, Bolm Road and Manor Road intersections. Update: The beacons at Gunter Street and Harvey Street are operational. • Timeline: construction to be completed this fall • Cost: $482 million for total Corridor Mobility Program • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond 3 Bluebonnet Lane and Melridge Place Project: Mobility improvements will span from Del Curto Road to Rabb Road to increase access to Little Zilker Park, businesses and nearby neighborhoods.
183
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Completed projects
MOPAC
290
E. 55TH ST.
4 Airport Boulevard C1 Project: The Airport Boulevard C1 project will include improvements to pedestrian walkways, new dedicated bike lanes and upgraded intersections from 55th Street to North Lamar Boulevard. Update: Roadwork and improvements are complete, and the route is now open to the public. • Timeline: project completed May 31 • Cost: $482 million for total Corridor Mobility Program • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond 5 Barton Springs Road pilot safety program Project: The program recon gures single-vehicle lanes in both directions to reduce accidents. Update: The speeding and safety analysis indicates a 64.2% reduction in speeding. • Timeline: The pilot period will run from August 2023-August 2024. • Cost: $524,000 • Funding source: 2020 Safety and Active Transportation Bond
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BARTON SPRINGS RD.
5
MOPAC
AZIE MORTON RD.
35
BLUEBONNET LN.
3
2
DEL CURTO RD.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health care
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
Health Care Edition
2024
Community Impact 's annual Health Care Edition features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. It’s been eight years since I delivered my first child, but even then I remember being surprised when the hospital staff suggested I book a room on my due date. I thought “that’s not how it goes in the movies.” I just assumed my husband would speed down MoPac and I’d burst through the hospital doors screaming and breathing in a loud, but regular pattern until our bundle of joy arrived. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one scheduled to have a baby then, and today, there are perhaps even more women who will need a delivery room. In our cover story, which continues on page 28, Reporter Brooke Sjoberg digs into the latest U.S. Census numbers revealing an increase in the number of babies born in Travis County and what area hospitals are doing to make sure there’s always room at the inn so-to-speak. This story is part of our Health Care Edition which we deliver every June in all our editions of Community Impact. Much like a baby, every edition is unique. We pull together hyperlocal content on health care so you know what to expect at the hospitals and clinics nearest you.
What's inside
Over 1M Texas children cut from Medicaid (Page 18)
Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com
Psychiatric care expanding at rebuilt Austin hospital (Page 21)
Austin Public Health ends COVID-19 reporting (Page 25)
Vaccine exemption rates are on the rise in Texas schools
Percent of students in K-12 with a conscientious exemption Exemption rates
Vaccination rates in school-age children were high for the 2022-23 school year, but increasing conscien- tious exemption rates and lingering pandemic dis- ruptions prevent them from being higher, according to the National Conference of Legislatures. The context In the 2022-23 school year, rates for consci- entious exemptions increased by 0.5% for most vaccines in Texas public schools, bringing the exemption rate to 3%, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. State law allows for conscientious exemptions from vaccinations for a variety of reasons, including religious belief, according to DSHS. Chris Crookham, the immunizations unit program manager at Austin Public Health, said the pandemic may have affected the rise in exemption requests. “Because of the fear and concern around the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, ... I think there was probably a large demand or a large request in exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines,” Crookham said. “That might have probably had some effect on exemptions for other vaccines as well.” Rebecca Hardy, a speech-language pathologist
and president of Texans for Vaccine Choice—an organization that aims to protect and advance vaccine choice through education and public policy—shares the same sentiment. The COVID-19 vaccine brought attention to other childhood vac- cinations that do not have “the safety or efficacy testing that you would have expected,” she said. Texas has three conditions for students’ vaccine exemptions: • If a health care provider determines a certain vaccine unsafe for the student • If the student is in the U.S. military • If they have a personal or religious belief against getting immunized “Certainly, some exemptions are legitimate, and that’s why they exist… but, of course, the more exemptions you have, the lower vaccine update you have,” Crookham said. “With a lower vaccine uptake, then there’s going to be less immunity throughout the population.” The DSHS has different immunization require- ments for different grade levels at public and private schools, and students entering kindergar- ten and seventh grade require new vaccinations. Students in those grades in Travis and Hays counties had an immunization rate of over 90%
Williamson
0.68-1.57% 1.58%-2.99% >3.00%
Travis
Bastrop
Hays
Caldwell
Comal
Guadalupe
Bexar
N
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
for every required vaccine. Going forward
Crookham said APH has several programs to increase vaccine accessibility, such as the Shots for Tots clinics; the Mobile Vaccine Program; and Vaccines for Children.
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Health care
Health care
BY HANNAH NORTON
BY ELLE BENT
Over 1M Texas kids cut from Medicaid
Dell Children’s Medical Center gears up for stem cell program
Navigating Medicaid cuts Texas accounts for nearly one quarter of the children removed from Medicaid since the "unwinding" process began in April 2023.
Over 2 million Texans have lost health care coverage since the state began reviewing Medicaid eligibility in April 2023—including 1.3 million children. The state- and federally funded program provides health insurance for certain low-income Texans, including children, pregnant and postpar- tum women, people with disabilities, and seniors. The big picture Nearly 74% of the children removed from Texas Medicaid through March 11 were cut for procedural reasons—meaning the state did not have enough information to confirm the child’s eligibility—the Texas Health and Human Services Commission reported. Joan Alker, the executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said that means the renewal process has broken down in some way and either the renewal letter was lost in the mail or families had trouble completing the paperwork.
Texans are notified at least 10 days before their coverage ends, a HHSC spokesperson said. Texas has removed more children from Medicaid than any other state during the Medicaid “unwind- ing” process, according to a new Georgetown University report. Nationwide, 4.16 million children lost Medicaid coverage from April-December 2023. What they’re saying Dr. Kimberly Avila Edwards, an Austin pediatri- cian, said the impacts of Medicaid unwinding are “painfully visible” to pediatricians every day. “Families are foregoing vital care for their chil- dren and teens for fear of financial devastation. Par- ents are checking in for their child’s appointments, only to learn that child is no longer covered,” said Edwards, who is also a professor at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas. Patients who experience gaps in health coverage are more likely to experience delayed medical care, unmet medical and mental health needs, and
Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, located in Mueller, is almost ready to offer a stem cell transplant program to patients, a feat that’s been years in the making. Dr. Amir Mian joined Dell Children’s last summer as division chief of pediatric hematology and oncology to help build the program. The details The program will treat children and adolescents with different cancers and blood disorders. Mian’s team is looking to start offering autologous bone marrow transplants by the end of this year. This refers to harvesting a patient’s healthy stem cells—located in the bone marrow—and returning them to the same patient who may have lost these
Additionally, Mian and his team are in the process of seeking accreditation through the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, or FACT. This takes between 12-18 months, and provides specific guidelines and quality measures to hospitals. As part of the accreditation process, Mian’s team has begun working on standardized operating procedures, or SOPs, which include steps as simple as how to identify patients, how to store cells and how to transport patients. Ideally, the team will begin collecting cells for transplants by the end 2024, Mian said. Once accredited, the program can provide stem cell therapies and allogeneic transplants. What’s next The team at Dell Children’s will continue working through regulatory processes to earn accreditation and begin treating patients by the end of this year or potentially early next year.
How does a stem cell transplant work? An autologous transplant is a long process that places a patient into an immunocompromised state. Step 1: A patient is determined as eligible for a transplant
Texas: 24% Florida: 14% Georgia: 7% California: 5% All other states: 50%
4.16M children
Step 2: Patient is admitted, placed in private room with air filters to reduce risk of infection Step 3: A patient’s stem cells are collected through the chest or the arm then stored in a blood bank Step 4: Patient is treated with a high dose of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to prepare for the transplant
SOURCES: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES, TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION, U.S. CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
unfilled prescriptions, Edwards said. To appeal a decision about Medicaid coverage, Texans can visit a local eligibility office; call 211 and select option 2; or mail a letter to the Texas health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027.
to chemotherapy. The action taken
Step 5: Patients receive stem cells back into their bloodstream
Step 6: Patient is monitored throughout recovery process
After Mian joined the hospital in 2023, recruiting for the team that will work in the program began.
SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400
Health care
BY HANNAH NORTON
Texas nurse practitioners call for end of ‘pay-to-play’ rules
Texas faces an ongoing primary care provider shortage as the state’s population grows—and nurse practitioners say cutting a major regulation would help solve the problem. The federal government classi es communities with fewer than one primary care provider for every 3,500 residents as health professional shortage areas. Of Texas’ 254 counties, just 30—most of which are in metropolitan areas—do not have provider shortages, according to the Rural Health Informa- tion Hub. The details Texas nurse practitioners must sign an annual contract and pay a fee to a supervising physician, who oversees patient care through in-person or virtual meetings at least once a month. Ten other states have similar laws, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Erin Pérez, president of the professional organi- zation Texas Nurse Practitioners, said some nurse practitioners who graduate from Texas universities choose to work in telemedicine or move to other states to avoid the “regulatory burden,” contributing to the health care workforce shortage. Over 72% of nurse practitioners in Texas are licensed in primary care, according to a 2022 report from TNP. “[This regulation] takes from patients’ nances because somebody’s having to pay for it. So even if they’re in the hospital, or they’re in a nursing home, or they’re in a rehab, ... somebody is paying that physician signature fee that does not improve their care,” Pérez said. Nurse practitioners must receive a master’s or doctoral degree, undergo clinical training and get a national board certi cation before they can begin
Erin Pérez, president of Texas Nurse Practitioners, speaks at the professional organization’s annual conference on Sept. 30.
COURTESY TEXAS NURSE PRACTITIONERS
caring for patients. However, they do not have to complete a multiyear residency program, which is required for physicians. TNP has advocated for independent practice legislation for several legislative sessions, with bipartisan support from lawmakers. On the other side, the Texas Medical Association has defended the existing regulations, arguing physician-led teams are essential to protect patients. “I never want to stop a nurse practitioner from graduating and performing at the highest level of their license,” TMA President Dr. Ray Callas said. Zooming in Texas has 8.8% of the U.S. population and 7.3% of
active U.S. physicians, the TMA reported in 2022. Shortages are particularly dire in rural areas, where hospitals sometimes close due to a lack of employees. According to the TMA report, 32 Texas counties had no primary care physicians in 2022. Callas said decreasing the amount of time physi- cians spend in school and recruiting doctors from other countries could help reduce the strain. “We want to make sure that we have internet ... throughout the state of Texas,” Callas said. “That would help tremendously—if people have broadband access to the internet, we might be able to make access easier from the telemedicine standpoint.”
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