Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | September 2025

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 6 SEPT. 30OCT. 27, 2025

2025 Private School Guide

Austin tax election called for $100M+ budget boost

INSIDE

Austin Public Health

Emergency Medical Services

Nearly $10 million in public health funding would go toward programs including $800,000 for infectious disease testing and treatment services. COURTESY AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH

City ocials dedicated almost $7 million to expand ambulance service, stang, and other emergency and crisis response. COURTESY AUSTINTRAVIS COUNTY EMS

Parks and Recreation Department

About $8 million for parkland maintenance and restoration eorts as well as wildre prevention is included in the city budget funded through a higher tax increase. COURTESY AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Cancer care that keeps you on track.

Get connected with care that guides you forward. From your first visit through every treatment milestone, our team works together with you to navigate your cancer journey with confidence.

Find a specialist

The power to live better ®

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians are employees of Scott & White Clinic, an affiliate of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 02-ATX-1117871 DT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson

Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia

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

Judy LeBas General Manager jlebas@communityimpact. com

Shannon West Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

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

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Lindsee Sanchez Account Executive lsanchez@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Now–Nov 30

SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Impacts Southwest Austin

6 Trinkets ATX The do-it-yourself craft studio oers tools, supplies and both public and private spaces to create. Additionally, the team hosts several community events throughout the month. • Opened June 13

MARTINET DR.

S. LAMAR BLVD.

290

PRESIDENTIAL BLVD.

MOPAC

CRUMLEY RANCH RD.

• 6218 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.TrinketsATX.com

E. ST. ELMO RD.

290

7 Talisman Coee The coee trailer is operated by co-founder and roaster Fernando Alvarado, co-founder Johanna Alvarado Barker and farmers Yuri and Johanna Alvarado. • Opened July 4

S. CONGRESS AVE.

NUTTY BROWN RD.

• 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.talismancoffeeco.com

Assisted Living Locators The company’s latest location is owned and operated by Carrie and Je Leinen. Community members can nd personalized senior care assessments, guided tours and placement support, nancial guidance, emergency placement assistance and ongoing support. • Launched Sept. 1 • No speciic address • www.assistedlivinglocators.com/austin Leaf It To Me The in-home plant and pet sitting service has launched. Interested customers can receive services for short-term and long-term getaways oered by professionals with training in horticulture and animal care. • Opened in June

1626

N .

TWIN CREEK RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Launched in August • 12707 Nutty Brown Road, G-100 Austin • www.nuttybrownpress.com

Now open

1 Bouldin Acres The dining and entertainment space has moved into the building previously occupied by Lustre Pearl South. • Opened Aug. 30 • 10400 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.bouldinacres.com 2 Crunch Fitness The tness center is now open in Southpark Meadows oering a range of equipment. • Opened Sept. 17 • 9900 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Austin • www.crunch.com/locations/south-park-meadows 3 Nutty Brown Press The locally-owned and operated printing press is now oering publishing and printing services.

4 Peaches Coee The business oers a range of coee drinks and small bites including breakfast tacos and gluten free pastries provided by Maaribu. • Opened Aug. 13 • 16614 Hamilton Pool Road, Bldg. 3, Austin • www.peachescoffee.com 5 Restaurant Depot The business launched its 164th location, oering a space for businesses to nd supplies for front and back of house. • Opened Aug. 20

• No speciic address • www.leaittome.co

Coming soon

8 Kendra Scott Austin-based jewelry brand Kendra Scott is expected to open a location inside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. • Opening this winter • 3600 Presidential Blvd., Ste. 3703, Austin • www.kendrascott.com

• 8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.restaurantdepot.com

YOUR FAMILY DREAMS MATTER… let’s take the next steps together.

Dr. Chang is accepting new patients

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT, DACIA GARCIA & SIENNA WIGHT

9 Mendocino Farms A new location of Mendocino Farms is opening soon in Sunset Valley. The eatery oers sandwiches, salads, soups and sides. • Opening September 30 • 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin • www.mendocinofarms.com 10 Velocity Credit Union The new full-service branch is expected to feature two Interactive Teller Machine, ITM, drive-thru lanes, teller pods, four private oces and dedicated spaces for the Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager.

In the news

• Opening in early 2026 • 3419 Davis Lane, Austin • www.velocitycu.com

In the news

11 CrossFit Jääkarhu The tness space celebrated its 10th anniversary as well as the launch of its St. Elmo Sauna on Aug. 9. The business focuses on combining crosst with strength and conditioning and health and wellness through a lens of community and accountability. • 139 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin • www.karhustrength.com 12 The Hive Owner Shelly Weiser said the business is freshening up its main area with the help of business partner Richard Calhoun and general manager Chris Houk. The area will be welcoming a full cocktail bar and 10 TVs to catch sports games. • 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.hiveaustin.com 13 Polyphonic Coee The coee shop opened in November 2024 under the name Parakeet Coee. The owner, Joe Kaulbach, recently renamed the business to Polyphonic Coee this Spring and said the new name represents both Austin’s music history and the collaboration of the coee industry. • 12000 Menchaca Road, Bldg. 2, Ste. D, Austin • www.polyphonic.coffee

Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll

roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. • www.communityimpact.com

14 Sagebrush The South Austin music venue opened ve years ago and has been oering up beer and live music ever since. The venue held a grand opening in June 2020 before closing due to COVID-19 restrictions and then reopened Sept. 1 of that year. • 5500 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.sagebrushtexas.com 15 St. David’s South Austin Medical Center St. David’s South Austin Medical Center now has a dedicated space for breast milk donations to expand resources for South Austin parents.

• Opened Aug. 4 • 901 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, second floor of the Women’s Services Unit • www.milkbank.org 16 Nantz Orthodontics The orthodontist oce celebrated 15 years of business this summer. The practice is helmed by Dr. J.L. Nantz. • 3901 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 420, Austin • www.nantzorthodontics.com

October 11-12, 2025 Sat 10-5 | Sun 11-4

13 Annual th

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELLE BENT, DACIA GARCIA & SIENNA WIGHT

• Opened late June • 204 Gatlin Creek, Dripping Springs • www.drippingspringsselfstorage.com

Coming soon

7 PLUM CREEK LN. 290

5 Spero Rehab The business will offer outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy to treat a range of orthopedic and neurological conditions. • Opening Oct. 27 • 249 Sportsplex Drive, Ste. E, Dripping Springs • www.sperorehab.com

2 TipToe Nails The nail salon offers manicure and pedicure packages, nail enhancements, waxing and more. • Opened early August • 140 Arrowhead Ranch Blvd., Unit 102, Dripping Springs • www.tiptoenailstx.com 3 Home Grown Farm & Ranch Home Grown offers local, farm fresh goods including raw milk, eggs and more. • Opened in August • 2400-B U.S. 290, Dripping Springs • www.homegrown777.com 4 Vespa Rossa The casual Texas-Italian eatery is from Vespaio Ristorante owners Daniel Brooks and Ryan Samson. • Opened Sept. 5 • 3799 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.vesparossatx.com

185

BELL SPRINGS RD.

Dripping Springs

SPORTSPLEX DR.

290

ARROWHEAD RANCH BLVD.

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

6 Wingstop The chicken wings restaurant may open in the Windmill Center development, replacing Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. • 136 Drifting Wind Run, Ste. 107, Dripping Springs • www.wingstop.com

TOWERING OAKS DR. 1

DRIFTING WIND RUN

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

In the news

Now open

7 Cactus Moon Lodge The event venue has been acquired by global hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North. • 5508 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.cactusmoontx.com

1 Dripping Springs Self Storage The storage facility is now open. Customers can utilize the storage facility for a variety of needs

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY 101

Stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing or the stop arm is out.

Stay alert near bus stops and watch for students.

Leave extra space between your vehicle and a school bus.

Together, let’s keep our students safe.

www.MobilityAuthority.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Austin Returns to Conservation Stage Watering Restrictions Know your watering day. Saving water is still encouraged to protect our precious resource.

austinwater.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD, BEN THOMPSON & JOEL VALLEY

South Austin homeless services hub likely to move Austin is looking to relocate a homeless services hub from the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center to a new location o I-35 in South Austin. The big picture

Travis County directs $34M for child care Less than a year after voters authorized a countywide tax rate hike to expand aord- able child care, Travis County ocials are rolling out the rst wave of local invest- ments for the Creating Access for Resilient Families, or CARES, initiative. The big picture County commissioners OK’d a $24 million contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to support child care for 1,000 young children, and $9.7 million for Austin, Manor and Del Valle ISD pre-K and after-school programs. The Aug. 26 approvals kicked o a two-year funding pilot. Looking back The tax rate increase approved last November is expected to generate about $75 million annually for increased day care subsidy placements and reduced-tuition incentives; more after-school and sum- mer-care spots; expanded child care hours; and coverage of state subsidy funding gaps. County sta said the initial investment is the fastest child care fund to launch in the nation, as similar eorts typically take about two years to get o the ground. So far, Travis County’s over $34 million invested is expected to result in 3,099 early child care and after-school slots. Other contracts are being negotiated with additional local providers, school districts and Health and Human Services, which are expected to add more than 1,700 slots.

Gray said he couldn’t comment on whether Sun- rise would also make the move across town, if his oce would choose a new operator, or if the city will open a public solicitation for a replacement. Stay tuned The announcement of the possible new nav- igation center location doesn’t represent a nal decision, and resident input will inform how ser- vices are relocated. Gray said the current approach diers from some of Austin’s past property purchases for homeless shelter or housing that advanced without community review. Feedback or questions can be emailed to homeless.input@austintexas.gov. One more thing Austin’s homelessness oce has reported the city should have more than one navigation center given its population and geographic size. Gray said the potential I-35 purchase won’t halt consideration of other sites or strategies, like enhancing smaller providers or co-locating multiple services together.

Navigation centers are a single location where homeless clients can access case management, health care, mail services and more. The main existing navigation center in Austin, based out of Sunrise Community Church at 4430 Menchaca Road, has served hundreds of clients from around the city and received millions of local and federal dollars in recent years. It’s also drawn many public safety complaints, and both legal and legislative pushback. Homeless Strategy Ocer David Gray said it’s been clear that a new location was needed, despite previous work with Sunrise on “operational enhancements” at the church. A property at 2401 S. I-35 was identied as a potential replacement after months of searching, and Austin may now move to buy the site as soon as October after pub- lic review. The city could start leasing the property as its new navigation center by next spring.

290

Proposed location

Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center

290

First Hays County administrator takes the reins

administrator’s chief of sta. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra credited Boutté’s “extensive” public service background and said ocials were “thrilled” to welcome her to the role. Zooming in Boutté, who started July 7, called Hays County residents “welcoming and approachable.” To start, she said her oce will develop a long-term plan over the months ahead based on county ocials’ priorities.

Kandice Boutté began her role as Hays County’s rst-ever administrator this summer. What to know In Texas, county administrators oversee daily government operations like department coordi- nation, budgeting, long-range planning, policy implementation and sta supervision. Boutté holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and most recently served as the Tarrant County

"With the county experiencing rapid growth, it’s clear we’re entering a pivotal moment. I look forward to working alongside the commissioners court, county sta and our residents to build the infrastructure needed for long-term success."

KANDICE BOUTTÉ, HAYS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Emergency reserves, mental health and voter services take priority for increased funding as Travis County officials weigh needs for the next budget year. The Travis County $2.2 billion preliminary budget was published July 28—roughly 12% higher than the Fiscal Year 2024-25 adopted budget—outlining priorities for the coming year as officials move closer to a final vote on the FY 2025-26 budget. The budget includes funding for a variety of county responsibilities, such as: • Administrative and operational costs • Justice system • Health and Human Services • Community and economic development • Corrections and rehabilitation TravCo outlines $2.2B budget

Major takeaways

Travis County tax rate year-over-year The Travis County proposed tax rate nears the highest the area has seen over the last decade.

Travis County officials have adopted a one-year, 9% property tax increase to offset costs from July 2025 severe flooding. The disaster depleted the county’s $15 million emergency reserve, with expenses including debris removal, temporary road repairs and more than 35,000 staff hours—a roughly $1.9 million price tag. The approved 2025-26 tax rate is $0.375845 per $100 valuation, a roughly three-cent increase. For an average home valued at $515,213, taxes will rise about $200, with $72 linked to flood recovery.

$0.384

$0.376

$0.40

$0.35

$0.354

$0.30

$0.305

Fiscal Year

Other interesting highlights

Travis County funding priorities

General government technology infrastructure

$7.3M

Travis County’s proposed FY 2025-26 budget includes major investments in public safety and elections, with $86 million earmarked for future jail diversion and preventative services. A centerpiece of this effort is the planned mental health diversion center. Elections also emerged as a key focus. In response to recent mid-decade redistricting by state lawmakers, the county’s elections division has requested $2.4 million in additional funding. The request covers one-time staffing, precinct mapping, polling site logistics, compliance and voter outreach ahead of the November Election. Other highlights include $54 million for three new STAR Flight helicopters and staffing pay increases, plus $6 million to expand justice system programs.

Parks

$5.7M $4.1M $3.5M $2.9M $2.7M $2.1M $1.9M $1.5M $1.5M $1.5M $1.5M $1.4M $1.2M $1.1M

• Public safety • Infrastructure

Mental & Behavioral Health

Elections

Facility maintenance HHS support staff Technology staffing

Where does the money go?

General government $357M Justice system $255M Corrections & rehabilitation $188M Public safety $137M

Justice system technology infrastructure

County Attorney

Court staffing

District Attorney Jail inmate services APD forensic review Pretrial diversion Corrections staffing

Health & Human services $104M Infrastructure & environmental services $71M Community & economic development $37M

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Election

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

North Hays County Emergency Services District No. 1—serving the Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henly areas—is asking voters to approve a 60% increase from the current tax rate. The EMS district officially called for the election on Aug. 12. The North Hays EMS board adopted a proposed fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate of $0.05 per $100 valuation during an Aug. 12 meeting that included a public hearing on the tax rate. The current tax rate stands at $0.03107 per $100 valuation. With the proposed increase, that’s a 60.93% hike. For a home with a taxable value of $500,000, the proposed increase Hays emergency services tax hike on ballot

Funding asks

What’s next

The proposed increased tax rate would be used to:

Hire additional medics

North Hays EMS relies on property and sales taxes for revenues, as well as revenue streams from patient transports. If the proposition fails, North Hays EMS will maintain current service levels, with medics working about 834 hours of overtime a year, according to the release. This could result in the district using capital reserves or operating at a deficit, the release states, potentially impacting response times. In April this year, North Hays EMS split from San Marcos Hays County EMS, partly due to the North Hays EMS board wanting taxpayer dollars to go into their service area, Chief Bob Luddy said. Earlier this year, Luddy said he did not anticipate negative impacts on the budget due to the additional expenses needed to fund the transitional period.

Establish a fourth shift to reduce annual overtime to 312 hours per medic from 834 hours

Maintain 24/7 ambulance coverage

Align response times with national standards

Maintain equipment and ambulances

SOURCE: NORTH HAYS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 1/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

would result in an additional $100 annually, or approximately $8.33 per month. The proposed rate is greater than the voter- approval tax rate and the de minimis rate, triggering the need for voter approval. If approved by voters, the increase would fund staffing needs for EMS response capabilities and reduce overtime for emergency medical personnel, according to a news release.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

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

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

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

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

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

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

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

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

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

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

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

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

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

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

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

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

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

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

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

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

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

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

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

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

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

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Austin tax election called for $100M+ budget boost From the cover

The setup

Budget blueprint Homeless strategy investments make up a large share of budget additions under the TRE. NOTE: AROUND $76 MILLION OF MORE THAN $109 MILLION IN ADDED GENERAL FUND REVENUE UNDER THE TRE WAS RESERVED FOR CITY OPERATIONS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE CITY DIDN'T CONFIRM REMAINING ALLOCATIONS AS OF PRESS TIME.

Unconfirmed: 30.74% Homelessness response 30.32% Public safety 18.53% Public health 8.76% Parks and recreation 7.27% Other 4.37%

T otal: $109.48M

Austin voters will soon decide whether to support the largest tax increase in recent years for a more than $100 million city budget expansion. Funding the $6.3 billion budget passed by City Council requires raising tax revenue above a state cap. That requires a tax rate election, or TRE, this fall labeled on ballots as Proposition Q. Officials have framed the TRE as a move to maintain city operations in the face of state limits on local spending and federal public service cuts. “I strongly believe that if we’re not making the kinds of investments we need to make in our people and our services, we will fall behind and be managing decay in Austin in a very short period of time,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. After staff proposed a balanced base budget this summer, council members added tens of millions of dollars—largely for homelessness response, public health and safety, and parks—alongside a tax hike to fund it. Those items expand on

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

the budget, with a focus on a council priority of addressing homelessness by: • Continuing Austin’s encampment-to-shelter initiative and conducting more street outreach • Developing new shelter and supportive housing • Expanding programs to divert at-risk residents from becoming homeless. The TRE-backed budget was adopted 10-1, with council member Marc Duchen voting against. He’s said the larger tax hike for a “Band-Aid” budget will impose an affordability burden on residents, without correcting the city’s “longstanding spending problem.”

“Whatever voters decide to do ... we need to take a closer look at our expenditures, find smarter ways of managing public dollars,” he said. Resident support for the new budget largely came from advocates for public programs, nonprofits and city employees. “We can either accept a reduction in essential services that keep Austin safe, healthy and thriving, or we can make a small shared investment and maintain the quality of life we all value,” said Sean Oliver, program manager at the Life Anew restorative justice nonprofit.

The approach

Annual household* impact Utility charges and city fees

Property taxes

$6K $5K $4K $3K $2K $1K $0 $7K

The Love Austin political action committee is campaigning for the TRE, with support from elected officials, labor organizations, nonprofits and parks advocates. No organized opposition formed this summer. “If we do not rebalance the city’s budget through Prop Q, the time will come where we’ll have to decide what we will stop doing,” Brydan Summers, president of the government employee union AFSCME Local 1624, said at a Love Austin rally.

Only a handful of Texas cities have held TREs, including Austin. Its lone previous TRE was held in 2020 to fund the Project Connect transit system, passing with roughly 58% support. The typical Austin homeowner would pay hun- dreds of dollars more in property taxes next year if the TRE passes, resulting in a tax rate of $0.574017 per $100 of property value. That would raise the annual property tax bill for a median-valued home by about 7%. Regardless of the election outcome, other city fees and utility charges will also rise.

*BASED ON THE MEDIAN HOME VALUE AND TYPICAL UTILITY USE SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

Some context

Austin's tax rate is just one of several paid by most city residents. Totaling local taxes for FY 2025-26

The county tax rate is also rising above the vot- er-approval threshold next year—although public authorization isn’t needed as it’s tied to disaster response for the July floods. That rate is expected to drop again next year. Looking ahead, Austin is now planning a com- prehensive bond package for consideration next fall. Staff recommended a total of no more than $700 million for that measure across multiple city departments, which would bring a roughly $100 annual tax increase for the typical homeowner.

The approved tax rate is about 20% higher than this year’s. If the TRE fails, it’d drop 5 cents to the maximum allowed without voter approval. City taxes have been increasing for years, but represent just one piece of the total bill most homeowners might pay to different entities. Proposition Q comes one year after successful tax elections for both Austin ISD and Travis County, and three years after the city, school district and Austin Community College each passed bonds.

Austin ISD 44.13% City of Austin 27.38% Travis County 17.93% Central Health 5.63% Austin Community College 4.93%

SOURCES: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AUSTIN ISD, CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The bottom line

Zooming out

Budget barriers Austin leaders cited several reasons for the city’s tightened financial outlook. Federal funding cuts Expiring American Rescue Plan Act dollars Texas’ 3.5% cap on annual local tax revenue increases Declining property tax forecasts Slipping sales tax collections

Majority voter support for Proposition Q will keep the adopted city budget in place, setting new floors for the city’s tax rate and the state’s cap on year- to-year civic revenue increases. If voters reject the tax rate measure, council will have to trim the spending plan below the TRE threshold. That process could see them potentially remove both base budget items and their later amendments. Officials also previously decided TREs won’t be held more than every four years, barring financial emergencies or “significant” funding cuts. Residents have until Oct. 6 to register to vote. Early voting will run from Oct. 20-31 ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4.

Austin leaders had been signaling the likely need for a TRE throughout much of 2025, espe- cially after the city’s latest five-year forecast, released in April, showed widening shortfalls expected through the 2020s. The city’s original proposed budget closed a more than $30 million deficit for the coming fiscal year, and gaps were expected to reach $80 million by FY 2029-30. Increasing taxes under the TRE will set up balanced budgets for the next two years, and smaller deficits by 2030. Austin representatives have cited Texas’ limit on year-over-year jumps in local revenue collections as a large budgeting obstacle. They’ve also pointed to the federal level, where recent grant cuts have impacted local programming, while one-time pandemic relief primarily used for homelessness is nearly used up. Budget staff also said local tax revenue may be falling off from recent highs.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The impacts of an expanded budget and higher taxes were criticized by many in the community this summer. One, resident Paul Dietz, told council he’s seen longtime Austinites and businesses pushed out by cost pressures that don’t affect many of the city’s “ultra-rich” new arrivals. “It’s forming a new caste system here, and it’s crowding out the soul of what made Austin, Austin,” he said.

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Education

BY ELLE BENT, DACIA GARCIA & CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD to extend prekindergarten care Austin ISD will begin offering free after- school child care for eligible prekindergarten students at nine campuses this semester. The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a $3.7 million, two-year contract to fund the new centers on Aug. 26. The details Extended after-school care will be offered for around 300 eligible 3-year-old pre-K students from 3-6 p.m. each school day. Nine schools offering the program have 75% or more economically disadvantaged students or are located in areas lacking adequate availability of child care services. Participating schools include Allison, Padrón, Houston, Norman-Sims, St. Elmo, Andrews, Guerrero-Thompson, Langford and Harris elementaries.

AISD to intervene at 12 failing campuses Twelve AISD campuses will require immedi- ate intervention after receiving three F ratings from the Texas Education Agency, AISD officials announced Sept. 3. The district could choose to close these schools, or restart the campus by hiring new principals and staff or partnering with a charter school. Something to note This summer, AISD initiated a school consolida- tion process to close and merge certain campuses in the 2026-27 school year, due to budgetary constraints and declining enrollment. While AISD didn’t use A-F ratings to rank campuses for potential consolidation, the 2025 ratings may now limit the district’s ability to combine campuses, Superintendent Matias Segura said in a letter posted to the district’s website.

ACC enrollment increases by 10%

DSISD staff to see new pay increases Dripping Springs ISD staff will see salary increases for the 2025-26 school year. The details The starting teacher salary will increase by $500 to $56,000. Teachers with one or two years of experience will receive a $1,700 increase. Salary increases for teachers with three or more years of experience were funded through House Bill 2, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature. Teachers with five or more years of experience will receive a $5,000 salary increase, while teachers with three to four years of experience will receive a $2,500 increase. All other employees will receive a 3% midpoint salary increase.

Schools facing closure or restarts

"The enrollment surge is proof that more students are choosing ACC as their pathway to a better

future. That doesn’t happen without the

Barrington Elementary Dawson Elementary Linder Elementary Oak Springs Elementary Pecan Springs Elementary Sánchez Elementary

Current Austin Community College enrollment is nearing 44,000 students, showing a near 10% growth from fall 2024’s enrollment numbers. The details According to a news release, more than 10,300 students are using the college’s Free Tuition Pilot program, which allows students to take classes without paying tuition or general fees for up to three years. In fall 2024, only 4,800 students enrolled in the program. The program is open to students from the class of 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, who graduate from high school, homeschool or earn a Texas GED in the ACC service area. Digging deeper The news release stated the college is witnessing growth in various areas of study, with the largest

dedication and teamwork of our faculty and staff." RUSSELL LOWERY-HART, ACC CHANCELLOR

growth in health sciences, up in enrollment by 19%. What else? With the growing student population, ACC added an estimated 500 course sections and hired about 100 adjunct faculty members. The college has also announced new resources to help students in their education journeys. These include Riverbat Bites Food Pantries, wayfinding improvements and student advocates.

Widén Elementary Winn Montessori

Woolridge Elementary Bedichek Middle School Martin Middle School Paredes Middle School

AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRODIE LANE 4970 W Hwy 290 (512) 366-8260 BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981

SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 S I-35 Frontage Rd (512) 280-7400

DRIPPING SPRINGS 166 Hargraves (512) 432-0186

Education Private School Guide This list is not comprehensive.

2025

• 8700 South View Road, Austin • www.austinwaldorf.org

Extracurriculars: art, yoga and soccer Enrollment: 177 Tuition: see website for tuition and fees • 3338 Paisano Trail, Austin • www.mariposamontessori.com Parkside Community School Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K3-fifth grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: after-school program Enrollment: 97 Tuition: varies by program (see website) • 3207 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.parksidecommunityschool.org

Austin

Apogee Dripping Springs Type: micro high school Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 14 Extracurriculars: BJJ, CrossFit, Culinary Class Tuition: $17,500 annually • 26650 RR 12, Dripping Springs • www.apogeedrippingsprings.com Austin Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served: 16 months-ninth grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: sports, chess club, foreign language Enrollment: 350 Tuition: $16,280-$21,340 annually • 5006 Sunset Trail, Austin; 6817 & 6819 Great Northern Blvd., Austin; 5677 Oak Blvd., Austin • www.austinmontessori.org Austin Rising Type: micro-school, homeschool co-op Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: field trips, community service projects Enrollment: 60-70

Cedars Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served : Primary program (3-6 years old); Elementary program (6-12 years old) Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: soccer, Spanish and music classes Enrollment: 107 Tuition: $1,350-$1,520 monthly • 9704 Circle Drive, Austin • www.cedarsmontessori.com

City School Type: Charlotte Mason, religious-based Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurriculars: sports, clubs Enrollment: 92 Tuition: $4,738-$11,845 annually • 1844 Teri Road, Austin • www.cityschooltexas.org

Regents School of Austin Type: religion-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurriculars: athletics, fine arts, academic teams Enrollment: 1,076

Tuition: $14,244-$22,731 annually • 3230 Travis Country Circle, Austin • www.regentsaustin.org

Headwaters School Type: Montessori, International Baccalaureate diploma program Grades served: 18 months-12th grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: athletics, art, leadership, clubs Enrollment: 505 Tuition: $16,900-$24,600 annually • 6305 Menchaca Road, Austin; 9607 Brodie Lane, Austin; 801 Grande St., Austin • www.headwaters.org

School on the Rise Type: elementary micro school, Waldorf-inspired Grades served: 1-8 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: N/A Enrollment: 16 Tuition: $17,460 annually • Austin, 78737 • www.schoolontherise.com St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School Type: college preparatory, independent Grades served: pre-K3-12 Religious orientation: independent Catholic

Tuition: $8,550-10,950 annually • 6211 Parkwood Drive, Austin • www.austinrisingschool.com

Austin Waldorf School Type: Waldorf Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: sports; high school clubs Enrollment: 403 Tuition: $17,547-$27,265 annually

Mariposa Montessori Type: Private, Montessori Grades served: 2 months-15 years old Religious orientation: N/A

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Extracurriculars: athletics, theater, modern band, strings orchestra, choir and film, robotics teams, drone team Enrollment: 930 Tuition: $20,000-$29,000 annually • 2500 Wimberly Lane, Austin (lower/middle school); 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., Austin (upper campus) • www.smcprep.org

Strickland Christian School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K4-8

Religious orientation: Christian, nondenominational Extracurriculars: Private Schools Interscholastic Association, sports, music, Spanish, technology classes Enrollment: 118

AESA Prep Academy is a college-preparatory school that oers a variety of extracurriculars.

Appamada School is located in Dripping Springs and serves grades K12.

Tuition: up to $5,000 annually • 7415 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.stricklandschool.com

AESA Prep Academy Type: college-preparatory Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: N/A

Appamada School Type: progressive Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: N/A Enrollment: 77

Veritas Academy Type: classical, Christian, collaborative education Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious Orientation: Christian, nondenominational Extracurriculars: athletics, fine arts, common arts, nature studies, clubs Current Enrollment: 675

Extracurriculars: sports, Esports, chess, debates, entrepreneurial, medical, veterinarian and culinary institute. Enrollment: 130 Tuition: $24,000-$25,000 annually

Tuition: $15,000-$19,500 annually • 26450 RR 12, Dripping Springs • www.appamadaschool.com

• 13730 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.aesaprepacademy.com

Tuition: $3,493-$15,056 annually • 13401 Escarpment Blvd., Austin • www.veritasacademy.net

ELEMENTARY MICRO SCHOOL ON 8 ACRES OF NATURE Experienced Teachers Small Classes Nature-Focused Learning •Waldorf-Inspired Approach

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Austin-area roads set for $4B state investment In August, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled a 10-year Texas Department of Transportation plan, includ- ing nearly $4 billion for the Austin area. The plan focuses on tackling major congestion points in areas with rapid population growth and expanding economies. Many of the projects are roadway segments listed under Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways. Some major Austin thoroughfares include: • SH 130: from SH 45N to SH 45S • I-35 Capital Express Central • SH 71: from east of Riverside to US 183 and US

TxDOT’s 2026 Unied Transportation Program contains several of planned transportation projects across the Austin metro.

Travis County

183

TRAUTWEIN RD.

130

620

290

360

Hays Co. seeks input on Fitzhugh Road Hays County hosted an open house in August on proposed Fitzhugh Road upgrades shaped by a 2024 safety study and public feedback. Plans include new signs, pavement markings, guardrails, vegetation work and intersection improvements. The $5 million project was originally slated for construction in late 2026; however, this timeline is subject to change in light of the 2024 road bond being overturned.

Dripping Springs

MOPAC

290

812

183

183 to Presidential Boulevard • Hwy. 290: from I-35 to US 183 Southwest Austin, Dripping Springs 1 Hwy. 290: Roger Hanks Parkway 2 RM 1826: from Hwy. 290 to SH 45

290

1826

Hays County

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Long term closures planned along Oak Hill Parkway As work on the Oak Hill Parkway project draws closer to completion, the Texas Department of Transportation announced Sept. 2 a slew of road closures expected to last through the end of 2025. The intersection of Monterey Oaks Boulevard, William Cannon Drive and Convict Hill Road will all see reduced lanes and construction as crews work on the new raised highway and connectors to MoPac. In addition, the eastbound Hwy. 290 exit ramp for MoPac South is closed through the remainder of the year. Construction-related roadway changes will be implemented beginning Sept. 2. The 7-mile stretch of highway has been under- going a $677 million facelift since 2021. TxDOT is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided highway.

290

MONTEREY OAKS BLVD.

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