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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 8 APRIL 7 28, 2026
2026 Voter Guide
Voters to decide on digital billboards, re standards
BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.
Round Rock voters will decide on two proposed amendments to the city charter addressing digital billboards and re department sta ng standards in the May 2 election. Proposition A would allow electronic billboards in limited areas of the city, primarily along I-35 and SH 45. The current city charter prohibits digital billboards, and a similar petition eort in the past did not gather enough signatures to reach the ballot. Proposition B would require the Round Rock Fire Department to meet national sta ng and emergency response benchmarks and incorporate those requirements into the city charter. The measures address dierent issues, but both were circulated through a campaign by the Round Rock Professional Fire ghters Association. City leaders have raised concerns about Proposition A, arguing electronic billboards are being promoted as emergency messaging tools despite existing highway alert systems. The re ghters association said the proposals are intended to address long-standing concerns about sta ng levels and public safety. With both propositions now on the ballot, the re ghters association is entering the second phase of its campaign: educating residents about the measures. Bill Clifton, secretary of the re ghters association, said the group primarily focused its outreach on Proposition B’s sta ng proposal rather than Proposition A’s billboard proposal.
CONTINUED ON 22
FOR PROPOSITIONS A AND B
AGAINST PROPOSITIONS A AND B
“At the end of the day, we just want to give the voters the opportunity to decide what level of public safety they want in their city.”
“It is a billboard company trying to maximize their pro ts, and they’re using the re association to do it.” CRAIG MORGAN, ROUND ROCK MAYOR
BILL CLIFTON, SECRETARY OF ROUND ROCK PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Bill Clifton, RRPFA secretary, speaks with a Round Rock resident. (Manuel Holguin Jr./Community Impact)
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL
72% of Williamson County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.
28%
72%
Protested 1
Didn’t Protest 1
70,024
177,582
residential properties
residential properties
$22.1M total missed potential savings
$10.4M total realized savings in 2025
Protestors won 65% of the time in Williamson County1
WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 66%
IMPORTANT DATES
deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026
Williamson County 2025 win rate
44% 30,979 of Williamson County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025
Williamson County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025
property tax protest deadline
$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Impacts
services including dental checkups, Invisalign, veneers, whitening, crown and bridgework, metal-free llings, periodontal care and TMJ therapy. It is locally owned by Dr. Emily Magee. • Opened in March • 3800 E. Palm Valley, Ste. 110, Round Rock • www.cuspsmiles.com 2 Lululemon The tness brand carries a variety of technical athletic and athleisure clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Items o ered are geared toward yoga, running and other athletic activities. The new store is located near the Levi’s Outlet and Torrid stores on the eastern side of the outdoor mall. • Opened March 6 • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.lululemon.com 130 TOLL 3 Nova Aesthetics The Latina-owned medical spa o ers a mix of beauty services, such as laser hair removal, customized facials, acne treatments, botox and dermal llers. It is owned by sisters Andrea, a laser hair removal professional, and Maira Castañeda, a medical esthetician and master injector. While both have pursued di erent ventures in the past, Andrea said this is their rst joint venture. • Opened Feb. 16 • 110 S. Lampasas St., Ste. 2, Round Rock • www.mynovaaesthetics.com 4 Puppy Dreams Puppy Store & Grooming The pet store o ers a variety of puppies for purchase in the store. It also o ers grooming services, such as wash and dry, nail trims, ear cleaning and dematting. Puppy Dreams o ers purebred and purposed-bred puppies, according to the company’s site. • Opened in December • 115 Sundance Pkwy., Ste. 230, Round Rock • www.puppydreamsaustin.com 5 Rowdy Cowboy The sports bar and restaurant with a country-rock atmosphere serves wings, steaks, pizza, tacos and more. The new Round Rock location features 32 draft beers, including Austin-area breweries, along with a variety of spirits, such as a bourbon and whiskey. The venue
features “Rowdy Cowgirl” servers in revealing out ts. • Opened March 13 • 2401 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Round Rock • www.rowdycowboy.com 6 RR3D FunFactory The new business features a 3D-printing studio and VR game rooms. Customers can design, prototype and 3D print their own creations. The business can help customers with one-of-a-kind items, but also o ers bulk orders of 3D-printed items for businesses or events. • Opened Feb. 18 • 1100 Gattis School Road, Ste. 240, Round Rock • www.rr3dfun.com 7 Tejas Meat Supply The Georgetown-based butcher shop and restaurant opened in the former Kenney Fort Pub space in March, o ering premium Texas-raised meats, house-made sausages, charcuterie, beer, and wine. The menu features brisket, pork and hot chicken sandwiches, chili cheese dogs and more. • Opened March 12 • 3001 Joe Dimaggio Blvd., Round Rock • www.tejasmeatsupply.com 8 Zatka Bites Locally owned by Bageshri and Kiran Dhotre, the restaurant’s specialty is Vada Pav, a vegan slider with a fried potato patty. Kiran Dhotre said the buns used are vegan and baked fresh daily. Zatka Bites also o ers boxed vegan and non-vegan meals, fried chicken, chicken sandwiches and other Indian fast foods as well as beverages including chai and chilled fruit sodas. • Opened Jan. 16 • 1300 S. Mays St., Ste. 102, Round Rock • www.zatkabites.com Curbside Compost Owned by Gary Parente, the organic recycling concept provides an airtight bin for residents to dispose of their food scraps in, which they then place on the curb on their scheduled pickup day. Parente leads the services, collecting the scraps, cleaning the bins and leaving a new liner. Residents can sign up for the composting service for $29 per month, which includes bi-weekly pickup services, a bin, cleaning, compostable bags and processing.
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Round Rock
Now open
1 Cusp Tooth Co. The dental o ce opened in the Diamond Oaks retail center in Round Rock, bringing a variety of dental
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, KATLYNN FOX & BROOKE SJOBERG
• 308 W. Main St., Round Rock • www.stacishefflerdesign.com
• Opened fall 2025 • Serving Williamson County • www.CurbsideCompostATX.com
Now open
Expansions
Coming soon
13 Round Rock Area Serving Center By constructing a new space for an expanded secondhand shop, the serving center doubled the size of its food pantry. At the time of groundbreaking, Executive Director Lori Scott said the scale of the planned expansion was proportional to the need in the area. The organization o ers a variety of services, including a food pantry, Amazon home delivery program, clothing and furniture vouchers, a charity resale store and nancial assistance for utilities, rent, loan assistance and more. • Opened Feb. 26 • 1099 E. Main St., Round Rock • www.rrasc.org
9 Milano Nail Spa The nail salon will o er luxury manicure and pedicure services. At its original East Austin location, these services include spa-inspired pedicures, manicures, waxing, eyelash services and extensions, and eyebrow grooming services. Customers can sip a variety of cocktails, wine, soft drinks and tea while getting services done. • Opening in 2026 • 120 Sundance Pkwy., Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.milanonailspaatx.com 10 Peach Cobbler Factory The dessert shop o ers a variety of fruit cobblers, puddings, cinnamon rolls, cookies, bottled tea and smoothies. It has locations in 25 states, with 13 open in Texas. This will be the rst Austin-area franchise. • Opening in April
17 DHL Express ServicePoint This location o ers business to business and business to customer shipping services, such as international express shipping, U.S. next day shipping, as well as shipping for passports and luggage. • Opened in March • 206 W. Main St., Round Rock • www.locations.us.express.dhl.com/tx/round- rock/206-w-main-st
In the news
14 Black Rock Co ee Bar The co ee shop, which o ers a variety of brewed co ee and tea beverages, energy drinks, shakes and smoothies, reached its ve-year anniversary in January. The rst Round Rock location opened 2021. • 17220 RM 620, Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.br.coffee 15 Round Rock Premium Outlets Simon Malls, the real estate trust that owns the Round Rock outlet mall, announced in March that the property is undergoing a refresh that started in February. Per the release, work on the upgrades is expected to continue over the next few months, with completion expected at the end of the summer. • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/round-rock 16 Tumble 22 The fried chicken restaurant reached its ve-year anniversary since opening its Round Rock location in the Rock Creek retail center in March 2021. The menu includes Nashville-inspired chicken, with six heat levels ranging from “painless” to “stupid hot,” as well as
• 2000 I-35, Ste. k4, Round Rock • www.peachcobblerfactory.com
Relocations
11 Forest Creek Animal Hospital The new location on South Kenney Fort Boulevard includes more exam rooms and parking space. Forest Creek Animal Hospital o ers wellness exams, diagnostic testing, advanced medical care and surgical procedures. Pet owners can book appointments online or by phone. The veterinary practice is owned by Dr. Cli ord Peck. • Relocated Feb. 16 • 1200 S. Kenney Fort Blvd., Round Rock • www.forestcreekvet.com 12 Staci She er Design Locally owned by Staci Sheer, her design company specializes in full-service interior design, primarily focusing on residential homes. She said she works with clients throughout Central Texas and across the state. • Relocated in January
chicken sandwiches, salads, sides and house-made pies available to order whole or by the slice. • 2111 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.tumble22.com
Closings
18 Francesca’s The boutique will close its Round Rock boutique at the end of March, as it continues e orts to liquidate merchandise and xtures while winding down operations. The retailer o ers a variety of clothing, footwear, accessories and gifts with a free-spirited air. • Closed at the end of March • 4401 N. I-35, Ste. 766, Round Rock • www.francescas.com
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Impacts
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1 Altius Fencing Academy Altius Fencing Academy, a new fencing training facility, is offering lessons, team training and competition coaching for athletes in the Pflugerville area. The academy focuses on long-term athlete development, combining technical instruction with an emphasis on discipline, resilience and adaptability. • Opened in March • 21415 Martin Lane, Ste. 110, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • www.altiusfencing.com 2 Boost Mobile A new Boost Mobile store opened in Pflugerville, expanding local options for residents looking for low- cost wireless service. The store is located along West Pecan Street just east of I-35. The retailer specializes in prepaid mobile phone plans, offering unlimited talk, text and data options along with smartphones, accessories and device activation services. • Opened in February • 2700 W. Pecan St., Ste. 305, Pflugerville • www.boostmobile.com
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N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
CAMERON RD.
5/15/26.
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BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.
3 Solis Mammography Solis Mammography offers 3D mammograms as well as Mammo+Heart, an AI-driven screening tool that detects calcium buildup in the arteries of the breast which is linked to cardiovascular disease in women. • Opened March 2 • 1608 Town Center Drive, Ste. 300, Pflugerville • www.solismammo.com/austin/pflugerville
• Opening TBD • 600 E. Oxford Drive, Pflugerville • soapyfalls.com
Coming soon
6 North Austin Plant Company The business, a boutique online and pop-up shop specializing in rare houseplants, leased space in Martin Lane Biz Park in Pflugerville, according to commercial real estate firm Resolut Re. The company sells its products primarily through its website, Palmstreet and Etsy storefront and features an emphasis on Hoya varieties. • Opening TBD • 21415 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • palmstreet.app/user/ uS8vGqbN48V5Un0fXRTdBkPQeew2
Coming soon
4 Amplify Credit Union Amplify Credit Union announced March 9 its plans to expand with a new branch in North Austin in 2027. The branch will mark the credit union’s first new branch in nearly a decade, according to a news release. • Opening in 2027 5 Soapy Falls Express Car Wash Soapy Falls Express Car Wash is planning to expand into Pflugerville with a new location expected to open, according to the company’s website. The express car wash business currently operates locations in Hutto, Round Rock and Cedar Park, and offers automated wash services with membership options that allow customers to wash their vehicles multiple times per month. • 13609 N. I-35, Austin • www.goamplify.com
8 Daddy Shack Golf Club Daddy Shack Golf Club is expected to open this summer on East Howard Lane. The business offers indoor golf simulator access, lessons, club fittings and swing analysis using FlightScope technology, along with lounge and fitness amenities. • Opening in August • 1900 E. Howard Lane, Bldg., Ste. D-1, Pflugerville • www.daddyshackgolf.com
In the news
7 The Book Burrow The independent bookstore that began in a garage is celebrating five years of building community in downtown Pflugerville. The Book Burrow, founded by Kelsey Black, marked its five-year anniversary in March with a community garage-sale featuring vendors, crafts and discounted books.
• 401 W. Pecan St., Ste. G, Pflugerville, • hwww.thebookburrowbookstore.com
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Impacts
Hutto
shopping center next to the new Petco. Merchandise includes seasonal decor, party supplies, dishes, food items, cleaning supplies, beauty products and toys. • Opening TBD • 150 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.dollartree.com
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1 Perspire Sauna Studio The company offers infrared sauna, red-light therapy, contrast therapy and halotherapy. The sauna’s services are meant to help customers relax, release toxins, burn calories, boost the immune system and more. • Opened March 20 • 2260 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 400, Hutto • www.perspiresaunastudio.com 79
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ALLIANCE BLVD.
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4 Grapes and Rye The mixology business, which also offers catering via a mobile tap trailer, temporarily closed to remodel and expand. Owned by Rachel Green-Williams and Lawrence Williams, the business’ space doubled in size. • Reopened March 28 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 28, Hutto • www.grapesandrye.com
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2 Petco A new location of the pet supply store will open in Hutto’s Townwest Commons shopping center. The national retailer offers pet food, grooming services, toys, treats and other pet-related products. • Opening TBD • 150 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.petco.com 3 Dollar Tree The discount store will go in the Townwest Commons
Hutto
STAR RANCH BLVD.
In the news
5 Rockabilly Brewing The brewery announced that it temporarily closed as it looks for a new space to relocate. Owned by Jimmy and Brandi Calhoun, the business opened in 2023, serving a variety of brews on tap. • www.rockabillybrewing.com • 1133 CR 137, Hutto
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N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
In the news
Now open
Now open
6 Thig’s Diamond Haircuts The barbershop, owned by William Thigpen, reached its 10-year anniversary in March. The shop offers haircuts for men, women and children, in addition to classic razor shaves and beard trims. Thig’s is also in the process of expanding to downtown Taylor. Customers can book
7 Back Nine Golf Locally owned by Jesse Rhymes, Back Nine will offer indoor golf simulators 24/7, allowing golfers to practice their swing or enjoy a casual round at any time and day of the week. The simulators give golfers a chance to virtually play some of the most popular courses in the world, such as Pebble Beach or St. Andrews. • Opened March 26 • 101 Star Ranch Blvd. N., Ste. 101, Hutto • www.thebackninegolf.com/round-rock-tx
8 Da’s Thai Cuisine For starters, customers will find egg rolls, steamed dumplings, chicken satay, steamed edamame, fried tofu and crab rangoon rolls. The restaurant also serves curry, fried rice, pad Thai, beef and broccoli, and a variety of other Thai dishes. The eatery, which began in a food truck off Hwy. 79 in Round Rock, opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Old Settlers Boulevard in 2024. • Opened March 2 • 525 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • https://tinyurl.com/mnmhcbh8
appointments online. • 107 Taylor St., Hutto • https://thigs.square.site
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Transportation
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
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intersection and pedestrian improvements. Update: All work on the northbound lanes is expected to be completed by the end of summer, with construction on southbound lanes to begin soon. • Timeline: completion scheduled spring 2027 • Cost: $34.7 million • Funding source: developer contributions, type B sales tax revenue, certificate of obligation bonds 9 Old Settlers Extension Project: A new four-lane divided segment of Old Settlers Boulevard will be built, including a bridge, connecting North Red Bud Lane to County Road 110. Update: Crews began working on concrete paving, sidewalk construction and wiring placement for street light poles in January. A traffic signal will be installed at CR 110. • Timeline: completion scheduled spring 2026 • Cost: $23.4 million • Funding source: developer contributions, type B sales tax revenue, certificate of obligation bonds, Williamson County contributions 8 Gattis School Road segment 6 Project: This project will widen the existing four- lane roadway to a six-lane arterial thoroughfare with a raised median between Via Sonoma Trail and Red Bud Lane. Update: Construction began Feb. 2, with construction reducing the road from four lanes to two for the first phase of construction. • Timeline: completion in late 2027 • Cost: $20.4 million • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue
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4 Greenlawn Boulevard widening Project: The city is reconstructing Greenlawn Boulevard from an existing four-lane divided roadway to a six-lane divided urban roadway with pedestrian and lighting improvements. Update: Construction began in January. • Timeline: completion is expected by April 2027 • Cost: $13.95 million Project: The project includes a new four-lane divided roadway with shared use paths, extending over Brushy Creek from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard. Update: Storm sewer, culvert, sidewalk and hiking path construction is complete. • Timeline: completion scheduled for fall 2026 • Cost: $29.7 million • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue, certificate of obligation bonds, Williamson County contributions. 6 County Road 112 widening Project: A six-lane divided roadway with a center median, pedestrian facilities and gutter drainage from A.W. Grimes to CR 117 will be built. Update: The southbound side of the roadway is complete, and the traffic switch is in place. • Timeline: completion scheduled for fall 2026 • Cost: $54.5 million • Funding source: developer contributions, type B sales tax revenue, certificate of obligation bonds, Williamson County contributions 7 Red Bud Lane North widening • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue 5 Wyoming Springs extension Project: The project includes upgrading an existing two-lane road to a four-lane divided roadway with
Upcoming projects
1 Traffic signal at Chandler Creek and Kenney Fort Boulevards Project: A traffic signal and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Chandler Creek and Kenney Fort Boulevards is underway. Update: The project is in the engineering and design phase • Timeline: Design completion expected fall 2026 • Cost: $156,445 • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue
Ongoing projects
2 Mays Street Bridge wall stabilization Project: The project includes constructing ground anchors to stabilize retaining walls and replacing the roadway approach and sidewalks. Update: Construction below the bridge is complete and improvements on top of the bridge began in February. • Timeline: completion expected by summer 2026 • Cost: $2 million • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue 3 Chisholm Trail South improvements Project: The city is reconstructing Chisholm Trail Road from Sam Bass Road to RM 620, with drainage, pedestrian and lighting improvements. Update: Construction recently resumed. Pedestrian improvements are under design. In February, traffic was temporarily rerouted to address utility issues. • Timeline: roadway completion expected in summer 2026 • Cost: $4.26 million for construction • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue
Completed projects
10 Gattis School Road segment 3 Project: This project includes expanding the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided road with updated pedestrian paths and turn lanes. Update: Construction is underway, with paving expected to take place in 2026. • Timeline: construction expected to last until early spring 2026 • Cost: $33 million • Funding source: type B sales tax revenue, certificate of obligation bonds, Texas Department of Transportation loan
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Government
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Georgetown, Round Rock deal for water The city of Round Rock will continue to treat raw water for the city of Georgetown after officials approved a renewal on March 26. The gist The cities of Round Rock and Georgetown entered into a water treatment and trans- mission agreement several years ago, with Round Rock treating up to 3 million gallons of raw water per day from Lake Georgetown because of the extra treatment capacity at Round Rock’s plant. Round Rock’s water treatment plant has the capacity to treat 52 million gallons per day. With the agreement now expired, George- town asked Round Rock to renew the deal. According to city documents, Round Rock will have additional capacity to treat water based on future demand projections. Per the agreement, Georgetown will be charged a monthly base rate of $3,702 and volume rate of $2.21 per thousand gallons of water. The agreement will be effective for five years.
Round Rock council approves 23-acre industrial rezoning
U
35
23.43 acres
Round Rock City Council approved the rezoning of a 23-acre property on Feb. 27 from a mix of light industrial and single-family zoning to Planned Unit Development No. 160, consolidating the site under an industrial designation with added development restrictions. The big picture City Planning Director Brad Dushkin said the request was necessary in part because several rem- nant single-family parcels on the south and west sides of the tract are not suitable as residential lots due to a lack of public street frontage and utilities. The PUD also amends the city’s 2030 Future Land Use Map to designate the entire property as industrial. About the project Under the PUD, the developer must provide a 100-foot building setback along the southern property line, an 8-foot-tall masonry or precast concrete fence, and a 25-foot-wide landscaped WilCo EMC awarded triple-accreditation The International Academies of Emer- gency Dispatch awarded the Williamson County Emergency Communications Center the designation of Emergency Medical Dispatch Accredited Center of Excellence. The gist The award makes the department the first three-time accredited center of excellence in Texas, meaning it meets the academy’s highest level of standards.
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CHISHOLM VALLEY DR.
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buffer that includes two rows of evergreen trees. The buffer cannot include parking, drainage infrastructure or stormwater facilities. Loading docks are prohibited within 100 feet of the residential boundary, and parking in that area is limited to passenger vehicles and cargo vans. Illumination at the residential property line must measure zero foot-candles, stricter than the city’s typical standard, and light poles within 100 feet of homes are capped at 20 feet in height and must be fully shielded downward. Before construction starts, the project must undergo subdivision platting, site development permitting and building permit review, including compliance with city building codes. City, WilCo to partner on transportation projects The Round Rock City Council approved two agreements with Williamson County on March 12 aimed at advancing major roadway projects across the city, including the Deep Wood Drive extension and additional segments of Kenney Fort Boulevard. A closer look The first agreement allows the city to partner with Williamson County on the Deep Wood Drive extension, which would connect RM 620 to Sam Bass Road. Public Works Director Michael Thane said the county has agreed to contribute up to $11 million toward the project, which is currently estimated to cost about $16.2 million. Round Rock has applied for approximately $9.7 million in funding through CAMPO. Also of note The second agreement is for Segments 5 and 6 of
Kenney Fort Boulevard
SEGMENT 7
HIGGS RD.
SEGMENT 5 & 6
E. OLD SETTLERS BLVD.
RED BUD LN.
SEGMENT 4
JOE DIMAGGIO BLVD.
SEGMENT 1
79
FOREST CREEK DR. S. KENNEY FORT BLVD.
SEGMENT 2 & 3
N
45
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Kenney Fort Boulevard. Segment 5 would extend north from Old Settlers Boulevard to County Road 112, while Segment 6 would continue the roadway north toward Univer- sity Boulevard, Thane said. Both segments will cost an estimated $35 million. Round Rock has applied for $21 million in CAMPO funding. If awarded, the remaining cost would be split between the city and county.
“[The community] can call 911 knowing that they’re going to get the best service possible.” REBECCA CHRISTENSEN, WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Voter Guide
2026
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 20: First day of early voting April 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day
Williamson County and Travis County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Williamson County voters can find more information about polling locations at www.wilcotx.gov/elections. Travis County voters can find more information about polling locations at www.votetravis.gov.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
Proposition A Shall the home rule charter of the City of Round Rock, Texas, be amended to add Section 14.16 to Article 14 to allow up to twelve (12) privately owned, operated, and funded freestanding off-premise double-faced electronic message centers located on private property adjacent to Interstate Highway 35 and State Highway 45 within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction; require priority public safety messaging; and limit regulation of
KEY : *Incumbent
location, size, and spacing to standards adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation? Proposition B Shall the home rule charter of the City of Round Rock, Texas, be amended to add Article XVI to require the City of Round Rock Fire Department to implement the NFPA 1710 minimum staffing levels and performance objectives for alarm answering, alarm processing, turnout,
and travel times; require phased deadlines between 2027 and 2037 for compliance; require a biennial analysis for compliance to be conducted by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); and require the waiver of sovereign immunity by the city for any enforcement suits for non-compliance? Read more about the propositions on page 22
Sample ballot
Round Rock Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan* Kelly Hall
SOURCES: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Round Rock Mayor
KEY : *Incumbent
Craig Morgan* Occupation & experience: Attorney; Served on the City Council for
Kelly Hall Occupation & experience: Self-employed business owner; 10 years community service; local advocacy for families, recreation, and
15 years, 9 of which were as mayor. www.craigmorganformayor.com
small businesses. www.hallforrr.com
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
I will continue to focus on providing high quality valued core services such as public safety, parks, roads, water, and investment in our downtown while maintaining a low tax rate. We as a city will continue focus on our strategic goals with being a financially sound city as goal number 1.
Family recreation, support of local businesses, no more data centers.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I have 15 years of experience and will not have to learn the job on day 1. Experience matters in this race, and I believe my track record these past 9 years shows that.
I won the primary for [Texas House District 19].
What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Round Rock, and how will you address it?
Our growth is always the biggest challenge. We will continue to plan just like we have for the past 9 years. We are planting the seeds for the next generation to enjoy the shade.
Managing growth while protecting the character of our community is Round Rock’s greatest challenge. I will focus on responsible development that supports families, protects local businesses, and ensures large projects like data centers don’t overwhelm our infrastructure or quality of life.
What is something you want Round Rock residents to know about you?
That serving as Mayor for the past 9 years has been my greatest honor. I have always said I am not a perfect leader but I will always do my best to be better each day for our citizens.
I have been serving my community for 10 years, always helping those in need. I believe in putting residents first and making decisions that benefit families and small businesses. I can’t be bought by big corporations, and I will always stand up for the people of Round Rock.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
RRISD makes progress on 2024 bond projects In the first year of the district’s $932 million 2024 bond program, schools and facilities across the district received lighting improvements and new equipment, while students and teachers received new devices, among other projects. The district sold its second tranche of the voter-approved bonds in February, making $300 million available to fund capital projects. What you need to know Bond management firm HPM provided an update on the district’s activity, as well as an outlook for the next year of bond-funded efforts planned for RRISD in a Feb. 19 board meeting. With an additional $300 million yielded from the recent bond sale, the district will begin 151 new projects and continue work on 92 ongoing projects. Some ongoing projects were fully funded in the first year, but installation or execution has
ACC partners with Trellis for AI program Austin Community College announced a new partnership with the Round Rock-based Trellis Foundation to create an artificial intel- ligence-driven system to support students. About the program The platform will pull students’ real-time data, connecting them to advising offices, tutoring, financial aid, mental health and wraparound services in a proactive manner. The initiative is supported by a three-year grant of $875,000 from the foundation. According to a news release shared by ACC after the announcement, four in 10 com- munity college students do not complete a credential such as a degree or certificate within six years, often due to financial, academic or personal challenges.
Schools to receive comprehensive improvements this year: Berkman Elementary School Great Oaks Elementary School Deerpark Middle School Cedar Ridge High School McNeil High School
Stony Point High School Westwood High School C.D. Fulkes Auditorium CTE Center Support services buildings
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
been delayed to minimize impact to the district’s budget when it comes time to replace certain items, such as water bottle fillers, which will be spread over four years. Per the district, 10 comprehensive improve- ments to campuses across the district are planned to break ground this year, including turf and track upgrades, HVAC and roof replacements, and relocation of about 40 portables.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Development
BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. & BROOKE SJOBERG
Housing project near city limits begins Dirt is moving at the site of a 57-acre residential and commercial project at the southeast corner of Westinghouse Road and FM 1460 in Georgetown. What you need to know Site work for a future residential and commercial project began in January. The Junction at 1460 development, a project of the Blackburn Group, that will bring hundreds of homes to the corridor.
Round Rock opens new pickleball courts Round Rock marked another milestone in the Old Settlers Park expansion with the official opening of new pickleball courts at the Adult Recreation Complex. What you need to know The facility includes lighted courts, shade structures, seating and a hitting wall, along with expanded parking. Court layouts are designed to reduce scheduling conflicts between tennis and pickleball users.
Planned development near Kenney Fort Blvd. under consideration Updated plans for a community of multiple housing types is under consideration by Round Rock City Council. What you need to know The Round Rock Planning & Zoning Commission approved a request March 4 to amend a Planned Unit Development zoning for a 110-acre property located near the southwest intersection of Kenney Fort Boulevard and East Palm Valley Boulevard. Included in the proposed amendment is a shift from a mixed-use development with a “Main Street” focus, to one with a trail-oriented design. The property includes a portion of Brushy Creek at its southern border, and the proposal would relocate a portion of the regional trail along the creek farther from its banks, to connect with commercial,
New multifamily housing underway at The District Mark IV Capital and city officials marked the start of vertical construction at The District March 4. What you need to know The developer held a ground breaking for Origin at The District, a luxury multifamily residential community. Speakers at the event highlighted plans for high ceilings, street-level retail and strong amenities for residents. These residences will be integrated directly into ground-level retail. Retail Street Advisors founder Aaron Stephenson said the end goal is to bring retail that not only draws people to The District, but encourages people to spend time there. The details Plans for Phase 1 of The District include the 316-unit luxury multifamily housing development celebrated at the March ground breaking, with
The District
Zoning amendment
79
1 Sub-Area 1 2 Sub-Area 2 3 Sub-Area 3/ Marshall Circle 4 Sub-Area 4 5 Sub-Area 5 District Way
45
HARRELL PKWY.
KALAHARI BLVD.
5
2
3
LOUIS HENNA BLVD.
4
4
N
1
GREENLAWN BLVD.
35
N
residential and private outdoor recreational oppor- tunities, the amendment states. The change is recommended by city staff, and comes at the request of The Drenner Group, repre- senting the developer, Milhaus. The details Additional plans in the proposed amendment include a pedestrian-friendly paseo, similar to the one in downtown Round Rock, lined by ground- floor retail with multifamily housing from the second floor up. Round Rock City Council will take up the request to amend the PUD plan in April.
23,042 square feet of ground-level retail. The seven-story multifamily development will have amenities that include: • A third-level pool deck • Heated pool with a 75-foot lap lane • Cold plunge • Dry sauna • Outdoor entertainment areas • Clubhouse lounge • Fully equipped fitness center
Adult recreation complex
The Junction at 1460
113
1460
TC OATTS LN.
HARRELL PKWY.
CARRIAGEWAY DR.
ATEN LOOP
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N
ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681
GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696
PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070
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