Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | October 2025

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 OCT. 18 NOV. 14, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Liberty Hill's solution to water shortages

Liberty Hill will build a pilot water purication facility to test systems and decide which water purication method is best for the city. (Courtesy city of Liberty Hill)

Step 1: Wastewater is ushed and transported through water lines to the South Fork Wastewater treatment plant.

Step 2: At the treatment plant, water is treated to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards.

Step. 3: The water will be treated at the advanced water purication process facility and released into city water supply.

City to implement new water reuse pilot program

Pilot water purication facility

hope this program addresses Liberty Hill’s growing demand for water. “The water that they’re going to be drinking is as pure as it could possibly be. It’ll be cleaner than bottled water,” said Vince Perkins, Liberty Hill environmental compliance ocer.

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Liberty Hill launched the Pure Water LHTX pro- gram late last year, an initiative that involves sending treated wastewater to an advanced water purica- tion facility where it’s converted into drinking water. With a pilot purication plant expected to be built by June, according to city documents, ocials

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Also in this issue

Impacts: Try a new slice at Crust Pizza Co. in Leander (Page 6)

Election: Meet the candidates for Leander City Council, Place 3 (Page 12)

Government: Learn about Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle’s decision to resign (Page 11)

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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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. About Community Impact

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

Denise Seiler General Manager

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

Steve Guntli Editor

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

Melissa Romero Account Executive

Correction: Volume 3, Issue 6 Our previous edition contained the wrong page of school information for the TEA AF accountability ratings. The correct page can be found in this issue on page 17.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Impacts

Leander & Cedar Park

• www.blackswanyoga.com/studios/cedar-park

4 Crust Pizza Co. Established in 2011, Crust now has dozens of locations throughout Texas and Louisiana. The franchise sells Chicago-style thin-crust pizzas in addition to a wide range of starters, salads, pastas and desserts. • Opened Sept. 20 • 145 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 180, Leander • www.crustpizzaco.com 5 Lava Leander Cafe & Hookah Lounge The establishment oers a variety of avored tobaccos that can be smoked on the premises from a range of hookah pipes. The facility will also oer a full restaurant and coee bar, featuring a variety of small plates and specialty coee. In addition to general seating, the lounge oers special VIP seating that can be reserved on the company’s website. • Opened Sept. 23 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 901, Leander • www.lavaleander.com 6 Shipley Do-Nuts The Texas-born donut shop serves donuts, kolaches and breakfast sandwiches in addition to a selection of iced 7 Simply Pho House The restaurant specializes in pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Simply Pho also oers a range of vermicelli noodle dishes, fried rice and Chinese favorites like General Tso’s chicken. • Opened Sept. 18 • 905 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park • www.simplyphohouse.com 8 TacoDeli The restaurant is known for breakfast tacos like The Otto, made with organic refried black beans, double bacon, avocado and jack cheese; and lunch oerings like the Cowboy, which includes dry-rubbed beef tenderloin, grilled corn, caramelized onion, roasted peppers, and hot beverages. • Opened Sept. 26 • 144 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 140, Leander • www.shipleydonuts.com

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2 Aroma Leander The Round Rock-based eatery expanded into Leander. The restaurant serves South Asian favorites out of food trucks in an outdoor setting. • Opened Sept. 26 • 2450 Hwy. 183, Leander • Instagram: @aromaleander 3 Black Swan Yoga The yoga studio expanded to Cedar Park with a new space. Black Swan ¢rst opened in 2009, according to Cedar Park grand opening coordinator Tiany Asha. The company now has locations in Texas, Arizona and Colorado. • Opened Sept. 13 • 1050 Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 105, Cedar Park 45 TOLL

Now open

1 The All Good The new neighborhood bar oers more than 20 beer and wine varieties on tap, many from local Austin breweries. The bar will also serve 10 signature cocktails, including the Mex-spresso Martinez—made with Dulce Vida Tequila, cold brew nitro coee, simple syrup and Cantera Negra Café. • Opened Sept. 26 • 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 500, Cedar Park • www.theallgoodbar.com

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Boldly leading Leander to a stronger future.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

guacamole and queso fresco. • Opened Sept. 8 • 1400 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.tacodeli.com 9 Veranda Bar and Restaurant The restaurant oers a variety of classic Indian staples, including curries, naan, tandoori-baked specialities and a range of vegetarian fare. • Opened Sept. 15 • 109 N. Hwy. 183, Leander • www.verandabarrestaurant.com 10 Axiom Church The new faith congregation is now operating out of its temporary location at Camacho Elementary School on Sundays only until a permanent location is found. • Opened Oct. 5 • 501 Municipal Drive, Leander • www.axiomchurch.com

Coming soon

In the news

14 McAlister’s Deli The nationwide sandwich chain oers a range of sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and its signature Giant Spud baked potatoes. • Opened Oct. 13 • 144 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 100, Leander • www.mcalistersdeli.com

16 Smokey Mo’s Texas BBQ The Texas barbecue chain is celebrating 25 years. Smokey Mo’s was founded in Cedar Park in 2000 by Morris “Mo” and Lisa Melchor and now has 21 locations throughout Texas. The restaurant is known for its ribs, brisket, sausages and pork-belly burnt ends, in addition to a wide range of sides,

Coming soon

from mac and cheese to potato salad. • 11880 Hero Way W., Ste. 101, Leander • www.smokeymosbbq.com

11 Chuy’s The new location for the Tex-Mex franchise is slated to be built near the Bar W Marketplace shopping center. Construction on the building is expected to begin in December and last until July. • Opening in 2026 • 19348 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.chuys.com 12 Texas Roadhouse The nationwide chain, founded in 1993, has more than 700 locations worldwide, and is best known for its steaks, ribs, burgers, fried chicken and made-from-scratch sides.

Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center The center will have been training healthcare professionals for a year come Nov. 4. The hybrid nurse aid certi¢cation training program comprises online instruction and in-person practice. The 100-hour course, broken into 60 hours of lecture and 40 hours of externship, prepares students to take a certi¢cation exam with the state. Locally-owned by Richard and Andrea Graham, the three week program provides an expedited alternative to longer courses and oers monthly enrollment. • www.txhealthcaretraining.com

Clayworks, will be moving to a new studio space in January. Artist Abraham Christian Brown will join Simental at the new 2,000-square-foot space, oering advanced realism, portfolio preparation and art theory instruction. • Relocating in January • 1805 Hur Industrial Blvd., Cedar Park • Facebook: Jaida’s Clayworks

• Opening in late November • 1416 Sparkle Lane, Leander • www.texasroadhouse.com

In the news

15 CB Hardware The hardware store celebrated its 25th anniversary in Leander on Sept. 25. The wholesale hardware supplier was founded by Charles Batts and his son, Chuck, in 2000. • 700 Blueline Drive, Bldg. 1, Leander • www.cbhardware.com

Relocations

13 Jaida’s Clayworks Jaida Simental, pottery teacher and the owner of Jaida’s

LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Impacts

Liberty Hill

BY SAM SCHAFFER

• 1201 Seward Junction Loop, Liberty Hill • www.avillariooaks.com

according to the company’s website. • Opening in the spring • Southwest corner of Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.handelsicecream.com

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2 ATI Physical Therapy The physical therapy oce will go in the incoming Gateway 29 Development in Liberty Hill, according to Shakeel Badarpura, one of the owners of the development. • Opening in the spring • Southwest corner of Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.atipt.com 3 Deca Dental Group The national dental group o ers a range of services, from cleanings and teeth whitening to preventative care. • Opening in the spring • Southwest corner Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.decadental.com 4 Handel’s Ice Cream The national company started in Youngstown, Ohio, in the 1940s, and the shops still use some of the founder’s original methods in making the ice cream on-site, 258 213 183

5 Hopdoddy Burger Bar The national chain, which started in Austin, o ers signature burgers like the Wagyu Smash, the Bu alo Bill, and the Magic Shroom, in addition to a selection of fries, milkshakes and a full bar. • Opening in the spring • Southwest corner of Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.hopdoddy.com

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6 T2Go TeaN’ergy The store, sold a range of iced and hot teas, energy drinks and refreshers. The Liberty Hill branch originally

Now open

opened in 2023. • Closed Sept. 28 • 15050 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 200, Liberty Hill • www.tea2go.us

1 Avilla Rio Oaks The pet-friendly community o ers one-, two- and three-bedroom oorplans that come with backyards

and private entrances. • Opened in October

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Williamson County commissioners approved a $702.4 million budget and supporting tax rate of $0.413776 per $100 valuation for scal year Williamson County approve $702M budget, tax hike

This is an increase of approximately $122 per year from FY 2024-25. What happened The nal budget includes two changes from the last budget workshop. At the Sept. 3 meeting, commissioners unani- mously approved removing money allocated for a county vehicle that was already delivered this year, coming out to around $87,000. Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey also proposed adding $17.9 million to the general fund for the Capital Improvement Plan and the Long-Range Transportation Plan. Because the adopted tax rate would raise more funds than needed for the originally proposed budget, this amount is the dierence. The amount is in addition to the previously allocated $20 million for the CIP, and $17 million for the LRTP. The addition passed 4-1, with Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long opposed. “The theory behind [the additional funding] is paying for it now with cash versus nancing over the future, costing the taxpayers even more

Williamson County’s budget can be divided into three categories: The general fund: $401.2M The debt service fund: $222.7M The road and bridge fund: $78.5M $702.4M

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

money,” County Judge Steven Snell said. What they’re saying The FY 2025-26 budget is about $67 million more than the previous year’s budget. Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the cost of materials is going up, which contributes to the additional funding needed in the budget. “We’re talking about deputies and construc- tion material,” Boles said. “It’s core services.”

2025-26 at a Sept. 3 meeting. What residents should know

The newly approved tax rate is the highest rate commissioners can adopt without calling for an election. It is a 3.4% increase over FY 2024-25’s rate. Using the new tax rate, a resident’s estimated county property tax bill for the upcoming scal year comes out to $1,556, based on the median property value of $358,542, according to county documents.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Leander Mayor announces resignation Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle announced she would leave her post at the City Council’s Sept. 18 meeting. “[Our family has] made the decision to relo- cate,” DeLisle said. What residents need to know Mayor Pro Tem Na’Cole Thompson will serve in DeLisle’s absence. DeLisle held her post ocially until Oct. 16. Ty Meighan, communications manager for the city, noted a special election will need to be held within 120 days of the ocial resignation, and Thompson will ll in in the meantime. DeLisle entered oce in 2021, and she was re-elected in 2024. Her current term was set to expire in May 2027.

“Continuity of government is important, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be

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working with our pro tem on transition. I intend to serve every day to the best of my ability until the end of our meeting on Oct. 16.” CHRISTINE DELISLE, LEANDER MAYOR

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Liberty Hill approves Whataburger site Liberty Hill City Council on Sept. 24 approved the site plan for a Whataburger location at 12925 Hwy. 29. The gist The plan includes a 3,305-square-foot building with a drive through and 36 parking spaces on 1.31 acres, according to agenda documents. No rm timeline has been given for the project.

What they’re saying DeLisle expressed condence in Thompson’s leadership abilities. “She’s in her third year as pro tem, and there’s a reason for that,” DeLisle said about Thompson. DeLisle noted she’s not running for another oce, and she said she’s satised with her time on council. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done here,” she said.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Election Voter Guide

BY SAM SCHAFFER

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

Sample ballot

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election Day

Voters in Leander and Liberty Hill must vote in the county within which they reside. Williamson and Travis County voters can vote at any voting location in their respective counties. For Williamson County election information,

Liberty Hill Independent School District Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.2389 per $100 valuation in the Liberty Hill Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 19 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $10,750,115.

visit. www.wilcotx.gov/185/elections. For Travis County election information, visit www.votetravis.gov.

Q&A: Leander City Council, Place 3

Natomi Blair Occupation & experience : Enterprise Account Executive, Accomplished leader blending 20 years in collective global tech sales, education advocacy and community service. www.blairforleander.com

Anna Yelaun Occupation & experience: Vice Chair of Leander Wins, Director of Math Kangaroo USA Texas Region, and founder of Aracademy Math Club, Commissioner on Leander’s Public Arts & Culture and Historical Preservation Commissions www.annayelaun4leander.com

Mohan Marchetty Occupation & experience: Technology Director with a Fortune 3 Company; Local Entrepreneur, Fortune 3 technology director, school/library foundation board member, chamber member, philanthropist www.mohanmarchetty.com

Leander families want safe neighborhoods, a strong and growing local economy and reliable water. I’ll prioritize water security, public safety, smart infrastructure and responsible development as are our values. I also will ensure each citizen feels they have a priority voice at the table of decisions with city leadership. What are your priorities if you win?

I will ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely, preventing unnecessary increases. I will use my expertise in nance and geophysics to nd tangible solutions for our city’s water and growth challenges. Most importantly, I will advocate for residents by listening carefully and making sure their voices guide every decision.

My priorities: public safety, responsible growth, and infrastructure that keeps pace. I’ll support rst responders, deliver predictable permitting for businesses, protect neighborhoods, expand family amenities, and use tax dollars wisely—improving daily life and securing a safe, prosperous future for every resident.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races. 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.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election Day

Voters in Leander must vote in the county within which they reside. Williamson and Travis County voters can vote at any voting location in their respective counties. For Williamson County election information, visit. www.wilcotx.gov/185/Elections. For Travis County election information, visit www.votetravis.gov.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

Leander City Council, Place 3

Mohan Marchetty Occupation & experience: Technology Director with a Fortune 3 Company; Local Entrepreneur, Fortune 3 technology director, entrepreneur, school/library foundation board member, chamber leader, philanthropist, www.mohanmarchetty.com

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.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY STEVE GUNTLI

Upcoming projects

1 Road widening on RM 1869 from Hwy. 29 to Hwy. 183 Project: Widening non-freeway lanes along the highway Update: In design phase • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $6.5 million • Funding Source: Texas Department of Transportation 2 San Gabriel Parkway East Phase 2 Project: This will extend an arterial roadway o San Gabriel Parkway in Leander from Isaias Drive to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Update: Going out for bidding by the end of 2025 • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $6.9 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond 3 Dedicated U-turn at Scottsdale Drive and Hwy. 183 282 Project: This project will shift southbound through lanes west and construct a new right-turn lane at Scottsdale Drive. Update: Recommendation for professional engineering

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services approved by council Sept. 11 • Timeline: Expected start winter 2027 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding Source: 2022 bond 4 Bagdad Road lane expansion from Loop 332 to CR281

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Project: The project includes design and construction of two lanes of the new Liberty Hill Bypass from Bagdad Road/CR 279 to Hwy. 29. Update: Project broke ground spring 2024 • Timeline: Expected completion late 2025 • Cost: $14.4 million • Funding Source: 2019 Williamson County road bond 6 Hwy. 29 overlay from Hwy. 183 to Jack Nicklaus Project: An ongoing repaving eort to repair potholes, cracks and rutting to extend the life of the roadway. Update: Work began July 2025

• Timeline: Expected completion January • Cost: $4.7 million • Funding Source: TxDOT

Project: Realigning two-lane road into a three-lane with a center turn lane and shoulders. Also adding a 10-foot shared-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians. Update: Construction expected to begin spring 2026 • Timeline: Expected completion 2027 • Cost: $41 million • Funding Source: 2019 Williamson County road bond

7 New Hope Drive expansion from Block House Drive to CR 180 & 183A Toll innovative intersection Project: The road will be expanded from four to six lanes and add an innovative intersection design at 183A. Update: Road expansion in progress. • Timeline: Expected completion winter 2027 • Cost: $2.5 million • Funding Source: TxDOT

Ongoing projects

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Liberty Hill ISD names Jamie Etzkorn as Place 4 trustee news release. Over the last 12 years, Etzkorn has participated in campus and district committees, Parent-Teacher Organization leadership roles, booster club support, and volunteer work, including: • Campus Education Improvement Committee each and every child and a commitment to

The Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees unani- mously voted to appoint Jamie Etzkorn to Place 4 at a Sept. 15 meeting. Etzkorn, a Williamson County associate judge, replaced former Place 4 trustee Kathy Major, who formally resigned in August. Major, who was reelected to her third term in 2024, said she stepped down to provide full-time care to her husband, according to LHISD information. The Place 4 position will be on the ballot in May, and the elected candidates will fulll the remainder of the term. It will also appear on the ballot in May 2027 for a full three-year term. Etzkorn was selected out of 11 candidates who applied for the Place 4 seat from Aug. 19-26, said Christopher Stoltz, LHISD communications and website coordinator. Career history Etzkorn has resided in LHISD with her husband and daughter since 2013, according to an LHISD

“I love LHISD because I truly feel at the core of everything is a love for

every child to make them a champion of their life and future.” JAMIE ETZKORN, APPOINTED PLACE 4 TRUSTEE

member at Rancho Sienna Elementary • PTO treasurer positions at Liberty Hill Intermediate and Santa Rita Middle School • Secretary on the Legacy Ranch Athletic Booster Club Board

• Long Range Planning Committee and Districtwide Education Improvement Committee member • Education Connection volunteer What else?

in Liberty Hill. She has experience working with nonprot and civic organizations as the president of Operation Liberty Hill, a former board mem- ber on the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, and chair of the Liberty Hill Giving Tree, a yearly holiday charity.

Etzkorn oversees mental health hearings as an associate judge for Williamson County Court at Law No. 2 and manages a private law practice

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Actual/projected fund balance

Minimum fund balance requirement

Leander ISD’s fund balance LISD’s fund balance will be out of Texas Education Agency compliance by FY 2027-28 if budget reductions are not implemented.

$200M $150M $100M $50M $0

$190M

$120M

$79M

$61M

2019- 2020

2020- 2021

2021- 2022

2022- 2023

2023- 2024

2024- 2025

2025- 2026

2026- 2027

2027- 2028

2028- 2029

LISD opens new instructional center The Denise Geiger Compass Center opened in August as the new location of LISD’s transition services, which serves adults ages 18-22 who qualify for special education services. Sorting out details The program provides adult living and community integration skills, and features vocational spaces and an apartment. Fund- ing for it was approved in the 2023 bond.

SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Leander ISD talks xes for $22.8M shortfall The LISD board of trustees held a special workshop meeting Sept. 9 to discuss the district’s future budget shortfalls and long-range planning. The gist Current budget projections show a $22.8 million budget shortfall in scal year 2026-27, which could

increase to $32.3 million by FY 2028-29. On Sept. 9, Superintendent Bruce Gearing discussed potential alternative revenue streams, including having an open enrollment policy, increasing average daily attendance, getting addi- tional funding from House Bill 2’s special educa- tion allotment or selling, or leasing land parcels. If the district does not implement any of these options, other considerations would have to be made, which could include cutting upward of 200 sta and making changes to scheduling, ne arts, athletics and other programs, Gearing said.

LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

UNDER THE stars MYSTERIES & MYTHS COME CELEBRATE LIBERTY HILL’S DESIGNATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY COMMUNITY Saturday, October 25 T 5:30-11:11pm T River Ranch County Park, Liberty Hill T • Austin Astronomical Society will be there with high-powered telescopes! • Grab Dinner from Local Food Trucks! • Space-Themed Crafts for kids with the Liberty Hill Public Library! • A Possible Sighting of an Elusive Resident! • • • • Austin Astronomical Society will be there with high-powered telescopes! Space-Themed Crafts for kids with the Liberty Hill Public Library!

Scan the QR code for camping sites or day-use passes. Park admission required for entry.

River Ranch County Park - 194 Reveille Wy, Liberty Hill, TX @ The Interpretive Center

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY STEVE GUNTLI

Leander ISD shows improvement in latest TEA ratings The Texas Education Agency released its annual A F accountability ratings, highlighting the per- formance of Texas public schools in the 2024-25 school year. Ratings are based on student academic achieve- ment, test results, graduation rates and distribu- tion of grades. According to state law, A F ratings must be sent out by Aug. 15 each year. The 2023-24 ratings were blocked following a lawsuit led by 33 Texas school districts, arguing that the system made it impossible for some schools to earn a high score. In July, Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals ruled that the 2023-24 ratings could be released. The 2024-25 numbers were released as scheduled.

School

2023-24 2024-25

School

2023-24 2024-25

Akin Elementary

88 (B)

Mason Elementary

76 (C)

77 (C)

Bagdad Elementary

68 (D)

76 (C)

New Hope High School

89 (B)

98 (A)

Block House Creek Elementary

78 (C)

79 (C)

North Elementary

78 (C)

79 (C)

Camacho Elementary

62 (D)

72 (C)

Parkside Elementary

90 (A)

91 (A)

Danielson Middle School

81 (B)

86 (B)

Plain Elementary

75 (C)

76 (C)

Early College High School

88 (B)

93 (A)

Pleasant Hill Elementary

79 (C)

81 (B)

Giddens Elementary

68 (D)

76 (C)

Rouse High School

91 (A)

90 (A)

Glenn High School

80 (B)

86 (B)

Running Brushy Middle School

82 (B)

89 (A)

Hisle Elementary

81 (B)

Stiles Middle School

95 (A)

Knowles Elementary

66 (D)

77 (C)

Tarvin Elementary

87 (B)

90 (A)

Larkspur Elementary

75 (C)

Whitestone Elementary

79 (C)

78 (C)

Leander High School

91 (A)

90 (A)

Wiley Middle School

80 (B)

91 (A)

Leander Middle School

83 (B)

89 (B)

Winkley Elementary

81 (B)

86 (B)

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Liberty Hill’s solution to water shortages From the cover

The setup

Liberty Hill’s current water demands are projected to increase by 12% per year for the next 10 years and then increase 16% per year through 2050, when ultimate build-out of the city’s water service area is expected, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The city’s advanced water puri cation facility is expected to provide 4 million gallons of water per day by the end of 2030. Before the city can build the full-scale plant, ocials are testing two dierent ltration methods. Testing will last eight to 12 months and take place at a pilot facility near the South Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant, Perkins said. As the city’s water needs continue to grow to a projected 10.4 mgd by 2050, Perkins said that city leaders plan for the facility to serve Liberty Hill for the next 50 years. “The building will be easily expandable, so they’ll just continue to add on to the building as we need to,” Perkins said.

Outgrowing water needs Liberty Hill’s water needs are projected to grow rapidly as the area continues to develop.

Projected maximum daily water demand

+766.66%

2025 maximum daily supply

0 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050

SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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For more information, scan the QR Code above or give Pastor Gernander a call at 512-528-5177

Presented by: The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Benefitting the LHISD Education Foundation In addition, $5 of each entry goes to the LHISD school of your choice. Select your school under “Team” during registration. Se

Please join Us For Services Every Sunday at 10am!

GSTP.CO

Saturday December 13th Santa Rita Middle School

FREE BASIC GUN SAFETY CLASS

8am 1k Fun Run

8:30am 5k | Family Run

TEXAS LICENSE TO CARRY

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PROFESSIONAL FIREARMS TRAINING

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Project milestones

Looking ahead

A closer look

Submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality review December 2024-May 2025 Pilot facility designed February 2025-October 2025 Pilot facility under construction November 2025-June 2026 Advanced water purication facility to go out for design and bidding January 2027-December 2030 Pilot facility to undergo testing July 2026-April 2027

During the pilot period, Perkins said city sta and consulting engineers will study data from the facility to determine which of the ltration methods is most suitable for Liberty Hill. The city will then submit its plan for the full plant to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Once the full-scale plant comes online, there will be an additional three-month testing period before implementation. About 60 community members attended an event with city sta and council to learn more about the system in August. Several residents expressed concerns about the quality of the treated water. Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla said the city is dedicated to being as transparent about health and safety procedures as possible. “People came with concerns, and they left with a sense that the city is vetting the process and it will be safe,” she said. “I denitely didn’t start on the bandwagon at rst. By vetting it myself, I feel it’s going to be a safe and reliable

Liberty Hill’s reuse facility is one of the rst in Texas, but it’s not expected to be the last. According to the Texas Water Development Board’s 2022 State Water Plan, reuse facilities are expected to grow by 15% statewide between 2020-70. The TWDB has recommended implementing water reuse plants in more than a dozen locations to alleviate water supply concerns in drought-prone regions. Mancilla said the water reuse plant is just one piece of the city’s long-term water plan. “[The water reuse plant is] not going to address all of our needs, but it’s going to address a lot of them," she said. "The city has been working on a strategic plan of not just one or two sources but having a very robust water portfolio. I wanted us to have ownership of our own destiny with water, and I believe we’re going to have some exciting things to bring to the community."

SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

resource for the community.” Perkins said the full-scale facility is expected to cost the city around $22 million. The city expects much of the costs to be o set by grants, and it will take out low-interest loans to supplement any remaining funding needs.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Development

BY STEVE GUNTLI

BY STEVE GUNTLI & SAM SCHAFFER

Leander listed as fourth most moved-to US city in recent study

Leander approves aordable housing

Martial arts studio moving to Leander Leander City Council paved the way for Peak Performance Martial Arts Studio of Cedar Park to relocate to Leander after approving a rezoning request for an incoming business park. The details The property is located at the future site of a 12-acre mixed-use development called Peak Business Park at the intersection of 183A Toll and E. Woodview Drive.

A new study listed a Leander ZIP code as one of the 10 most moved-to locations in 2025. The details MovingPlace, a site that reports on real estate trends nationwide, released its study, “Hottest US ZIP Codes in 2025,” on Aug. 3. The study evaluated more than 6.3 million movers between January and May 2025 and analyzed which ZIP codes saw the largest increase. The study showed that Leander’s 78641 ZIP code saw the fourth-largest number of movers nationwide in 2025, with 3,349 people moving to the city. MovingPlace cited the city’s planned communities, outdoor recreation opportunities and school district as some of its most desirable aspects. “Leander oers residents the chance to enjoy the vibrant Austin tech scene while living in a quieter, more aordable area with plenty of new

housing developments,” the report reads. The big picture Texas saw the largest increase in movers over- all, with large gains from cities such as Cypress, New Braunfels, Katy, McKinney and San Anto- nio. Overall, 29 of the top 100 cities represented in the study were in Texas, making it the most represented state on the list. The study showed that suburbs are experienc- ing the most growth, with cities on the edges of major cities, such as Leander, beneting from an increasing number of residents leaving city centers. Also of note In May, Leander was listed No. 8 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” for 2025-26, and No. 3 on the same publication’s “Best Places to Live in Texas” list.

Most moved-to locations in the U.S.

Leander City Council on Sept. 4 authorized a resolution to allow the Housing Authority of Travis County to move forward with an aord- able housing complex that will be called the Preserve at Mason Creek. The resolution approved a cooperation agree- ment with the city that included parameters for payments in lieu of taxes, as the development will be exempt from property taxes so long as the HATC holds an ownership interest in the project or land, according to agenda documents. The details Site plans for the 7.7-acre property include 64 residential units. The next steps for the project include the applicant selecting a general contractor and beginning the permitting process, according to the documents.

Rating Location

Zip Code

Cypress, Texas

77433

Preserve at Mason Creek

New Braunfels, Texas

78130

Winter Garden, Florida

34787

What they’re saying Outgoing Mayor Christine DeLisle said the need for aordable housing still persists, even as higher-paying tech jobs have been coming to the area. “The people that have been here begin to struggle,” she said. “And we still need to have teachers, we still need to have road crews, we still need to have the very basic jobs that every place has, but the cost of real estate gets so high so quickly.”

Leander, Texas

78641

Katy, Texas

77493

Queen Creek, Arizona

85142

Parker, Colorado

80134

Peak Business Park

McKinney, Texas

75071

E. WOODVIEW DR.

Roseville, California

95747

183A TOLL

San Antonio, Texas

78253

SOURCE: MOVINGPLACECOMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

WHERE HAPPINESS LIVES IN LEANDER See all that our community has to o ff er. • Spacious apartments • Theater • State-of-the-art  tness center • Pet friendly • Social events • Elegant restaurant & bistro

Call (512) 788-9478 to schedule your tour!

Independent Senior Living 11350 Hero Way W Leander, TX 78641 (512) 788-9478 VerenaAtLeander.com

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