Northwest Austin Edition | March 2026

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2 APRIL 230, 2026

City spending under review Audit approval marks latest step in city policy shifts

"It arises out of a determination for us to safeguard public condence, to assure operational eciency with continuous improvement and to deliver the best value for the services that we, as a city, provide."

BY BEN THOMPSON

Citywide audits, social spending cuts and reformed spending policies are just some of the changes Austin City Council is making in the wake of the failure of Proposition Q, a multimillion-dollar tax rate election in 2025. Several ocials have pointed to the tax election’s rejection by a nearly 2-to-1 margin as a referendum on City Hall’s spending, transparency and overall scal discipline. As such, Austin ocials authorized continual third-party audits of citywide operations and services in February, a process partly prompted by Proposition Q’s failure. Mayor Kirk Watson, who’s promoted a civic performance review since November’s election, acknowledged that ocials need to regain voters’ trust and said council’s vote for the concept Feb. 26 will make Austin better.

CONTINUED ON 10

Also in this issue

Impacts

Page 4

Read about La La Land Cafe’s upcoming location

Development

Page 14

Mayor Kirk Watson attended a City Council work session March 24. (Matthew Brooks/Community Impact)

See upcoming plans for The Arboretum area

Something beautiful is on the way

Ascension Seton Women’s Hospital, arriving this Spring

This Spring, Ascension Seton Women’s Hospital introduces a new standard in women’s care. One where gynecology centers your needs, maternal-fetal medicine specialists guide the most complex pregnancy journeys, and a Level III NICU supports little ones with an advanced level of care. For every step of the way, care you can trust — centered around you. Take a virtual preview tour at ascension.org/SetonWomensHospital.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

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

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

Jacqueline Harris Account Executive jharris@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases nnwnews@communityimpact.com Advertising nnwads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

Connect on social

@communityimpactatx

Our schools and our students are so much more than one test on a single day. Let’s Measure What Matters in our Texas public schools.

Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

space currently features Mother Cupper, Calm Skincare Studio and Fields Acupuncture & Wellness. • Opened Jan. 1

45 TOLL

MOPAC

• 4043 Steck Ave., Austin • www.inner-house.com

PALM WAY

620

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

4 Mexican Sugar The restaurant serves scratch-made Latin cuisine including hand-pressed tortillas made daily, as well as handcrafted cocktails and an agave program for guests to explore its collection of tequilas, mezcals and sotols through curated tastings. • Opened March 24 • 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 128, Austin • www.mexicansugarcocina.com 5 Midnight Cravingz The dessert shop serves cookies loaded with toppings such as white chocolate caramel, cinnamon sugar churro cream, strawberry cheesecake and Dubai chocolate. The cookies are also paired with the shop’s vanilla soft serve drizzled with various syrup avors. • Opened in December • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 503, Austin • www.midnightcravingz.com 6 Mochinut The donut shop is known for its specialty rice our mochi donuts, including raspberry funnel cake, Oreo cheesecake, mango sticky rice and honey yuzu lemon. The shop also sells boba teas and corndogs. • Opened March 14 • 11301 Lakeline Blvd., Bldg. 8, Ste. 113B, Austin • www.mochinut.com 7 We Rock the Spectrum The indoor gym and playground facility is designed to support children with autism, sensory processing disorders and other developmental needs, featuring specialized sensory gym and playground equipment that helps improve motor skills, strength, coordination and social interaction. • Opened Feb. 21 • 6001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 430, Austin • www.werockthespectrum.com

ESPERANZA CROSSING

15B

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

5 8

183

SCOFIELD RIDGE PKWY.

7 10

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

MOPAC

MARSHALL FORD RD.

9 17B

620

JOLLYVILLE RD.

15A

WALNUT CREEK PARK

N. QUINLAN PARK RD.

GREAT HILLS TRL.

SHELDON COVE CAMERON RD.

2222

360

EASY WIND DR.

DUNGAN LN.

ST. JOHNS AVE.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

CONNOR LN.

N. LAMAR BLVD. 2

17A

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Hanami AYCE Sushi The family-owned Japanese restaurant provides an all- you-can-eat dining experience, featuring more than 40 signature sushi rolls and fresh-cut sashimi; handcrafted cocktails; and hot and cold sake. • Opened Feb. 11 • 7020 Easy Wind Drive, Ste. 100, Austin • www.hanamiatx.com 3 Innerhouse Wellness Studios The business oers space for independent wellness practitioners in a wide range of disciplines including acupuncture, massage and bodywork, aesthetics, counseling and mental health services, and more. The

Now open

1 Austin Padel Center The pop-up currently features three indoor climate- controlled padel courts, a recovery area with a sauna and cold plunge, and a full bar. The facility is slated to open six more padel courts by fall including three outdoor climate-controlled courts, and other amenities such as locker rooms, a pro shop and private meeting rooms. • Opened March 7 • 1205 Sheldon Cove, Ste. 2-A, Austin • Instagram: @austinpadelcenter

WE’VE MOVED 11055 N. IH35 EXIT 243 AT BRAKER

Shop treasures from around the world.

Tucson Spring Trunk Show Join us for the 20th Annual

Scan me or visit ntrocks.com

MARCH 21 APRIL 12 • 11AM 6PM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 My K Beauty The store sells Korean cosmetics, haircare and skincare from popular brands such as Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, Rom&nd, Cosrx and Dr. Althea. • Opened in December • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 506, Austin • Instagram: @my_k_beauty_atx

Now open

What's next

Coming soon

9 Amplify Credit Union The credit union provides personal and business banking services such as checking and savings accounts; home, auto and commercial real estate loans; and has a money market. • Opening in 2027 10 RDA Martial Arts Academy The academy will oer Brazilian jiujitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing and self defense classes for students ages three and older, as well as adult beginner, advanced and pro students. • Opening in the spring • 6001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 230, Austin • www.rdaacademyatx.com • 13609 N. I-35, Austin • www.goamplify.com 11 Tacolada The restaurant will serve San Diego-style Mexican food, such as California burritos with carne asada, cheese, french fries, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo. • Opening in April • 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 140, Austin • Instagram: @tacolada_oficial 12 The Padel Collective The padel court facility will feature panoramic courts and amenities such as a sauna, showers, two cold plunges, rentable padel equipment and a cafe menu with coee, matcha, pastries and tacos. • Opening in mid-2026 • 1610 Dungan Lane, Austin • www.thepadelcollective.club

13 Lifted Trucks The business sells lifted and accessorized pickup trucks, Broncos, Jeeps and SUVs. The dealership has vehicles on-site for immediate purchase, but customers can also purchase lift kits to modify

16 La La Land Cafe The cafe is slated to open a new Austin location, per a TDLR ling. The cafe is known for its signature coee and matcha drinks, such as the Banana Cloud Latte and the Lavender Bloom. The menu also features toasts with spreads such as true and burrata, avocado, or fruit and almond butter. • Opening TBD • 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 108, Austin • www.lalalandcafe.com

vehicles themselves. • Opened in February • 12931 US 183, Austin • www.liftedtrucks.com

operations in January and oers a wide variety of breakfast items served all day, as well as salads,

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

sandwiches, burgers, coee and tea. • A 11900 Metric Blvd., Ste. K, Austin • B 12129 RM 620, Ste. 102, Austin • www.thecafejava.com

14 Pilates Addiction The franchise is slated to open a new Austin location, per a TDLR ling. The studio oers four Pilates classes with its WundaFormer machine, combining the Pilates reformer, wunda chair and more into one. • 5145 N. RM 620, Ste. G-170, Austin • www.pilatesaddiction.com

17 P. Terry’s Ocials for the burger restaurant announced in March that 11 restaurants will now oer service 24/7, including two North Austin locations. • A 8515 Burnet Road, Austin • B 12901 N. I-35 Frontage Road, Bldg. 19, Austin • www.pterrys.com

In the news

15 Cafe Java The diner-style restaurant celebrated 30 years of

®️

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF Texas Under One Roof

25th Anniversary Weekend April 25–26 | Austin, TX

+ +

$0 tuition at Austin Community College (ACC). High school graduates from the class of 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 & 2028 in ACC’s service area may qualify.

No income restrictions. No GPA requirements.

Santana G. & Apollo F.

LEARN MORE & APPLY FOR FREE AT austincc.edu/freetuition

25th Anniversary

The Bullock Museum, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is funded by Museum members, donors, and patrons, the Texas State History Museum Foundation and the State of Texas.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

MASTER-25th Anniv Print Ads.indd 3

2/2/26 11:12 AM

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Come see our expert team and double-board certified dermatologist for any skin issue! From medical and pediatric dermatology, to skin cancer surgery and cosmetic rejuvenation, ProDerm oers trusted care in one place.

GRAND OPENING REFERRAL BONUS Refer a friend, and you both will receive a $50 credit toward skincare or cosmetic services. Book your appointment today!

512-535-6000 • 4516 Seton Center Pkwy #150, Austin, TX 78759

Is Your Property Tax Firm Keeping Too Much of Your Refund? $1.3 Million

We studied thousands of Austin-area property tax protests. In 2025, homeowners paid $1.3 million in fees for unsuccessful results. With Ownwell, you only pay if you save. Join 91,000+ Austin neighbors who trust Ownwell. Scan to start saving.

Data as of 1/27/26. Full methodology: https://www.ownwell.com/insight/austin-area-property-tax-firms-results-ownwell

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin planners are now working on new roadmaps for affordable housing policy, both in response to a new state law limiting some local affordability programs and to focus more on lower-income earners. Austin has used hundreds of millions of bond dollars and development bonus programs to support new developments with income-restricted units. Approved by state lawmakers last year, Senate Bill 840 is affecting how some of those programs function. Under SB 840, multifamily and mixed-use housing projects are now allowed in places zoned for commercial uses, and the new density baselines go beyond those in programs offered by the city. Housing plans to undergo reform SB 840 has made many of Austin’s density bonuses less effective. Impact of Senate Bill 840 Under Austin’s density bonus programs, additional height and density allowed if affordable housing provided Before Under SB 840, unlimited floor-to-area ratio, a measure of density, and up to 54 units per acre by right After Decreased incentive for developers to participate in density bonus programs Impact

The background

A quickly rising MFI also means residents may face more competition for affordable units, while there’s less housing set aside specifically for the lowest income levels. The low-income threshold for a four-person household jumped more than $26,000 from 2020- 2025, a 33% increase.

Changes under the 2025 law come after years of sharp increases for the local median family income, attributed largely to an influx of higher-earning residents. The share of Austinites making $200,000 or more annually has jumped around 300% since 2010, per city reports, while the share of those making below $50,000 has fallen.

Income limits can be used to determine affordable housing eligibility. The federal government defines “low-income” as 80% of the median family income and below. Austin metro median family income

$140K $120K $100K $80K $60K 0

Median family income (4-person household)

Low-income limit/80% MFI (4-person household)

NOTE: THE AUSTIN-ROUND ROCK METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA INCLUDES BASTROP, CALDWELL, HAYS, TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES.

Fiscal year

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

On the horizon Options for changes to Austin’s affordable housing strategy could include: Lowering income limits for density bonus programs Exploring new financial incentive and financing options for affordable projects Improving city development reviews and cost barriers for housing construction Partnering with a wider range of local groups and builders

What’s next?

City housing staff will revise Austin’s 10-year blueprint to track affordable housing, supported by a $750,000 share of a $6.7 million grant awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “The city manager’s housing policy team is going to be looking at all potential new incentives to be able to create new affordable units,” said Erica Leak, a city management team housing officer.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

THOUSAND SMILES ORTHODONTICS 11220 N LAMAR BLVD #C300, AUSTIN, TX 78753

April 8, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd Career Expo Keep Austin Hired! Free and open to the public. For more information visit: AustinTexas.gov/CareerExpo

Same-Day Retainers Saturday appointments BRACES & ALIGNERS

BOOKAFREE CONSULT

Accepting most major insurances & Offering Interest-free payment plan

thousandsmilesaustin.com 512-299-9266

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Officials approve $600M wastewater plant expansion costs increase

City officials approved a $600 million or 66% increase to expected construction costs for the expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The big picture The Walnut Creek plant first opened in the late 1970s with the ability to process 18 million gallons daily, or MGD, and it’s grown over the years to its current 75 MGD capacity. Actual treatment levels are closer to 60 MGD today but expected to near that 75 MGD limit in just a few years due to popula- tion growth, requiring the expan- sion initiative increasing capacity to 100 MGD by 2032. Multiple contracts totaling more

than $1 billion, both for the expan- sion and related modernization and facility improvements, were approved in 2024. Austin Water has anticipated securing federal and state loans for a large share of the project cost, and using local revenue bonds supported by rising utility charges. The largest of the 2024 contracts was a $900 million agreement for preliminary engineering work by MWH Constructors. In March, City Council voted to increase that authorization up to a total of $1.5 billion for final construction due to updated project designs and other cost escalations, according to AW officials.

A project to add 25 million gallons per day to the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s existing 75 MGD capacity is expected to wrap up in 2030. Expansion timeline

25 MGD Expansion

2025 Q1 Q2Q3Q4

2026 Q1 Q2Q3Q4

2027 Q1 Q2Q3Q4

2030 Q1 Q2Q3Q4

2024 Q1 Q2Q3Q4

Get Your UFCU Debit Card Today As Austin’s #1 credit union, we’re committed to your financial success — no matter who you are or what you need. Open an account today and enjoy the convenience and security of a UFCU debit card. Visit UFCU.org or a branch near you.

Design

Pre- construction

Construction

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Penalties increased for noisy vehicles Residents, law enforcement and city officials said the policy came together after extensive reports of disruptive noise and racing activity around neighborhoods.

A new ordinance was approved to combat excessively loud vehicles that have reportedly become a growing nuisance on Austin streets. What happened Drivers whose cars or motorcy- cles are unreasonably loud can now be cited after an initial warning is issued. Violations are Class C misdemeanors.

SCOFIELD BRANCH 1500 W Parmer Ln Austin TX, 78727

“This is a constant daily threat to our peace and safety, and a noise ordinance is written as a balanced, reasonable measure that empowers our officers to protect our commu- nity,” resident Lisa Capps said.

Membership subject to eligibility. Certain restrictions apply. Visit UFCU.org for more information. Federally insured by NCUA. Rankings based on NCUA data August 2025.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Travis County approves borrowing $138M for infrastructure projects

The Travis County Commission- ers Court approved $12 million in funding for a new Precinct 2 building at a March 3 meeting. The new facility comes as the county prepares to borrow nearly $138.88 million through certifi- cates of obligation in fiscal year 2025-26. The big picture Travis County officials are planning to issue $138.88 million in certificates of obligation, or COs, for infrastructure improve- ments, including funds for road

construction, drainage, facility management and more. About $65.31 million in debt is expected to be issued over five years while $73.56 million is expected to be issued over the next 20 years, according to county documents. The county is planning to sell and close on the bonds in May. The county has also identified a new $12 million facility for its Precinct 2 office in Northwest Travis County. A location for the new facility was not available as of press time.

For an average taxable home worth $515,212, issuing $138.88 million in debt for FY 2025-26 would increase a homeowner’s annual tax bill by $13. Travis County projects 1 Road construction and drainage projects: $61,094,866 2 Various street, traffic and intersection improvements: $42,243,650 3 New and replacement vehicles and fleet electrification infrastructure: $19,869,672 4 Purchase and design of a Precinct 2 facility: $12,000,000 2 Total $138.88M

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–K) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

5 Facilities management: $2,176,000 6 Park concrete hike and bike trail upgrades: $543,440

5 6

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Air taxi testing coming to Austin

Test flights for electric aviation services like air taxis will soon take off across the state, including in Austin, following the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation’s selection for a Federal Aviation Administra- tion pilot program in March. The big picture Under an executive order issued last year by President Donald

Trump, the FAA is moving to advance aviation systems includ- ing unmanned drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft. After a public solicitation, the FAA on March 9 announced the selection of eight pilot projects across the country expected to kick off this summer.

Scan to schedule a tour

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Austin spending under review From the cover

Social services

How it works

process of being determined but are expected to total about $16.8 million in FY 2026-27. “That was heartbreaking for me personally, to know that subsequent to [the] failure of Prop Q that we essentially balanced our budget on the backs of our social safety net,” council member Vanessa Fuentes said. The city is also looking to cut down its informa- tion technology department to reduce expenses by eliminating duplicated systems and centralizing operations. But the public employees’ union AFSCME Local 1624 opposed this and asked Austin to find other ways to roll out improvements.

Last year, City Council originally passed a $6.34 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget with significant investments in social services. However, most of the funding anticipated by council was stripped away in a budget rewrite after voters rejected the Proposition Q tax measure, which would have generated about $100 million for the FY 2025-26 budget. After the election, City Manager T.C. Broadnax outlined how those millions of dollars would be removed. Further cuts are on the horizon as Austin works toward what several officials have called a social services “reset.” The exact cuts are in the Top spending The city expects to cut almost $17 million from social spending in FY 2026-27. Of the $74 million currently budgeted for social services, the top spending categories include: $34.9M Homelessness strategy and operations Crisis response (court diversion, case management) $10.5M $9.2M Children and youth (early childhood, youth development programs)

As part of the audit process, the city auditor’s office is tasked with starting an ongoing “comprehensive efficiency assessment” program. City Auditor Jason Hadavi will oversee the initiative, to be handled independently by an external consultant. The audit will analyze Austin’s overall city government organization, public programs and services, third-party contracting practices, and financial comparisons to peer cities. Public progress reports will be made at least semiannually, and all project recommendations, results and other information will be posted online. As improvements are suggested throughout the review, city management and department leaders will have to detail how those changes will be made—or why they disagree. Given the broad scope of a citywide assessment, Hadavi said a multiyear process would likely yield the best results. The work is set to repeat indefinitely into the future, although the council-approved ordinance calls for at least three-year gaps between each full audit cycle. The audit doesn’t have a set price tag, and Hadavi said early cost estimates likely wouldn’t be released to keep bidding competitive. The Save Austin Now political action committee, which contributed to anti- Proposition Q efforts last fall, is now running a petition campaign for a ballot measure to mandate third-party city auditing. Its petition calls to enshrine that requirement in Austin’s charter, which would eventually require voter approval if the petition gains enough signatures.

Spending comparison Austin’s general fund pays for more social services than other cities, which tend to rely more on grants or taxes.

Social spending from general fund Grants/tax

Totals $0 $20M $40M $60M $80M $100M

$83.9M $30.5M $63.4M $52M

85%

Dallas 52%

Houston 5%

San Antonio 66%

Austin

Contractors

Nearly $300 million was spent on city consultant services across nearly every department over less than three years. Consultant costs

Auditing process The city’s program will be handled internally by the city auditor’s office with support from an outside consultant to conduct:

A new city audit in March also revealed issues with Austin’s frequent use of third-party contrac- tors, including unclear justifications and reporting on work that recently cost nearly $300 million and increased by about 25% in less than three years. “The city may not be able to show why consultant services were needed or how they were used,” Audit Manager Keith Salas said. Contracting with consultants is common in Austin, with Salas noting that “virtually all” city departments are spending on third-party support. The practice grew increasingly expensive in the less- than-three-year period covered by the March audit. The finance department plans to update its processes in line with new recommendations by October, according to the audit. Financial Services Director Kim Olivares said the adjustments tie in well with other citywide

$120M

$102.6M

$100M

An overall analysis of Austin’s organization, programs, services, policies and operations

$81.9M

$94.7M

$80M

A review of city contracting practices

2022-23

2023-24 2024-25

Fiscal year

Cost savings and performance improvement recommendations

NOTE: CITY FISCAL YEARS RUN FROM OCTOBER-SEPTEMBER. FY 2024-25 DATA IS THROUGH JULY ONLY.

Comparisons to peer cities on efficiency and financial benchmarks

efficiency updates, including the new audit program.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

Bonds

Next steps

A contractor for the auditing process could be approved after this summer’s budgeting process and before the current 2025-26 fiscal year ends in September. Initial program costs were not available as of press time. It remains to be seen if Save Austin Now will earn enough support to prompt an election to integrate the audit requirement into the city’s charter. The group originally targeted this May’s ballot, but its petition wasn’t completed and submitted before the February filing deadline. PAC co-Chair Matt Mackowiak said he believes the charter measure will make it to the November ballot. As for the possible November bond, the bond advisory task force continues to meet and is expected to produce its own project list by early May. Grace Dickens contributed to this report. Spending review timeline 2025 • November: Proposition Q fails 2026 • February: citywide audit process approved • Spring: planned employee transitions for IT department begin • Summer-early fall: audit contractor approved; auditing continues indefinitely • October: consulting guidelines updated • November: potential $700 million bond and Save Austin Now charter amendment may appear on ballot

scaled-down $700 million list has just over two dozen initiatives. Debt like public improvement bonds is paid for through a portion of city property taxes. The owner of a median-valued home in Austin will pay about $450 in debt service taxes this year, a total expected to rise to about $615 by 2030 based on current conditions with the city’s existing debt. The city, Austin ISD and Austin Community College had nearly $3.6 billion in combined bond propositions approved in 2022, including Austin’s $350 million affordable housing bond, with that debt adding to those entities’ tax bills for years. And last fall, voters passed separate tax rate elections for Travis County-led child care programming and AISD district staff raises and operations.

In the midst of spending discussions, city leaders are weighing whether to put a bond package before voters this November. A $700 million bond package to fund mobility, watershed protection, parks and public facility projects was recommended by city staff in January after months of review. The outline may not represent Austin’s final 2026 bond—if an election is called this year—as a public task force will also weigh in with its own project proposals this spring. Austin hasn’t called a compre- hensive bond election since 2018, although stand- alone packages were approved for transportation in 2020 and affordable housing in 2022. The $3.87 billion project wish list released last year included 66 programs or projects from more than a dozen public-facing city departments. The

2026 recommended bond projects

Tax impacts

Current debt projections show Austinites will pay more taxes by 2030. Additionally, this shows how a $500 million or $750 million bond would impact taxes.

An initial list of projects to be funded by Austin’s 2026 bond was proposed within a $700 million cap recommended by city staff.

Current and authorized debt With $500 million 2026 bond With $750 million 2026 bond

2026 initial recommendation

Transportation: $251M

Debt service taxes

Parks and Recreation: $140M Watershed protection: $160M

$0 $200 $400 $600 $800

Police: $62M

Community facilities*: $58M Fire/EMS: $29M

*ANIMAL SERVICES CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, LIBRARY RENOVATION, FLEET PROPERTY ACQUISITION, NEW HOMELESS SHELTER

Year

Clear the Clutter. Build a Home.

Your donated items support aordable homeownership in Central Texas.

Locations in South Austin, Northwest Austin, San Marcos & Online • Scan to Schedule Your Free Donation Pick-Up

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

WONDERS & WORRIES PROVIDES FREE SUPPORT TO CHILDREN & TEENAGERS WHEN THEIR PARENT IS SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED. Our child life experts guide children through in-person or virtual sessions that help them: Understand what’s happening with mom or dad Express their feelings Learn coping skills & build resilience Our child life experts guide children through in-perso

BUY SHUTTLE & PARKING PASSES TODAY ZILKER PARK | APRIL 11 TH WWW.ABCKITEFEST.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Upcoming project

Completed project

Ongoing project

45 TOLL

BRIGHT VERDE WAY

360

620

BURNET RD.

183

MOPAC

W. RUNDBERG LN.

813

WHITE HORSE TRL.

METRIC BLVD.

W. KOENIG LN.

360

1 West Rundberg Lane Extension Project: The project extends West Rundberg Lane from Burnet Road to Metric Boulevard, including an expansion of the roadway from two lanes to four lanes. Update: The project is currently in the design phase, per Austin Transportation and Public Works officials. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $10 million • Funding source: Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, city of Austin bond

2 Burnet Road Mobility Program Project: The project will feature updated traffic signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, shared-use paths and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to MoPac. Update: City officials held a groundbreaking March 5 to kick off the start of construction on segments C2 and C4. C2 is expected to be complete in July 2027, followed by C4 in October 2027.

3 183 North southbound express lanes, direct connector Project: The 183 North Mobility Project includes two express lanes in each direction on US 183. Update: The southbound express lane and direct connector opened Feb. 28, per the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. • Timeline: 2022-26 • Cost: $612 million • Funding source: federal funds, sale of toll revenue bonds

• Timeline: 2026-28 • Cost: $64 million • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Two North Austin shopping centers under new owners, revamp planned

Gateway Shopping Center

The Arboretum

What else?

The Arboretum improvements

Asana Partners plans to make various upgrades at the shopping center, including:

Edens plans to upgrade Gateway’s gathering areas to enhance the overall consumer experience, said Michael Hale, senior vice president of devel- opment and leasing. Renovations will include improving public areas and creating communal spaces, and work is expected to begin this year. The group also plans to backfill key vacancies in the center, such as the former Saks Off 5th space, and bring in new retailers through existing space or as space becomes available, Hale said. “The existing tenant lineup is very strong, which is another reason for expanding Edens’ portfolio here,” Hale said. “We plan to evolve the center in ways that serve the needs of the surrounding community and strengthen partnerships with national brands and local businesses.” Hale added that Edens’ acquisition of the center stemmed from its “accessible, strategic location” near Loop 360, US 183 and MoPac, saying it ben- efits from both robust daytime traffic and nearby office density.

According to a news release from Asana Part- ners, the group will make improvements across The Arboretum’s 197,105-square-foot open-air property that are designed to reflect the surround- ing neighborhood and reestablish it as a “premier shopping destination.” Officials cited the center’s location in the Great Hills neighborhood with convenient access to Loop 360, US 183 and MoPac as a key part of the acquisition. Per the news release, the improvements will build on the center’s park-like setting and include physical improvements, introduce activities for community engagement, and craft a merchandise mix that caters to the surrounding community. “North Austin is an attractive target market, and this acquisition supports our strategy of owning some of the best neighborhood retail in the country,” said Brad Kantrowitz, managing director of investments with Asana Partners. “We see an opportunity to invest capital and use our

The Arboretum and Gateway Shopping Center are not the only two retail shopping areas in Northwest Austin to undergo recent renovations. Located across the street, officials at The Domain announced in August 2023 that renovations across the property would take place throughout 2024 and 2025, including new green space areas and building facade updates. Planned renovations include modernizing bathrooms, adding a private nursing lounge, and repairing tile work around lamps and clock posts. Another component is the addition of just over 28,000 square feet of green space. Officials initially estimated the renovations would be complete in 2025, but work in the area is ongoing.

Reconfiguring common areas to support events such as live music, pop- up retail and community programming

Two major shopping centers off Research Boulevard are under new ownership with plans to revamp the properties. Real estate investment firm Edens announced its acquisition of Gateway Shopping Center in January, while Asana Partners announced its acquisition of The Arboretum on Feb. 4. Gateway’s current tenant lineup includes major retailers such as Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Ulta, Best Buy and Regal Cinema. The Arboretum features a mix of national and local dining, retail and service tenants, including The Cheesecake Factory, Estancia Brazilian Steakhouse, Cafe du Bliss, Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn and Ao5 Gallery.

THE DOMAIN

RESEARCH BLVD.

Adding patios for outdoor dining

The Arboretum

MOPAC

STONELAKE BLVD.

GREAT HILLS TRL.

183

Improving connectivity and wayfinding across the property

Gateway Shopping Center

360

New storefront signage and other enhancements

ARBORETUM BLVD.

SOURCE: ASANA PARTNERS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Edens also owns Springdale Shopping Center in northeast Austin, while Asana Partners owns commercial space in Central Austin’s mixed-use development The Triangle.

experience with well-located properties like The Arboretum to restore vitality and position the center for the future.” Site work is slated to begin this summer and reach completion by early 2027.

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316 NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy (512) 342-6893

UPGRADE YOUR DEBIT CARD REWARD GAME. ATX Flex High Interest Rewards Checking is here! *APY on balances up to $15,000. 6.00% to 1.00% on balances over $15,000 - depending on balance in account. APY is accurate as of 02/01/2026 and is subject to change after the account is opened. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA. 6% APR Interest*

Get our $200 new account promo, plus earn monthly rewards that you choose. Promo expires 5/30/26.

Your homegrown credit union

pecutx.org 512-474-1955

Proud Partners

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY GRACE DICKENS

• 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • www.hcbloomers.org/plant-sale

April

Disney Channel Original Movies Trivia Get it Gals will host a trivia competition focused on Disney Channel Original Movies. Teams of up to six players will compete for free with a chance to win prizes. Costumes are welcome. • April 6, 6:30-7 p.m. (registration) • Free • Punch Bowl Social, 11310 Domain Drive, Austin • www.getit.games ABC Kite Fest The annual kite festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park features hundreds of kites taking ight. • April 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.abckitefest.org Hill Country Bloomers Spring Plant Sale The plant sale will feature organic vegetable plants, native plants, perennials, annuals, cacti, succulents and pots of all sizes. Proceeds from the sale go to educational garden grants for schools and nonprots. • April 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission)

18th Annual Texas Autism Walk The event oers an opportunity to connect with other families and will feature a 1-mile walk for participants, alongside family-friendly activities, a playground, a resource fair and music. • April 25, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • $15 through April 20 at noon, $20 after

• 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • www.texasautismsociety.org

May

14th Annual Kenneth Vickers Memorial Golf Tournament The event at Balcones Country Club features a golf tournament and lunch buet. The event benets the Heroes Resource Center, a Cedar Park-based nonprot that serves veterans, service members and their families. • May 11, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • $150 for individual golfers, $600 for team of four • 11210 Spicewood Club Drive, Austin • www.heroesresourcecenter.org

Earth Day Celebration The Texas Science & Natural History Museum will host an event with hands-on activities for all ages exploring dierent Earth processes. There will also be an activity where participants can turn plastic waste into fashion designs, while supplies last. • April 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Cost included with admission, up to $10 for adults • 2400 Trinity St., Austin • www.sciencemuseum.utexas.edu

home Guide Coming Soon! Community Impact’s Promote your business:

• Lessons for Kids 4 Months to 12 Years Old • Trained & Lifeguard-Certified Instructors • Shiver-Free, 90-Degree Pool • Free Make-Up Lessons

Give your child a skill that lasts a lifetime! SCAN HERE!

Northwest Hills | 737.232.4996 8038 Mesa Drive | Austin, TX 78731

Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Events

Regional spring festivals

2026

Round Rock Earth Day Round Rock’s annual Earth Day event aims to connect the community while promoting environmental awareness. The free, all-ages celebration will feature a variety of hands-on activities, with online registration encouraged. • April 18, 9 a.m.-noon • Free • Yonders Point in Old Settlers Park, 3103 Aten Loop, Round Rock • www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/earth-day Buda Wiener Dog Races Buda, the self-proclaimed Wiener Dog Capital of Texas, will host dachshund races across multiple heats with awards for speed and costumes. The two-day event aims to bring families together for food, vendors and community celebration. • April 25-26, 8 a.m. • $10 at the gate • Buda City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda • www.budalions.com

Lago Fest Lago Vista’s annual waterfront festival will feature live music, local vendors, food trucks and family activities. The event will mark the return of the Turnback Canyon Regatta, a historic sailboat race organized by Austin Yacht Club that dates to the early 1950s. • April 25, 1-8 p.m. • Free • Bar-K Park, 6608 Bar K Clubhouse Court, Lago Vista • www.lagofest.com

April

Cedar Fest BBQ Cook-Off This annual festival offers community celebration for all ages, including local vendors, food trucks, kids activities, pony rides, bouncy houses, live music and more. • April 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park • Facebook: Cedar Fest BBQ Cook-Off Old Settler’s Music Festival Established in 1987, this three-day event will feature acoustic jazz, blues and bluegrass from Grammy- winning artists and longtime genre favorites. The weekend will also include camping and local vendors as well as arts and crafts. • April 17-19, gates open 10 a.m. • Starting at $55 • Camp Ben McCulloch, 18301 FM 1826, Driftwood • www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org

May

Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival Hundreds of artists will converge for one of the country’s longest-running outdoor arts fairs. The nonprofit Pecan Street Association will channel proceeds toward preservation efforts along historic Sixth Street. • May 9-10, times vary • Free • Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • www.pecanstreetfestival.org

INTRODUCING YOUR NEW E X P R E S S CONNECTION BETWEEN DOWNTOWN AND CEDAR PARK

... WHEN YOU

NEED IT

HERE . NOW IT’S

WHEN YOU NEED THEM EXPRESS LANES The price you see is the price you pay. The cost is variable to maintain flow of traffic. In a hurry? Bypass the on and

FOR EVERY DAY FREE LANES

Added general purpose lanes for smoother non-tolled traffic. Auxiliary lane enhancements for better merging. Infrastructure improvements like lighting and drainage.

off ramps you donʼt need. Connect directly with the MoPac Express Lane. A new connection between the 183 Express Lanes and the southbound MoPac frontage roads that allows you to bypass signals.

See how it all works at 183North.com

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JESSICA MCLAREN

Red Poppy Festival Georgetown’s downtown square will transform over three days into a mix of artisan markets, live music, food vendors and a Saturday parade celebrating the city’s official flower. Sunday will bring a pet parade and artisan market to close out the weekend. • April 24-26, times vary • Free • Downtown, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown • https://visit.georgetown.org

Eeyore’s Birthday Party A UT student threw the first Eeyore-themed party in 1964, and the tradition—music, costumes, food and games—has held ever since. Run entirely by unpaid volunteers, the annual event has donated over $273,000 to the Austin community. • April 25, 11 a.m. • Free • Pease District Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin • www.eeyores.org

Austin Blues Festival Antone’s founder launched the first edition in 1999 simply to put his favorite blues artists on a stage together. The annual two-day outdoor event will return this spring, co-presented by Waterloo Greenway. • April 25-26, gates open 11 a.m. • Starting at $89 • Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St., Austin • www.austinbluesfestival.com

STOP PAYING SOMEONE ELSE’S MORTGAGE.

Amplify now offers zero down payments and zero PMI on first-time homebuyer mortgages.

goamplify.com/mortgage 512-836-5901 |

Amplify Credit Union is insured by NCUA. Membership required. Loans subject to credit approval. NMLS #530487

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Community

BY DACIA GARCIA

The Austin-area group meets every Monday morning at 7 a.m. at Noble Joe Coee Co. in South Austin.

The running club averages 100 attendees at its Austin group.

PHOTOS COURTESY GOOD GRIEF

Austin’s Good Grief running club oers community

The group as founded by Austin local Samantha Hendel, who hosted the rst meetup in May 2024.

rst meetup in May 2024. About 20 people showed up. “I remember I got in my car that day and cried because I was so moved by everyone showing up and supporting me and also hearing the other stories from people,” Hendel said. The local impact Today, the group averages 100 people every Monday morning at Noble Joe Coee Co. in South Austin. Individuals interested in joining a run can nd 8-minute to 11-minute pace groups with a two and a half-mile route and a four-mile route. While the space can be used as a form of coping, Hendel said she encourages members to nd other outlets of therapy as well.

Austin-based running club Good Grief has shaped an experience for community members to nd solace in staying active while working through their grief with people going through similar situations. The inspiration The club was founded by Samantha Hendel, who received news in 2022 of her mother’s lung cancer diagnosis. While trying to make sense of the news, a week later Hendel was notied her father had received a colon cancer diagnosis. To cope, Hendel started running in addition to going to therapy. Hendel recognized the gap in running clubs for runners who use the activity for mental health or to cope with grief, and hosted her

COLORADO RIVER

S . L A K E S H O R E B L V D .

Every Monday, 7 a.m. Noble Joe Coee Co., South Shore Eatery, 1620 E. Riverside Drive, Austin www.goodgriefrunning.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

300-plus HQs move to Texas in 9 years

Put in perspective

Texas oers various grants, tax breaks and other nancial incentives to businesses based in the state. Since 2024, Texas has invested nearly $400 million in semiconductor projects across the state under the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Manufacturing, research and development companies can apply for an up to 75% reduction in the taxes they pay to local school districts under the state’s Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation program. Houston-based NRG Energy moved forward with a natural gas power plant project in mid-February after being granted a tax break under the JETI program, Community Impact reported.

Texas attracts dozens of company headquarters to the state annually, with at least 314 businesses moving their main oces to Texas from other states between 2015- 2024, data from the governor’s oce shows. Chevron, an oil and gas company, moved its home base from northern California to Houston last year, citing a need to “enable better collaboration and engagement” with its employees and business partners. Caterpillar Inc., which manufactures construction and mining equipment, moved to Irving from Illinois in 2022, which then-CEO Jim Umpleby said would “support Caterpillar’s strategy for protable growth.” The Lone Star State saw the largest inux of companies in 2021, with 79 businesses relocating to Texas that year, per state data.

Among those companies was Tesla, with CEO Elon Musk citing housing prices and a lack of space as driving factors in the company’s 2021 move from California to Austin. State ocials and experts said Texas’ economic incentives and light regulatory environment are key reasons why companies brought their operations to the state. “Texas wants companies to move here, and [company leaders] know that,” Megan Mauro, interim president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, told Community Impact . “Our legislative policy is really impacted by the voices of employers here.” The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Oce was still compiling 2025 relocation data as of press time, a spokesperson said.

Mapping the growth At least 24 companies moved their headquarters to Texas in 2024, with more than half landing in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

One more thing

X Number of relocations from each state Where companies moved from

In November, voters amended the Texas Constitution to raise a tax exemption on businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from $2,500 to $125,000. This could save the average small- business owner up to $3,500 per year, Community Impact reported. “[Businesses] need to know that the [state] they’re going into is not … going to be imposing more taxes and regulations that make it more dicult to operate,” Gov. Greg Abbott said during a March 2 news conference.

CT 1 MA 2

NC 1 VA 1 NJ 1

A Dallas-Fort Worth: 15 relocations

B Austin: 6 relocations C Houston: 2 relocations D San Antonio: 1 relocation

FL 1

NOTE: TWO COMPANY RELOCATIONS FROM CANADA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE NOT SHOWN ON THE U.S. MAP.

SOURCE: TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Relieve muscle, bone, and joint pain - ARC musculoskeletal doctors help you regain momentum by diagnosing injuries and developing non-surgical treatment and recovery plans. One step closer to pain - free mobility

• Non-surgical treatment • On-site x-ray • All ages seen: children to adults

• Concussion management • Fracture management • Steroid injections

Book now at AustinRegionalClinic.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

communityimpact.com