Georgetown Edition | January 2025

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5 JAN. 30FEB. 26, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

City leaders seek community input in upcoming parks projects Planning for parks

BY ANNA MANESS

From 2018-2023, Georgetown ocials added roughly 10 miles of hike and bike trails across the city, Parks & Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett said. “Trails are always No. 1 in all of our surveys,” Garrett said. “It’s something for all ages, and it’s relatively inexpensive.” Construction to improve pedestrian trails and add mountain bike trails at Garey Park will begin this year, and ocials are working on master plans for San Gabriel Park and Blue Hole Park.

San Gabriel Park

Georgetown has: 1,148 acres of developed parkland

19.63 miles of hike and bike trails

CONTINUED ON 36

Geese waddle along the river that runs through San Gabriel Park, where planning for soccer and baseball eld renovations is underway.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue Impacts: Learn more about Georgetown’s underground speakeasy (Page 6)

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Our purpose. Our purpose is to provide you with all the comforts of home—where scenic walking trails and tranquil greenspaces inspire your well-being. Here, you’ll find an enhanced quality of life and a welcoming community that allows you to cherish all the moments that matter most. We call it our purpose. You call it home.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

The place for Thriv

Welcome to the New Year, Georgetown!

Whether your 2025 resolutions include improving your health, reading more, helping to conserve our water resources, or giving back, the City of Georgetown has many ways for you to thrive. Get involved with your community by visiting the many parks and recreation options in Georgetown, checking out the Georgetown Public Library, signing

our super water savers pledge, or finding a place to volunteer! For more information visit georgetowntexas.gov.

#LoveWhereYouLive |

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Denise Seiler General Manager dseiler@ communityimpact.com

Abigail Hines Ellen Jackson

Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Claire Shoop Editor cshoop@ communityimpact.com

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

Dana Smyth Account Executive dsmyth@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Impacts

4 Southern Tire Mart The business offers routine tire maintenance, urgent tire repairs and 24/7 roadside assistance. • Opened in November • 7150 N. I-35, Georgetown • www.stmtires.com 5 Family ENT of Georgetown The ear, nose and throat practice was founded by Dr. Yael Willingham, a board-certified physician with over 10 years of experience. Some services include in-office ear tubes for children, and balloon sinus and eustachian tube treatments for adults, Willingham said. • Opened Nov. 18 • 4887 Williams Drive, Bldg. 2, Ste. 203, Georgetown • www.thefamilyent.com 6 Top Star Prosthondontics The office specializes in prosthodontic dentistry, providing treatments ranging from crowns, implant restorations and dentures to full-mouth reconstruction. The office also offers nonsurgical temporomandibular joint treatment, consultations, fillings, extractions and cleanings. • Opened in September • 4913 Moreland Drive, Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.topstarprosthodontics.com 7 Game Day Men’s Health The franchise is focused on testosterone replacement therapy, Georgetown owner Tej Grewal said. Among other services, the clinic offers treatments for medical weight loss, sexual wellness and erectile dysfunction, musculoskeletal injuries, and hair loss. • Opened Nov. 1 • 1502 Blue Ridge Drive, Ste. 303, Georgetown • www.gamedaymenshealth.com/georgetown Mosquito Hunters of Cedar Park – Leander – Georgetown Franchise owner Tyson Ang said the business provides pest control systems and services to prevent mosquitoes, fleas and ticks, rodents, and fire ants to residential and commercial customers. • Opened Jan. 10 • www.mosquitohunters.com/georgetown-tx

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road golf carts, and utility carts used for landscaping and construction. • Opened Sept. 6 • 1305 Blue Ridge Drive, Ste. 502, Georgetown • www.lonestargolfcars.com 3 Pack and Ship Pros The business offers shipping through the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx, and is expanding to have UPS pickup in January. The storefront will also have private mailboxes in 2025, adding to its slate of existing services, which include shredding, scanning, faxing, notary, copying, shipping supplies and printing. • Opened in early November • 19372 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 310, Georgetown • www.packandshippros.com 35

Now open

1 Brass Peacock The underground speakeasy is located beneath City Post Chophouse. The lounge’s craft cocktails are inspired by the prohibition era, said Kristina Moore, a spokesperson for City Post. The 1933-style speakeasy is open Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight and offers live music both nights. • Opened Nov. 15 • 113 E. Eighth St., Georgetown • www.brasspeacock.com 2 Lone Star Golf Cars The business exclusively sells Evolution Electric Vehicles in multiple models, including standard golf carts, off-

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Coming soon

8 Whataburger The Texas chain will open its third Georgetown location in the same area as the city’s upcoming H-E-B. • Opening in early 2025 • 10110 RM 2338, Georgetown • www.whataburger.com 9 Moonshine Yoga Originally scheduled to open in December, the yoga studio’s third location has been delayed due to construction slowdowns, owner Smile Owen said. The studio will offer a variety of yoga classes, including heated and nonheated flow, strength and flexibility, restorative, barre, mat Pilates, and aerial. • Opening in late March • 2080 Westinghouse Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 107, Georgetown • www.moonshine.yoga 10 OsteoStrong The business focuses on strengthening the skeletal system by offering a four-device circuit. The center aims to give individuals improved bone density, posture, balance, athletic performance, and less joint and back pain. • Opening in spring 2025

Relocations

11 Avalon Monuments The business was previously owned by Lois and Larry Townsend, who retired and passed on ownership. Following the change, the business moved from its previous location at 1004 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. Avalon Monuments offers custom monuments, headstones, portraits, memorials, cremation urns, bronzed granite, styled benches and other specialized items. • Relocated Dec. 16 • 101 Cooperative Way, Bldg. 2, Ste. 240, Georgetown • www.avalonmonuments.com 12 Hill Country Forensics The forensics team has outgrown its current facility at 2334 Rockride Lane, Bldg. 1, Georgetown, Director of Operations Courtney Smith said. Hill Country Forensics owner Dr. Satish Chundru prompted building the new location, Smith said. The facility provides autopsies for unattended deaths in several Central Texas counties.

13 Happy Chicks The quick-service restaurant based in Austin serves chicken in the form of tenders, nuggets and salads, with vegan options available. The restaurant prepares 15 sauces daily, including avocado poblano, smoked bacon and vegan ranch. This will be the company’s sixth location. • Opening in late February • 900 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 410, Georgetown • www.happychicks.com

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

Georgetown Animal Shelter staff await approval for proposed county merger

The city’s plan for the proposed WCRAS expansion involves:

Two new buildings with two stories connected to the most recent expansion

Indoor and outdoor dog kennels

Hutto—it must obtain a green light from the Texas attorney general, said Jack Daly, chief business officer in Georgetown’s electric department. “Once we get that approval, then we’ll be really close to formalizing the partnership with [the WCRAS],” Daly said. The attorney general’s office received the proposal in September, Georgetown Animal Services Manager April Haughey said. The merger’s timeline for approval is hard to pinpoint, Daly said, as there’s no legal requirement for when the attorney general’s office must respond to the city of Georgetown.

In November 2023, Georgetown voters approved a $15 million bond to address capacity issues at the Georgetown Animal Shelter. More than a year later, city staff are waiting on state approval to continue with the project. The Georgetown Animal Shelter is in the process of joining and expanding the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter using funding from the $15 million bond, according to previous Community Impact reporting. While the project received approval from Williamson County and the shelter’s member cities—Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander and

Consolidating staff members into one building

Addressing cat capacity concerns and projected needs for dogs

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

If the regional partnership falls through, funding from the bond can be used to expand the city’s shelter instead, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

How we got here

SE INNER LOOP Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter

What to expect

In May 2022, Georgetown City Council members directed city staff to explore a WCRAS partnership. The merger will add 106 dog kennels to the WCRAS, serving all parties until 2035, he said. In December 2023, the WCRAS was over 200% capacity. Daly said staff has been questioned about the effectiveness of a merger when both shelters are at or near maximum capacity. “What we’ve worked through is this partnership where ... over-building kennel capacity will help address some of our space constraints,” Daly said. “We’ve been really thoughtful about not making an obvious bad problem worse.” Daly said the WCRAS also plans to revamp its foster care program to help with overcrowding.

The shelter’s 11 employees have different long-term options if the merger is approved, including a severance package for eligible staff, Haughey said. Williamson County plans to use the Georgetown Animal Shelter’s current location as a satellite adoption center until construction at the WCRAS is completed, Haughey said. Georgetown’s parks administration team will eventually take over the site.

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BY ANNA MANESS

Williamson County is asking for legislative approval to add a new district court to the county in 2025. In a 3-2 split vote, county commissioners approved a resolution Jan. 14 in support of legislation to create a new district court. Depending on if and when the resolution gets approved by the Texas Legislature, the court could be established as early as October, Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said. It’s been 35 years since the county created a new criminal district court, County Judge Bill Gravell said. Commissioners also agreed to issue a request for proposal for a consultant to evaluate the county’s case flow management practices for district and county courts. WilCo officials push for new district court

A closer look

What else?

Several other changes are underway for Wil- liamson County as officials prepare to transition into a new headquarters building, which finishes construction in 2025. Commissioners agreed to look into relocating the county’s Jail and Justice Center functions from downtown Georgetown to a potential new facility by 2030. At a Dec. 10 meeting, commissioners agreed to begin soliciting for a new program manager, who will help the county regulate growth. According to a staff presentation, the county could have 16 pos- sible facility relocations over the next five years. In 2026, county departments plan on moving into two new buildings: the new headquarters and the 28-acre Lake Creek Annex building, according to the Dec. 10 presentation. Departments also expect to begin moving into the new Juvenile Justice Center in 2027. These new facilities will eventually house county departments, which creates more space in downtown buildings, Precinct 3 Executive Assistant Rachel Arnold said.

In the future, commissioners plan on vacating the Williamson County Courthouse and officials discussed turning it into Georgetown’s visitors center or giving it to The Williamson Museum. The courthouse could either be leased or sold to the city, commissioners said, but no decision was made at the meeting. “This building is the center of Williamson County, Texas, and it has been in that capacity for the last 112 years,” Gravell said. “There may be a day that the city takes that over and manages it, but this building will always be the epicenter of Williamson County.”

Future Williamson County Headquarters

1460

SOUTHWESTERN BLVD.

Facility move-in dates

= Confirmed

Inmate population

WilCo headquarters Lake Creek Annex Juvenile Justice Center

2026

Future Lake Creek Annex

Williamson County has experienced a 327% increase in inmate population since 1992.

2024: 683

2027

183

Justice Center expansion Sheriff’s Office and Jail expansion

STAKED PLAINS DR.

2028

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1992: 160

2029

New Jail and Justice Center facility

2030

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

Officials OK efforts to increase water supply City leaders are taking steps to increase drinking water for residents as demand climbs with the city’s growing population. At a Dec. 30 meeting, City Council members approved a 30-year agreement with Gate- House Water LLC. The decision allows the city to purchase 18,500 acre-feet of water per year from the Simsboro Aquifer in Lee County, according to city documents. The setup According to the city’s website, the agreement will help Georgetown to expand its raw water resources, a need outlined in the city’s integrated water resources plan. The IWRP found the city should receive water from a new supplier by 2030 to avoid water supply shortages.

Georgetown population growth The U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys show population changes in the city of Georgetown over the past five years. From 2019 to 2023, there was a 10.98% population increase.

Population

75,470

80,000

71,788

78,803

70,000

71,004

60,000

66,514

2019 2020 2021

2022 2023

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

City’s population, annual household income grow New information from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the city of Georgetown experienced population growth and higher annual household incomes in 2023. The big picture According to the bureau’s 2023 American

Community Survey five-year estimates, the city’s total population has grown from 71,004 in 2019 to 78,803 in 2023, a 10.98% increase. Additionally, the five-year ACS shows George- town’s average family size has gone down slightly from 3.12 people in 2019 to 2.88 in 2023. The city of Georgetown’s median age also went down in the last five years from 46.3 to 44.3. By the numbers In the past five years, average household income in Georgetown grew from $95,061 to $122,939.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANNA MANESS

Districts, advocacy center receive funding In December, Williamson County school districts and the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center received over $776,000 in funding for child safety measures. The Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office disbursed $699,266 to Williamson County ISDs and $77,393 to the WCCAC, according to a

WilCo EMS celebrates 50 years of service This year marks the 50th anniversary of Williamson County Emergency Medical Services providing care for residents, and officials plan on celebrating the milestone throughout 2025. How we got here Since the agency’s inception in 1975, the department has grown from 16 to 177 employ- ees, according to a Jan. 2 news release. A handful of events are in store to commemorate the department’s anniversary, including: • We Are Blood blood drive competition in Georgetown Jan. 8 • 5K at River Ranch County Park in the fall • Trunk or Treat event Oct. 18

Distributed funds These five ISDs received the most funding based on their percentage of students in Williamson County.

$64,037 $58,948

Round Rock Leander Georgetown Hutto Liberty Hill

$78,949

$198,360

$236,487

Dec. 30 news release. Two-minute impact

The county tax office collected a $1.50 fee from 574,000 vehicle registration renewals in fiscal year 2023-24, according to the release. Ten percent of funding is allocated to the WCCAC, and the remaining amount is divided between school districts based on their percentage of stu- dents within Williamson County, per the release. Round Rock ISD received the most funding at $236,488, followed by Leander ISD and

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Georgetown ISD. “The funds can be used for programs that support and enhance child safety, health or nutrition, including school crossing guard programs and free or reduced school lunch programs,” said Larry Gaddes, Williamson County tax assessor-collector, in the release.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Education

GISD calls for increased funding from legislature Ahead of the 89th Texas legislative session Georgetown ISD administrators laid out some of the district’s priorities for lawmakers to consider during a Jan. 7 board workshop. The details Increasing funding for special education and school safety would better provide for the needs of students, Superintendent Devin Padavil said. In a presentation showing how much funding the district is allotted for special education services the district is required to provide, the difference between state funding and actual cost of services for the previous school year is about $4.6 million. Similarly, to meet safety requirements outlined in 2023’s House Bill 3, which mandated armed guards at every Texas public and charter school, GISD Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hanna said

TEA certification waived for counselors In an effort to fill counselor vacancies, Georgetown ISD’s board of trustees approved a waiver removing a Texas Education Agency certification requirement in December. In a nutshell Trustees approved an update to the district’s innovation plan allowing a school counselor to be hired without a TEA certifi- cation as long as they are licensed.

District priorities

Increasing funding for special education Increasing the basic allotment per student Increasing the school safety allotment Full-day funding for prekindergarten Dedicated funding for mental and emotional health of students and staff Shift from an attendance-based funding model to enrollment-based funding Increase funding for career and technical education to meet workplace demands of the next decade Padavil highlighted several of GISD’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session, with the majority revolving around the issue of funding.

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

"When we come down to the community level … we’re seeing that the competition is high. It is a tough-to-staff position."

the district had to spend $298,827 more than provided by the state. What they’re saying The focus of these requests, Padavil said, is ensuring the district is able to adequately provide for students and employees in a competitive way.

DAVID RAINEY, GISD’S DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND WELLNESS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

GISD improves family connectivity with ParentSquare app Georgetown ISD administrators say the district is able to reach all of its staff and families of students after changing communication platforms in 2024. What you need to know In a Jan. 7 workshop, administrators pro- vided an update on the implementation of ParentSquare, a platform for school districts to communicate with parents and community members via email, text and app alerts. Melinda Brasher, GISD’s executive director of community engagement and communications, said the app replaced School Messenger for GISD in summer 2024 and has increased the district’s reach when sending messages out to students, parents and staff.

District approves familiar calendar for 2025-26 school year Georgetown ISD’s 2025-26 academic calendar will be familiar to parents and students, with few departures from the previous year. Trustees approved the calendar in

ParentSquare participation Brasher said the district observed the following opt-in rates for specific means of contact through ParentSquare.

of GISD families have opted to receive text messages

96%

have chosen to receive email notifications

84%

chose to receive notifications directly from the ParentSquare app

36%

December. The details

The first day of school will be Aug. 14, with fall breaks occurring Oct. 10-14 and Nov. 24-28. The district’s winter break will begin Dec. 19, and students will return to school Jan. 6. Spring break will be March 16-20, and the last day of school will be May 22.

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The why ParentSquare allows two-way communication between parents and staff, Brasher said, and is more effective at reaching families of students, as the platform automatically translates messages sent from the district based on the language selections made in Skyward.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Transportation

BY ANNA MANESS

City, county officials celebrate new bypass opening in east Georgetown

By the numbers

The road’s construction stayed in budget at $30.5 million and was funded through Williamson County’s 2019 voter-approved road bond, according to the release. The city of Georgetown contributed around $4 million for construction. Georgetown ISD contributed right of way, and future phases of the project could take several years, per the release. While the road is two lanes, growth projections indicate additional capacity is required in the future, according to Williamson County’s website. The road’s ultimate buildout will move forward when travel demand increases and when funding becomes available, according to the release.

Georgetown commuters have a new way to reach Hwy. 29, as the Corridor C-Sam Houston Avenue road project has reached completion. The road looks to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, officials said at a Dec. 16 ribbon- cutting ceremony. The two-lane road connects Sam Houston Avenue at Patriot Way to Hwy. 29 and includes a bridge over SH 130, per a Williamson County news release. The road is the final section of the Hwy. 29 Bypass project, Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said in the release. “This road allows through-traffic to bypass our busy downtown and provides an alternate route for trucks coming through our city,” Schroeder said in the release.

106

130 TOLL

SAM HOUSTON AVE.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Regional officials authorize $250M for expansion of SH 130 statement. “By reducing travel times, we are ensuring that Williamson County residents will spend more time with their families and less time

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization authorized $250 million in Texas Department of Transportation resources Dec. 9 for the widening of SH 130 spanning 15 miles between Gattis School Road to the south and I-35 to the north. CAMPO does not approve funding, but rather routinely makes amendments to its transportation improvement program for projects that include federal funding or are of regional significance. The Texas Department of Transportation has vouched for the millions needed for the widening project, which will add a lane in both directions. Total construction cost is estimated at $300 mil- lion and will be funded by toll operations, TxDOT spokesperson Bradley Wheelis said in a statement. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. “I feel strongly about increasing mobility for the citizens of Williamson County,” Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles said in a

stuck in traffic.” How we got here As the region’s eastern corridor experiences rapid commercial and residential growth, SH 130 is increasingly being seen as “the new I-35.” “Williamson County has experienced tremen- dous growth,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said. Major global companies such as Samsung and Tesla have established massive facilities along the tollway in recent years, solidifying the area as a hub for economic activity. Meanwhile, TxDOT is transforming a 21-mile stretch of SH 130 into a “smart corridor,” paving the way for driverless semitrucks to navigate the roadway more efficiently.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Transportation

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas vehicles no longer need safety inspections in 2025 As of Jan. 1, Texas drivers will no longer need to get an annual safety inspection to register their vehicles. Where its required

The $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” will go to the state’s general revenue fund, a clean air account and the Texas Mobility Fund, which supports the construction and expansion of state highways. Drivers registering new vehicles will pay a $16.75 fee to cover two years, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Zooming in Electric vehicles will remain exempt from emis- sions tests, according to the DPS, and commercial vehicles—such as delivery trucks, buses and taxis— must still pass safety inspections. Texans still need to register their vehicles annu- ally with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “Texans are responsible [and] fiercely indepen- dent, and I trust them to keep their cars and trucks safe while on the road. ... I am proud to author this bill, which will free up over 40 million hours per year for Texas drivers,” Harris said.

Texans with vehicles registered in the following counties will need to get an emissions test: • Brazoria

However, vehicles must pass emissions tests in major metropolitan areas, and all drivers will pay a $7.50 inspection replacement fee when renewing their vehicle registration. State lawmak- ers approved the policy change, spearheaded by Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, during the 2023 legislative session. “With Texas being one of only a handful of states that still requires yearly safety inspections, eliminating the mandate is long overdue,” Harris said in a statement to Community Impact . “These inspections do not make roads safer, as evidenced by over 40 other states.” The details The new state law, House Bill 3297, eliminates mandatory safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles.

• Fort Bend • Galveston • Harris • Johnson • Kaufman • Montgomery

• Parker • Rockwall • Tarrant • Travis • Williamson

• Collin • Dallas • Denton • Ellis • El Paso

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Development

BY ANNA MANESS & CLAIRE SHOOP

Construction begins on more industrial space A groundbreaking was held Dec. 12 for GTX Building 2, a future industrial property in George- town set to nish construction in September, ocials said. The gist The project’s developer is EQT Exeter, and the general contractor is CADRE Industrial, a division within CADRE Construction. The 412,470-square-foot building will join GTX Building 1 at GTX Logistics Park, an industrial park in north Georgetown minutes from I-35. Plans for GTX Logistics Park began as early as December 2021, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The site will be used for distribution and warehouse space, said Charbel Dahdah, principal owner and CEO at CADRE Construction.

Patterson Ranch

Phase 3

GLENNS PASSAGE

BELL GIN RD.

110

EQT Exeter and CADRE Industrial ocials celebrated GTX Building 2’s groundbreaking Dec. 12 in Georgetown.

Homes hit market in Patterson Ranch Ashton Woods Homes began preselling single-family homes in the Patterson Ranch masterplanned community in mid-Decem- ber, per a company representative. The breakdown Phase 3 includes 129 Ashton Woods home- sites. Prices begin at $354,000, and oor plans range from 1,589-2,904 square feet.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1 GTX Building 1

2 Future GTX Building 2

141

972

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Real estate

The number of homes sold increased in each of Georgetown’s three area ZIP codes year over year in November, with ZIP code 78628 seeing the largest percent increase at 45.98%. Residential market data

November 2023

November 2024

Homes sold

Average days on the market

+7.69%

+45.98%

+42.31%

+17.54%

-1.14%

-4.55%

78626

78628

78633

78626

78628

78633

Median home sales price

78633

78626

November

2023

2024

$370,000

$362,500

78626

130 TOLL

78628

$510,000

$479,000

78628

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 • WWW.ABOR.COM

$420,769

$423,982

78633

Homes sold by price point in November

78626

78628

78633

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

Georgetown November

2023

2024

November

2023

2024

November

2023

2024

Homes under contract

Price per square foot

227

221

230 229

$216 $220

New listings

Months of inventory

190 243

4.7

4.5

901

980

Closed sales

Active listings

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

January

‘The Secret Garden’ This classic literature reimagined as a musical tells the story of 11-year-old Mary Lennox as she returns to Yorkshire to live with her reclusive uncle and his son. The storyline highlights themes of forgiveness and renewal. The 7:30 p.m. showing Feb. 8 will feature ASL interpreters. • Jan. 31-March 2, showtimes vary • $18-$38 • Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown • www.georgetownpalace.com

February

Get Linked La Di Da Permanent Jewelry will host a pop-up event to help individuals add personalization to their style with custom-fit, permanent bracelets, anklets, necklaces and rings. Appointments for the event are not required and service will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. • Feb. 8, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission), prices vary by jewelry • Barons Creek Vineyards Tasting Room, 706 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown • www.baronscreekvineyards.com A Toast to Our Past Dr. Donald Frazier, Director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville, will join the Williamson County Historical Commission to present a tale of a group of locals and their attempt to escape from the battlefields of the Civil War to Mexico. • Feb. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. • $20 • Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown • www.wilcotx.gov/169/historical-commission Author event: Sherry Thomas As part of the Hill Country Author Series, the Friends of the Georgetown Public Library will present an author discussion with Thomas about her latest novel “A Ruse of Shadows.” The eighth book in her Lady Sherlock series continues the depiction of a female sleuth solving mysteries in London’s Victorian era. Participants can expect refreshments served by Sweet Lemon Kitchen. • Feb. 13, 2 p.m. • $17 (presale), $20 (at the door) • Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown • www.folgeorgetown.org ‘I Spot Eye Spots’ art exhibit Houston-based artist Mark Greenwalt will showcase his drawings created using graphite, ink and acrylic. The exhibit highlights the reworking of surfaces to create nondeterministic, synthetic figures through art, which challenge societal norms. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Feb. 15 from 4-6 p.m. and individuals can attend an artist talk on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. • Feb. 14-Mar. 16, hours vary by day • Free (admission) • Georgetown Art Center, 816 S. Main St., Georgetown • https://artcenter.georgetown.org

Cupid’s Chase 5K & Fun Run The 30th annual event presented by Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation will feature a 1K fun run for children ages 10 and under, and a 5K chip- timed event. Dogs are welcome to attend the race with their owners, but must be on a nonretractable

leash and have rabies tags on their collars. • Feb. 8; 8:30 a.m. (kids 1K), 9 a.m. (5K) • $10 (1K fun run), $30 (5K) • San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown • www.georgetowntexas.gov

Crazy Hair Tour True Girl, a ministry for teenage girls and their moms, will host an evening of live worship, games, fashion and bible study with a focus on creating a mother and

Royal Tea Party Parents and children can explore Wonderland with a royal tea party presented by Subaru of Georgetown. There will be light snacks, crafts and moments with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Attendees are encouraged to wear their prince or princess attire. Adults do not have to register but adult supervision is required at all times. • Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m. • $15 (child admission) • Garey House, 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown • www.georgetowntexas.gov Annual Fat Tuesday Games Day Fundraiser Community members are invited to join the San Gabriel Woman’s Club at its 17th annual event, which will include a continental breakfast, door prizes, raffles and games, which attendees must supply themselves. • Feb. 25; 9:30 a.m. (breakfast), 10 a.m. (games start) • $12 (lunch), $30 (games and lunch) • Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown • www.sangabrielwomansclub.org

daughter connection. • Feb. 20, 6:30-9 p.m. • $18 and up

• First Baptist Church Georgetown, 1333 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.mytruegirl.com Stephanie Nichols’ 14th Annual Car & Plane Show

The swap meet and car show will have food vendors, including Ko Barbecue, The Rush Coffee and Paige’s Bakery. Swap meet attendees can bring car parts and non- running cars for sale. The Remax skydiving team will jump between 11:30 a.m.-noon and there will be a formation flyover at 1 p.m., in addition to other entertainment. • Feb. 22; 8:30-10:30 a.m. (car show participants entry time), 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (spectators entry time) • Free (spectators), $25 (car show participants), $30 (swap meet participants and vendors) • Georgetown Airport, 500 Terminal Drive, Georgetown • Eventbrite: Stephanie Nichols’ 14th Annual Car & Plane Show at Georgetown Airport Plate Smash Release Party Residents are invited to release old habits and energy by writing negative thoughts on a plate and smashing it to pieces in a safe space. • Feb. 22, 2-4 p.m. • $33 • Silver Moon Curios, 215 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.silvermooncurios.com

March

Chase the Chief 5K The Georgetown Police Department’s fitness initiative will help raise funds for local schools’ physical education departments. Attendees can participate in a family fun run, run a 5K or browse the vendor fair taking place before the race. • March 2; noon-2 p.m. (vendor fair), 1:15 p.m. (fun run), 2 p.m. (5K) • $5 (ages 17 and younger), $10 (ages 18 and older) • East View High School, 4490 E. University Ave., Georgetown • www.georgetowntexas.gov

GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

Zooming in

Texas’ 140-day legislative session began Jan. 14 in Austin.

The speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor, who oversees the Senate, can each designate priority bills for the 2025 session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Nov. 12 he would set 40 priorities, including: • Senate Bill 1, Texas’ 2025-26 budget • SB 2, the Senate’s voucher plan • SB 3, which would ban sales of all forms of consumable tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in Texas Rep. Dustin Burrows, RLubbock, was elected speaker of the Texas House with bipartisan support Jan. 14. Burrows replaced Rep. Dade Phelan, RBeaumont, as the leader of the 150-member chamber.

HANNAH NORTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Here’s what to expect as the Texas Legislature reconvenes in 2025

Also of note

include creating a dedicated funding source to prevent future water shortages—and increase funding for public schools. “My big concern is that we are not putting the money into public education that we need to,” Howard said. Lawmakers may also revive a private school voucher plan, Gov. Greg Abbott said Nov. 6, after several pro-voucher Republicans were elected to the Texas House. The proposal would give families public funds to pay for private education. As of Jan. 21, lawmakers had led 2,845 bills they hoped to turn into law in 2025. The deadline to le most legislation is March 14.

On Jan. 14, Texas lawmakers returned to Austin for the 89th legislative session. The only bill they are constitutionally required to pass each session is the biennial state budget. Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, said lawmakers need to “be smart” when writing the next budget. “Part of that is stewarding taxpayer money,” Harris Davila said during a Dec. 12 panel hosted by the Austin Chamber. “When it comes in for us to spend on roads and infrastructure, are we being responsible with it?” Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said she believes the Legislature needs to prioritize the state’s water infrastructure—which could

Lawmakers will have an estimated $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending as they write the 2026-27 state budget, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 13. This year’s estimate includes a $23.8 billion surplus left over from the 2024-25 budget cycle ending Aug. 31. “The Legislature will have a lot of tools in the toolbox next session to deal with issues, whether it’s road infrastructure, water infrastructure, electrical grid infrastructure, public education, higher education,” Hegar said.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CLAIRE SHOOP Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual Community Impact Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. The cover story for this year’s edition focuses on upcoming projects in Georgetown area parks that will increase recreation activities for residents. We also have an update on the YMCA facility coming to the city, Georgetown ISD Superintendent Devin Padavil’s goals for mental health care in schools and information about H-E-B’s nutrition program. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025!

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What's inside

City leaders make plans for new YMCA facility (Page 28)

GISD to advocate for more mental health funding (Page 31)

Business oers pelvic oor therapy for area women (Page 39)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

County health data Williamson County outperformed Travis County on overall health outcomes and health factors. However, both counties were above the state and national averages. Each county diered on individual metrics, with Williamson County showing a lower percent of uninsured residents under age 65, but Travis County reporting better access to exercise.

Snapshot

Health indicators

The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.

These are some of the statistics that inuence the overall health and wellness of the county.

Health factor

Health outcome

Williamson

Travis County Williamson County

Texas

Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.

Travis

Life expectancy Food insecurity

80.6 years

81 years

77.2 years

12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%

10% 9% 11% 18% 89% 13%

14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%

Limited access to healthy foods

Health outcomes

Adult smoking

Williamson County

Travis County

Excessive drinking

Access to exercise opportunities

Uninsured (under age 65)

State average National average

Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing

1,190:1

1,460:1

1,660:1

Health factors

270:1 30% 37% 16%

610:1 32% 44%

640:1

Williamson County

Travis County

33% 39% 14%

National average

11%

State average

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

GEORGETOWN EDITION

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