Northwest Austin Edition | March 2025

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

Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 APRIL 129, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

The nal stretch Last year of construction on 183 North Mobility Project begins

INSIDE

MOPAC

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Lanes are being built to connect the express lanes of MoPac and US 183 North. (Matthew Brooks/Community Impact)

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Impacts

LYNDHURST ST.

4 IWC Schaausen Boutique The new location marks the watch brand’s largest boutique in Texas. The store has opened in partnership with Zadok Jewelers. Customers can nd a range of watches available at the location including Portono collections and Pilot’s Watches. • Opened March 18 • 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 141, Austin • www.zadok.com/iwc-schaffhausen-boutique-austin 5 Kolibri Daycare Owned by Alina Rzaev, the daycare oers programs for ages 18 months to 12 years old, and focuses on helping children build a range of skills including independence and problem solving. The daycare was founded and operated in Seattle prior to relocating to Austin. • Opened March 4 6 Saatva Showing Room The showroom oers mattresses, furniture, decor, bedding and bath products. The company has 23 locations across the U.S., with three locations in Texas. • Opened March 17 • 11800 Domain Blvd., Austin • www.saatva.com 7 Sushi Express The sushi restaurant serves a variety of sashimi, nigiri and tempura sushi rolls, alongside poke bowls with tuna, salmon or chicken. The menu also features soups and salads, bento boxes and appetizers such as edamame, calamari and fried dumplings. • Opened in February • 8228 Luling Lane, Austin • www.kolibridaycare.com

45 TOLL

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MOPAC

OSBORNE DR.

3 4 10

LULING LN.

AVELLA DR.

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

OLSON DR.

620

DONA VILLA DR.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

MOPAC

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

360

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2222

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

nd dishes such as Stir-fried Ho Fun with Egg and Shrimp Balls, and Clams with Black Bean Sauce. The business is currently operating on a limited seafood menu. • Opened Feb. 18 • 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A1, Austin • www.goldenpalaceaustin.com 3 Panerai The luxury brand features Italian design and Swiss watchmaking. The location opening is a partnership with Zadok Jewelers and is the rst-to-market boutique in the Austin area. • Opened March 18 • 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 141, Austin • www.panerai.com

Now open

1 Baylor Scott & White Health Clinic The clinic is now providing care to patients ages 18 years and older, and oers services for cancer screenings, preventative health and general medical care. • Opened Feb. 17 • 11673 Jollyville Road, Ste. 205, Austin • www.bswhealth.com 2 Tian Tian Golden Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Individuals can enjoy dim sum from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and can

• 9422 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.sushiexpresspokebowl.com

Coming soon

8 Biagio Wine & Spirits The Dallas-based business is set to open a location in Domain Northside oering beer, liquor, wine, mixers and more. The business originally opened in January 2019. • Opening in April

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & DACIA GARCIA

• 3210 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. 122, Austin • www.biagiospirits.com

Now open

Relocation

9 Snarf’s Sandwiches The shop will serve hot and cold sub sandwiches with a variety of meat, cheese, bread, toppings and sauce options. • Opening this summer • 13450 Research Blvd., Ste. 239A, Austin • www.eatsnarfs.com 10 Zadok The jewelry store will oer ne jewelry from necklaces and rings to earrings, bracelets and more. • Opening in spring • 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 141, Austin • www.zadok.com 11 Texas Girls School The tuition-free charter school for girls in sixth through 12th grade will feature hands-on, project-based, STEM-

14 Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings The chain oers traditional and specialty cheesesteaks in addition to wings in several avors, such as sweet teriyaki sauce, garlic parmesan sauce and lemon pepper rub. • Opened Jan. 16 • 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 220, Austin • www.charleys.com

17 Nature’s Treasures The rock shop has plans to fully relocate to North Austin from its current location at 4103 N. I-35, Austin. The business is operating out of its current location and is open for pop-ups and events on weekends at its future location. • Relocating in summer • 11055 N. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.ntrocks.com

focused curriculum. • Opening in August

• 10321 Boulder Lane, Austin • www.texasgirlsschool.org

What’s next

12 The Webster Per a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the luxury clothing store started renovations for a new store in September. • 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin • www.thewebster.com

15 Yummi Tacos and More Family-operated business Yummi Tacos and More celebrated its 15th anniversary March 15. The business menu features a mix of options including tacos, bánh mi, burritos, boba and coee. • 12518 Research Blvd., Austin • www.yummitaco.com

and sewing supplies to jewelry-making items and home decor products. • Closing TBD • 10515 N. Mopac Expressway, Bldg. 1, Austin • www.joann.com 18 Metrix Pharmacy The local pharmacy opened in the North Austin community in 2018 and accepted all insurance types in addition to oering delivery services for hospice care, long-term care and more. • Closed in December • 2121 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 103C, Austin

In the news

Closings

13 Hope Presbyterian Church The church is celebrating 50 years in the North Austin community April 27. The church will celebrate the milestone at the 10 a.m. service of its anniversary date. • 11512 Olson Drive, Austin • www.hopeaustin.org

16 Joann Joann announced Feb. 23 that the company would be sold as a result of bankruptcy and all store locations will “conduct going-out-of-business sales.” The business sold a range of crafting and home supplies from fabric

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

New transparency standards set for public safety labor negotiations All discussions and documents tied to future negotiations with Austin’s police, re and emer- gency medical services labor groups will now be fully accessible to the public, after materials used during last year’s bargaining with the Austin Police Association were withheld. The big picture Last year’s contentious labor talks between Austin and the APA were open to attend and livestreamed, but documents such as draft agreements and nancial information were not available to the public. This change from pre- vious rounds of negotiations was requested by APA, citing state law that makes such materials available only once a deal is nalized. City Council passed a resolution from council

$32M awarded for Austin solar projects Austin is moving closer to rolling out millions of dollars in support for commu- nity solar projects. The details The Texas Solar for All Coalition won a nearly quarter-billion dollar Environmental Protection Agency grant last year to “trans- form access to distributed solar” in commu- nities statewide, according to the EPA. Austin leaders moved last fall to accept $31.59 million of the statewide grant, and on Feb. 27 they voted to nalize the city’s agreement with Harris County to move forward with the funding and Solar for All initiative. The local solar improvements will center on providing free solar and batteries to low-income residents.

City of Austin Police Association labor negotiators met last year to hash out a new police contract.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

member Ryan Alter on Feb. 27 requiring future labor talks to be publicly recorded and broadcast, with all documents publicly accessible through the process. Private negotiations are allowed if needed, with formal council approval. The update was disputed by APA President Michael Bullock, who expressed disappoint- ment in the policy he said runs afoul of state standards.

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Central Texas watering restrictions ramp up The Lower Colorado River Authority, or LCRA, enacted Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions March 3 in response to continuing drought conditions. The details All LCRA customers including several Central Texas municipalities like Austin will be limited to outdoor watering once a week. The LCRA aims to cut water demand by 20%. The maximum once-per-week watering restric- tion affects cities, businesses, industries and lakeside property owners that draw water directly from the Highland Lakes. “These actions are needed to help preserve and extend our water supplies in the face of a drought that shows little signs of easing over spring and summer,” John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of water, said in a statement. Declines in water levels of Lakes Buchanan and

Chipmaker NXP ends $290M deal in Austin Semiconductor company NXP backed out of an economic development agreement with Austin over a year after City Council agreed to a plan increasing investment in the chipmaker’s Austin campuses. The modernization and expansion was expected to add to the company’s hundreds of millions of dollars of estimated annual economic impact. What happened Last fall, NXP terminated the economic deal with Austin that would’ve seen more than $290 million in upgrades and dozens of jobs added. NXP backed out due to compli- cations with its application for federal CHIPS and Science Act funding, but has sought funding instead from the Texas Semicon- ductor Innovation Fund, per city records.

Drought stages*

D2 = Severe Drought, 17.89% D3 = Extreme Drought, 70.19% D4 = Exceptional Drought, 11.92%

Travis County

SOURCE: DROUGHT.GOV/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*AS OF MARCH 18

Travis, the primary reservoirs in the Highland Lakes system, prompted the LCRA decision. What you need to know Agency authorities encourage people to utilize low-water landscaping that can thrive on no more than once-a-week watering, and to: • Use water-efficient landscaping and drought-tol- erant plants • Cover swimming pools not being used to limit evaporation • Add mulch to landscapes and compost to turf to help prevent water loss

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Recent increases in reported wage theft cases have prompted Travis County leaders and worker rights advocates to push for new initiatives to protect workers. Local leaders introduced provisions in recent years to protect workers, including Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, who launched the county’s Economic Justice Enforcement Initiative in September 2021. Between 2013 and 2020 there had been only four prosecuted cases across Texas, but since launching the initiative, Garza said his office has taken on nearly two dozen local cases over the last four years. Austin officials also passed a wage theft prevention ordinance in December 2022. TravCo addresses wage theft issues

What you should know

Wage theft claims

In 2024, reported wage theft cases in Central Texas led to $21 million in wages due back to workers.

Wage theft can take many forms. While most people associate it with not getting paid, it also includes misclassification. Rick Levy, president of workers’ rights union Texas ACL-CIO, said the issue is common in a multitude of industries and often goes unenforced. “People need to understand just how widespread the issue is,” Levy said. Anyone that suspects an instance of improper pay can submit a wage claim to the Texas Workforce Commission for free. Requirements and additional information on Texas Payday Law can be found on the agency’s website. Members of the public, regardless of their immigrant status, can also report incidents of wage theft to the Travis County District Attorney’s office.

Travis County

Williamson County

Hays County

1,000 800 600 400 200 0

Most claims by industry, FY 2023-24

Food services: 3,827 Health care: 2,376 Construction: 1,966 Retail: 1,217 Agriculture: 659

SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, DACIA GARCIA & BROOKE SJOBERG

Anderson High School to start renovations A number of improvements are slated for Ander- son High School this summer to improve security, athletic facilities and more. The details The project is part of Austin ISD’s 2022 approved bond which proposed school renovations across the district. Renovations include adding a secure entry vestibule, HVAC, electrical and plumbing improve- ments, and athletic upgrades including a turf competition eld and renovations to the gyms and locker rooms. About the project Michael Mann, AISD’s executive director of construction management, said the renovations are expected to be completed in January 2027. Mann said students can expect some campus areas

PfISD approves 202526 calendar

Following parent feedback, the district’s 2025-26 academic calendar was approved by the board of trustees at a Feb. 20 meeting. Dates to know The rst day of school is set for Aug. 13 and the last day of school is May 21. Addi- tional key dates include: • Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving break • Dec. 22-Jan. 5: winter break • March 16-20: spring break • April 3: Easter break The calendar also has bad weather make up days built in on Oct. 20 and Jan. 19. Additionally, PfISD’s spring break is aligned with the University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College District and other Austin-area school districts.

Renovations on Anderson High School will begin this summer and wrap up in 2027.

183

to be fenced o for construction or to experience changes in school entrances temporarily. “We appreciate the community’s support while we go through the construction because it is disruptive to everybody,” Mann said.

Round Rock ISD shares outlook for FY 202526 Uncertainty lingers as Round Rock ISD admin- istrators work toward a balanced budget for the next nancial year despite ongoing concerns about enrollment and Legislature funding discus- sions, administrators shared at the Feb. 20 board meeting. What you need to know During the district’s rst budget workshop for

• Reductions in central ofice administration, ofice and campus support positions • Reducing service calendars by one day • Reducing funding allocations for each department • Reducing travel and cellphone reimbursements and stipends • Increase class sizes Planned budget cuts Covington said his department anticipates more spread out reductions in budget, including:

the 2025-26 nancial year, set to begin July 1, RRISD Chief Financial Ocer Dennis Covington laid out a roadmap leading to an ultimate goal of a balanced budget. Covington said that the district is looking at multiple angles of addressing concerns related to the 2025-26 budget, but large-scale sta reduc- tions are not yet in the plans. Closing schools is also not being considered, he said.

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Travis County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.votetravis.gov for a full list of polling locations.

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

KEY: *Incumbent

Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees, Place 3

If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges? My priority is to advocate for policies that provide safe and inclusive schools which support educators while encouraging community and parent engagement. I believe this will lead to academic excellence, student success and strengthen our schools. We must work collaboratively as a community while being diligently committed to fiscal responsibility. Supporting the initiatives of a new superintendent and evaluating recommendations given by the Community Finance Committee on Efficiency are priorities. Helping navigate the problems from budget short-falls like increasing ADA statistics and ensuring patrons are motivated to stay enrolled in their neighborhood public schools will be priorities of my tenure.

If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented? The district just completed its strategic plan that includes community input. The focus is innovation and encouraging students to discover their own definition of success. My goal is to champion this plan, continue to advocate for school enrollment- based funding, student resources, higher teacher salaries, expand career and technical programs.

Renae Mitchell* Experience: 9 Years on PfISD board (Current President), education policy Occupation: HR Consultant, Executive and Leadership Coaching www.Re.ElectRenaeMitchell4PfISD. org Trish Smith Experience: public school educator for 31 years, international teacher for 8 years Occupation: retired teacher/ promotions coordinator www.tinyurl.com/3rvhju36

With the influx of charter schools, PfISD must demonstrate the quality education and programming PfISD offers. After listening to community members, teacher retention and support are key to ensuring a quality public education. I have ideas for mentorship programs. Being strategic with budget allotment and school safety are also priorities.

Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees, Place 4

If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges? Continuous improvement maximizing responsibility, accountability, transparency; budget appropriations (human resources, 35 campuses, inflationary expenditures); student academic and social growth; enhancing systems, processes; and capacity to excel as a destination district.

If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented? The new Strategic Plan; a vibrant learning community where safety, technology, communication and innovation support the joy of teaching/learning; community/parental partnerships enhancing students, staff and programs; student/staff sense of genuinely belonging by enthusiastically engaging in the available opportunities that build confidence and belief in their success. CTE... I would like to see an asset-mapping project with participation from staff, community members and organizations to identify and leverage the community’s strengths to address district needs where possible. As a former mentor, I would also like to see a push for more structured mentoring programs across the schools.

Vernagene Mott* Experience: 21 years trustee, 13 years TASB Director, Lone Star Investment Board, retired teacher Occupation: organist/keyboardist www.facebook.com/Mott4PfISD

Top of mind is the financial health of the district. Teacher retention, the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, and mapping community assets to move beyond transparency to promoting community involvement to improve the student experience.

Claudia Yañez Experience: District parent,

community leader, public school safety & funding advocate, financial acumen Occupation: Human Capital Management www.claudia4pfisd.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees, Place 5

If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges? The district’s budget deficit is troubling as well as the lack of competitive compensation for our more experienced educators. We experienced an influx of security threats last fall, making parents fearful about sending students to school. We must continue our plan to stabilize ourselves financially and to increase school safety.

If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented? I’d like for us to establish a magnet school with community input on its focus. We must improve academic outcomes, meeting or exceeding state and regional academic performance across the board. We need to consider water re-use and energy efficiency in our facilities design, resulting in lower long-term operational costs.

Kelly Daniel* Experience: two years with PfISD Board, current board VP, Pflugerville Education Foundation President Occupation: geologist and Vice-

President at Kleinfelder www.kellyforpfisd.com

If elected, my first priority will be to ensure the school district complies with state laws. Implementing the state required changes to keep school children safe is the first priority.

The new district policy I will peruse is to use the school marshals or trained teachers to keep the kids safe. Pflugerville has the highest percentage of veterans of any city in Travis county. More than 10% of the city’s workforce are veterans. These men and women are trained with…

Lee R. Wallace Experience: parent of 2020 Weiss graduate, government work Occupation: Retired, previously Hot Jumbo Bagel owner and Army Infantry officer hotjumbobagel@yahoo.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.

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Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

During uniform election days in Texas, which are held twice a year in May and November, eligible residents are given the opportunity to vote at a polling site or via a mail-in ballot. Both of an allowed form of identification can request a provisional ballot and follow associated pro- cesses to cast their vote. What identification to bring when heading to the polls May 3 voting methods require presentation of a valid and approved form of identification, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. When voting in person, eligible voters not in possession

Voters are required to bring one of seven forms of identification with them when they cast their ballot in person.

Voters who do not possess one of the approved forms of photo ID can present an alternative form of identification:

TEXAS DRIVER

TEXAS HL

PASSPORT

US CITIZEN

• Government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate • Current utility bill • Bank statement • Government check • Paycheck • Certified U.S. state or territory birth certificate or a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity

U.S. Citizenship Certificate

U.S. Passport

Texas Driver License

Texas Handgun License

TX ELEC ID

MILITARY

TX PER ID

Texas Election Identification Certificate

Texas Personal Identification Card

U.S. Military Identification Card

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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State

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

5 legislative updates to know from Central Texas lawmakers

Hundreds of new bills have been filed since the Texas Legislature first convened Jan. 14 for its 2025 legislative session. All state representatives and senators have been referred to committees that will review current and future legislation as lawmakers continued to file bills through March 14. Lawmakers from the Austin area have proposed many new bills that could have implications in Central Texas and across the state. 1 Bill filed to ban student cellphone use House Bill 515 by Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, could prohibit students from using their cellphones on campus next school year. The legislation would require a school district’s board of trustees to adopt a policy banning students from using a personal device throughout the school day. Students would have to put their device in a secure location or lockable container, such as a secure case or pouch, provided by the district. During a Senate Education Committee hearing in September, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath urged state lawmakers to pass a statewide ban against students using cellphones in all public schools.

4 New 10-year redistricting process proposed A new independent resident commission to draft Texas Senate and state and U.S. House district boundaries after 10-year census counts is proposed in Senate Joint Resolution 8. Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said her bill aims to make the process objective and “fair, transparent and nonpartisan” by moving it out of the Legislature. Step 1: Amendments must be proposed with at least ⅔ support in the House and Senate Step 2: A majority of voters must approve the amendment in an election 3 Legislation proposes allowance of local minimum wage Municipalities and counties could have the authority to implement a local minimum wage that’s higher than the federal floor under Senate Bill 339 by Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin. Texas abides by the federal minimum wage, which has been $7.25 per hour since 2009.

2 State takeover of Austin’s Congress Avenue considered Authority over the historic strip of Austin’s Congress Avenue leading up to the Capitol could be transferred from the city to the state under a bill from Troxclair. Troxclair’s HB 2368 would turn over Congress Avenue between Lady Bird Lake and 11th Street, where the Capitol sits, to the Texas Department of Transportation. The proposal comes as city planners are looking to redesign aspects of Congress downtown, including the closure of several blocks near the Capitol for use as public plaza space. Troxclair didn’t respond to a request for comment about the bill or its local effects as of press time. Today, most roads in Austin are managed by the city, although portions of some roadways are in the state highway system.

Many Texas school districts have recently updated their device policies to restrict cellphone use, including Lake Travis and Georgetown ISDs.

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

5 Senator looks to tighten school bus seat belt rules

be excluded for budgetary reasons, an allowance Menéndez’s bill would strike. His proposal would allow districts to accept donations or grants to help with the safety modernization.

Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, is looking to ensure school districts transport students in buses equipped with safety belts. Under his SB 546, all Texas districts would be required to use school buses with at least a two- point seat belt for all passengers and the driver. State law currently requires school buses to use three-point seat belts but exempts vehicles from before 2017. Models from 2018 and after can also

"If it were in my power, I would’ve already banned them in schools in the state." MIKE MORATH, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMISSIONER

Two-point: minimum standard proposed Three-point: currently required, with exemptions for older buses and funding constraints

SOURCE: STATE OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

The University of Texas’ J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin will serve as a test track for transportation technologies such as autonomous vehicles, paving the way for improved safety. The Safety, Mobility, Autonomy, Research, and Testing Track, or SMARTTrack, is led by UT, Capital Area Metropolitan Area Planning Organization, Texas Department of Transportation and other industry leaders. SMARTTrack will be used to test emerging transportation technologies, like advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous vehicles and AI-integrated trac cameras. The project is slated to be funded by CAMPO and TxDOT. About $33 million in grants has been applied for, but approval is pending. Travel tech to be tested in Austin

The impact

Proposed testing routes Each tier expands the testing area, gathering real- world data from implemented technologies across North Austin.

With the rise of new technologies shaping transportation and safety, it’s essential to collect real-world data in a controlled environment, said Amit Bhasin, director for the university’s Center for Transportation Research. The research team intends to analyze data for one to two years post- installation to evaluate performance and outcomes. The data can then be used to develop “blueprints” for other cities and agencies by adapting Austin’s insights for their own deployments, said Miguel Arellano, a deputy district engineer for TxDOT. “We’re talking about trying to create a system approach that our whole region can plug into, so that way you can take plans, specications, or standards o the shelf at Texas SMARTTrack and apply in your city, your county or on a state system,” Arellano said.

Test course for Tier 3 Test area for Tier 1 and 2*

183

MOPAC

PARMER LN.

METRIC BLVD.

360

183

MOPAC

*TEST AREAS ARE TENTATIVE

SOURCE: SMARTTRACKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

The nal stretch From the cover

Zooming in

What’s happening?

Shared-use paths & sidewalks

POND SPRINGS RD.

The 183 North Mobility Project is in its third year of construction ahead of a targeted completion date of 2026. The project was rst launched in 2013 by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Texas Department of Transportation. The $612 million project aims to relieve congestion along 183 North—the 9-mile section of road between MoPac and SH 45— by adding two toll lanes in each direction that will connect to the existing tolls on MoPac and 183A in Cedar Park. The project also added a fourth nontolled northbound and southbound lane, which opened last year, and is working to improve shared-use paths along the corridor for bikes and pedestrians. In partnership with CapMetro, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Travis and Williamson county governments, the project is being funded through TxDOT, a federal loan and toll revenue bonds. A 2024 TxDOT analysis reported 183 North as the 90th most congested roadway in Texas, causing an annual congestion cost of $31 million. Austin’s population has also grown by about 111,000 people since the project’s inception over a decade ago, plus more people moving farther north to areas like Cedar Park and Leander, Mobility Authority Director of Engineering Mike Sexton said. Without the project, average peak travel times could reach nearly an hour in each direction by 2035, per data from the project’s environmental study. An average of 50,000 to 90,000 vehicles already travel in each direction per day on the road, said Sylvia Shelton, Mobility Authority assistant director of communications. 145,000 130,000 115,000 100,000 0 Average number of vehicles per day Trac on 183 North Over 100,000 vehicles traveled north and south on US 183 North daily over 10 years.

45 TOLL

Shared-use path connections New sidewalks

Pedestrian underpass

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

Existing main lanes Existing frontage roads

BARRINGTON WAY

Minor roads Existing bike lanes Existing sidewalks Existing crossings

JOLLYVILLE RD.

POND SPRINGS RD.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

BARRINGTON WAY

183

Express lane connections

New 183 North collector-distributor New 183 North express lanes Existing MoPac express lanes Existing frontage roads Existing main lanes Minor roads

MOPAC

STECK AVE.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

ANDERSON LN.

FAR WEST BLVD.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

NOTE: THE AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS REPRESENT THE AVERAGE OF SIX TRAFFIC COUNTERS LOCATED ALONG 183 NORTH. SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Diving in deeper

Major takeaways

Project specs Once completed, the project will bring:

In August, construction crews hit one of the project’s biggest milestones yet: the completion of the two additional nontolled lanes, bringing the total number of lanes in each direction to four. Roadways that transition from three lanes to four lanes and then back to three are common throughout Austin, Sexton said. Current oncoming ramps on 183 North add a lane, but drivers lose it once the ramp exits, he said. “It creates a lot of congestion at those ramp points where people are trying to merge, so us being able to do that fourth lane early has allowed an improvement in travel time to that section of roadway—not even getting to the tolled section yet,” Sexton said. As crews work to complete the project throughout the rest of the year, travel alerts with lane closures and other information can be accessed at www.183north.com.

183 North is one of the primary roadways between Austin and northern cities such as Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill, Sexton said, and is seen as a vital connection between the communities. The project isn’t just a toll road, he added, but an opportunity for “all dierent modes of trans- port” to be addressed and a way for businesses along the corridor to gain better visibility. “The beauty of this is it’s going to impact any type of user of the community,” Sexton said.

4,200 feet of shared-use paths connecting bike lanes 11 miles of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks

9 minute toll lane commutes by 2035

16 minute faster nontolled lane evening commutes by 2035 24 minute faster nontolled lane morning commutes by 2035

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Measuring the impact

Shelton said the 183 North team often attends HOA meetings and other local events so the community can discuss the project with ocials. “We like to join where we know people are already going to be because we know that they have those questions there as well,” Shelton said. Linda Strickland, Balcones Village/Spicewood HOA president, said that while neighborhood outreach eorts have been good, some residents are concerned about trac increases on Ander- son Mill Road, which many BVS residents utilize. More drivers are cutting through Anderson Mill to avoid construction on 183 North and RM 620, she said. “Since this project is not really including any of the intersection there at [RM] 620, we have concerns that this will become a permanent situation,” Strickland said. “Anderson Mill Road is not built for that kind of trac.”

The US 183 North team works with businesses along the corridor to keep them informed of upcoming construction. Business impact

Major milestones

Aug. 2013: project begins

1 US 183 outreach teams

oer businesses free “open for business” signage.

April 2016: environmental study with public input approved Feb. 2021: Great Hills Constructors selected as design-build contractor

2 Driveway construction usually lasts 4-6 weeks. 3 Businesses retain open access to driveways, but only a portion of driveway are blocked during construction.

Jan. 2022: project breaks ground

Aug. 2024: nontolled lanes open

SOURCE: 183 NORTH MOBILITY PROJECT OUTREACH TEAMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

For businesses, 183 North ocials said crews have completed about 150 business driveways as of early 2025—about 70% of the task—and have about 64 sections of driveway work remaining.

2026: project complete

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY HALEY MCLEOD

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

A partnership of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Texas Housing Conservancy and Civicap Partners is preserving hundreds of aordable units near The Domain. The partnership’s acquisition of apartment complex Twelve100, announced in January, will keep aordable housing options for “generations to come” by providing eligible residents with decreased monthly rents, TXHC President and CEO Monica Medina said. TXHC and AHFC have now acquired nine properties and preserved about 700 aordable units across Austin, Medina said. “We’re seeing [rent prices] softening right now, but once the market comes back, rents are going to continue to escalate in that area,” Medina said. 384 aordable units preserved

$4.3 million contract jump starts all-electric bus eet On Feb. 27, electric mobility infrastructure com- pany Camber announced an expanded partnership with Austin’s public transit provider CapMetro. The company received a $4.3 million contract to install new large-scale charging infrastructure. The impact Camber’s delivery of 2.9 megawatts of power to CapMetro’s main bus depot enables the agency the ability to charge up to 48 electric buses CapMetro approved a contract to install charging infrastructure in its plans for an all-electric eet.

ABIA begins parking garage project Making room for the future one level at a time, airport and city ocials broke ground on a new parking garage at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Feb. 28. The details Marking another milestone coming online for the airport’s multimillion-dollar expansion, the new parking garage will add an estimated 7,000 spaces, as well as electric vehicle charging stations and smart parking and toll gate technologies. The $15 million for design and $250 million for construction of the garage is fully funded by the airport. The project is paid for through airport reserves, revenue and future bonds— without using local tax dollars. The project is part of plans for a multiyear expansion known as Journey with AUS.

What residents should know

Twelve100 features one-, two- and three-bedroom units along with community amenities such as a resort- style pool, tness center, playground and dog park. Average monthly rent at the property ranges from $1,600-$1,700, Medina said. Through the acquisition, the aordable housing program will be able to reduce some rents to under $1,000. TXHC also brings programming to residents at properties it acquires, Medina said, such as nancial literacy and health and wellness classes, farmers markets, and back-to-school supply giveaways. Current or future Twelve100 residents interested in the aordable housing program must meet certain income requirements based on household size and Austin’s median family income.

“Both the size and scale of what [CapMetro’s] looking to do, in terms of electrication within Austin, is really exciting.” BRENDAN HARNEY, CAMBER PRESIDENT

A partnership preserved 384 units at apartment complex Twelve100 in North Austin.

simultaneously. How we got here

Twelve100 Apartments

CapMetro ocials outlined goals of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, giving the green light for a $255 million purchase of 197 electric-powered buses in the fall of 2021. As part of plans for Project Connect approved by voters in 2020, the purchase represents the largest procurement of electric vehicles in U.S. history, according to CapMetro ocials.

Under the partnership, Camber installed two charging systems and will continue to provide maintenance. The company will add more over- head charging infrastructure on routes in the near future, Camber President Brendan Harney said.

STONEHOLLOW DR.

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

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

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy (512) 342-6893

914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: An El Paso Refuge CRITTER: American Bumblebee OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas

MADE IN TEXAS: A Leathermaking Legacy FEATURE PREVIEW: Where to Eat Now

Above: The Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

DETOURS

A Tribal Sanctuary On a Sacred Trail

Location: eleven miles southeast of downtown El Paso. BY JOSH ALVAREZ

CRITTER

American Bumblebee

The bumblebee does something most bees don't: buzz pollination, which involves gripping the plant with its legs and vibrating its whole body. If you eat blueberries, potatoes, or tomatoes— all of which rely on buzz pollination— you’ve got a bumblebee to thank. WHY IS IT SO BIG? The better to collect all that sweet pollen to feed its young. That fuzz is actually densely packed hairs, or setae, that trap pollen as the bumblebee floats from flower to flower. Its large body likely evolved to provide even more surface area.

DOES IT STING? Only if you mess with its nest.

HOW MANY SPECIES ARE THERE? Texas has between seven and eleven types. The most common is the American bumblebee, found statewide. North Texans might spot the brown-belted bumblebee, while those in the west are likely to see the Sonoran variant. The gentle giant is in trouble, though: Since 1974, popula- tions across North America have fallen by 46 percent. SCIENTISTS KEEP TABS, RIGHT? Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of several Texas orga- nizations partnering with Jacqueline Staab, the owner of Darwin’s Bee Dogs. Her German shorthaired pointers are trained to sniff out bumblebee nests for population surveys. “If we lose bees,” says Staab, “we lose Texas ecosystems.” —Rose Cahalan

INSIDE THE ADOBE walls of the Ysleta Mis- sion are clues to a deep history of acculturation that characterizes El Paso to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, more commonly known as the Tigua, established the mission in 1682, making it one of the oldest in Texas (much of the current structure was built in 1851). The Tigua arrivedherefromNewMexico,whichtheyfled after the Pueblo Indians there overthrew the

Spanish colonial system, in 1680, forcing Span- iards and Christianized Pueblos to seek safety elsewhere. The Tigua dedicated the mission to Anthony of Padua, patron saint of things that have been lost, whose figure stands atop the entrance; inside are blankets dyed in brilliant blues and reds and a statue of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Catholic Church’s first Native American saint. The structure, part of the El Paso Mission Trail, holds a mass every day. If you can, plan your visit for June 13, when the Tigua celebrate Saint Anthony with traditional dancing.

The church interior at the Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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