South Central Austin Edition | September 2025

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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 6 OCT. 1OCT. 29, 2025

2025 Private School Guide

Austin tax election called for $100M+ budget boost

INSIDE

Austin Public Health

Emergency Medical Services

Nearly $10 million in public health funding would go toward programs including $800,000 for infectious disease testing and treatment services. COURTESY AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH

City ocials dedicated almost $7 million to expand ambulance service, stang, and other emergency and crisis response. COURTESY AUSTINTRAVIS COUNTY EMS

Parks and Recreation Department

About $8 million for parkland maintenance and restoration eorts as well as wildre prevention is included in the city budget funded through a higher tax increase. COURTESY AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

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Austin Returns to Conservation Stage Watering Restrictions Know your watering day. Saving water is still encouraged to protect our precious resource.

austinwater.org

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

The future of health care, focused on you. UT Health Austin is part of a new kind of academic medical center — combining advanced care, top specialists and breakthrough research to serve you, your family and your goals. Experts at our Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute provide advanced treatment for cataracts, corneal disease, neuro-ophthalmic conditions, uveitis and more. Whether you’re managing a health condition or just focusing on wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Experience a new standard of care. To request an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit uthealthaustin.org.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY 101

Stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing or the stop arm is out.

Stay alert near bus stops and watch for students.

Leave extra space between your vehicle and a school bus.

Together, let’s keep our students safe.

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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.

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Reporters Brittany Anderson

Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia

Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst

Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com

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

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

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T Impacts South Central Austin

splash park for pets, and serves puppy bowls and ice cream, owner Sandra Vargas said. • Opened Aug. 16 • 5020 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.barkhouseatx.com 5 HokkaiSan Owned by Jason Qiu, the Japanese-style grocery store o ers a curated selection of food, Asian snacks and beverages for visitors to get a taste of Japan. Customers looking to indulge in a meal can check out the store’s fresh sushi and hot meals, including teriyaki bowl options, which are prepared daily. • Opened Aug. 23 • 609 Congress Ave., Austin • www.hokkaisan.com 6 FM Western Store The western wear store is now open near the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road. The store has a selection of vintage cowboy hats and a variety of clothing. • Opened Aug. 23 • 517 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. C, Austin • Instagram: fmwesternstore 7 Cenote The East Austin co ee shop and hang has found a new home in the former Revival Co ee location on East Seventh Street. The refreshed menu o ers brunch favorites, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and fries, while the drinks span classic co ee shop staples to a wide mix of beer, wine and cocktails. • Opened Aug. 29 • 1405 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.cenoteaustin.com 8 Strong Pilates Community members can participate in 45-minute classes featuring high-intensity, low-impact reformer strength training. Owned by Kendra Blair and Shannon Togher, the location o ers classes crafted for a full-body workout focused on building strength and improving endurance. • Opened Aug. 30 • 1717 W. Sixth St., Ste. R110, Austin • www.strongpilates.co

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

PRESIDENTIAL BLVD.

• Opened Aug. 2 • 1607 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • Instagram: @luannescoffee

Now open

1 TropiCafé Owned by Ray Rivera and his wife, Moni, the co ee truck is inspired by the duo’s Puerto Rican and Mexican backgrounds. The truck features signature creations, including a piña colada latte and banana cream matcha. • Opened July 12 • 2801 S. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.tropicafeatx.com 2 Luanne’s Co ee and Matcha A new mobile co ee spot o ering specialty co ee and matcha is now open o East Cesar Chavez Street. The co ee shop is LGBTQ+ and women-owned. Specials include the Honey Cornbread Matcha Latte and Blue Coconut Matcha Latte.

3 EarthWise Pet The holistic pet store and grooming studio ocially opened its South Lamar location. Pet parents can nd pet food, toys, supplies, self wash options and day camp services. • Opened mid-August • 2330 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 110, Austin • www.earthwisepet.com 4 BARk House Social The private o -leash dog park began serving food and drinks to pets and their owners in East Austin. The membership-based business provides access to a 1-acre turf dog park that is mud free. The business features a

A Texas Tradition Since 1970

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9 Victory Lap The sports bar Victory Lap has opened a new Rainey Street location. The bar’s decor highlights the history of The University of Texas’ athletics department and includes turf patios and large TV screens. • Opened Aug. 30 • 85 Rainey St., Austin • www.victorylapbar.com/raineystreet 10 Twin Isle A new Caribbean restaurant from local chef Janelle Romeo, behind Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, opened o Rosewood Avenue in September. Menu items are inspired by the £avors of Romeo’s native island, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding Caribbean islands. • Opened Sept. 1 11 Nica on 4th The team behind Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club, Kris Kimura and Aaron Frescas, has crafted a new jazz bar concept. The business features table service combined with classic, handcrafted cocktails and an intimate, prohibition-era atmosphere of 1920s Chicago, where community members can experience live music. • Opened Sept. 18 • 117 W. Fourth St., Ste. 101A, Austin • www.nicajazzbar.com 12 Kappo Kappo Kappo Kappo is a collaboration between designer Kelly Wearstler and twin chefs Haru and Gohei Kishi. The restaurant will o er a chef-driven tasting experience combining Japanese kappo cuisine and French technique, according to a news release. • Opening this fall • 600 W. Second St., Austin • Instagram: kappokappoaustin • 1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.twinislerestaurant.com

Now open

In the news

14 Fright Bite Owned by Omar Penilla, the business is inspired by his son, Jordan Alexander Penilla, who has a dream to become a horror movie director in the future. Diners can order meals such as Possessed Potatoes with meat toppings, butter, salt, Mexican cream and more, plus Dracula Tacos, Killer Quesadillas

17 Juliet Italian Kitchen The Austin-based Italian restaurant is undergoing brand changes that include new leadership, chefs and menus as they celebrate 10 years in business. Juliet Italian Kitchen rst opened o Barton Springs Road in 2015. The restaurant is now helmed by new CEO Timothy Rucker, who joined the team in May, allowing longtime owners Dan and Donna Wilkins to take a step back from daily operation. • 1500 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.juliet-austin.com

and Killer Corn. • Opened Aug. 1 • 2801 S. I-35 frontage road, Austin • Instagram: fright_bite

Bavarian pretzel, Belgian-style fries and more. • Opening in October • 3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.kokosbavarian.com 15 VanHorn’s The chef duo behind Bill’s Oyster and Teddy’s Restaurant & Bar is opening a New York-inspired steakhouse in Downtown Austin this fall. • Opening this fall

International Airport. • Opening this winter • 3600 Presidential Blvd., Ste. 3703, Austin • www.kendrascott.com

In the news

18 Juan in a Million The Mexican restaurant celebrated its 45th anniversary in July. It was started by teachers Juan and Myrna Meza in 1980 and is still owned and operated by the Meza family. • 2300 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.juaninamillion.com

Coming soon

• 238 W. Second St., Austin • Instagram: @vanhorns.atx

13 Koko’s Bavarian The location will feature 7,000 square feet of Bavarian tradition and Texas hospitality with an expanded food and beverage menu including wings, whitesh dip,

16 Kendra Scott Austin-based jewelry brand Kendra Scott is expected to open a location inside the Austin-Bergstrom

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

South Austin homeless services hub likely to move Austin is looking to relocate a homeless services hub from the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center to a new location o I-35 in South Austin. The big picture

Travis County directs $34M for child care Less than a year after voters authorized a countywide tax rate hike to expand aord- able child care, Travis County o cials are rolling out the rst wave of local invest- ments for the Creating Access for Resilient Families, or CARES, initiative. The big picture County commissioners OK’d a $24 million contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to support child care for 1,000 young children, and $9.7 million for Austin, Manor and Del Valle ISD pre-K and after-school programs. The Aug. 26 approvals kicked o a two-year funding pilot. Looking back The tax rate increase approved last November is expected to generate about $75 million annually for increased day care subsidy placements and reduced-tuition incentives; more after-school and sum- mer-care spots; expanded child care hours; and coverage of state subsidy funding gaps. County sta said the initial investment is the fastest child care fund to launch in the nation, as similar eorts typically take about two years to get o the ground. So far, Travis County’s over $34 million invested is expected to result in 3,099 early child care and after-school slots. Other contracts are being negotiated with additional local providers, school districts and Health and Human Services, which are expected to add more than 1,700 slots.

Gray said he couldn’t comment on whether Sun- rise would also make the move across town, if his o ce would choose a new operator, or if the city will open a public solicitation for a replacement. Stay tuned The announcement of the possible new nav- igation center location doesn’t represent a nal decision, and resident input will inform how ser- vices are relocated. Gray said the current approach diers from some of Austin’s past property purchases for homeless shelter or housing that advanced without community review. Feedback or questions can be emailed to homeless.input@austintexas.gov. One more thing Austin’s homelessness o ce has reported the city should have more than one navigation center given its population and geographic size. Gray said the potential I-35 purchase won’t halt consideration of other sites or strategies, like enhancing smaller providers or co-locating multiple services together.

Navigation centers are a single location where homeless clients can access case management, health care, mail services and more. The main existing navigation center in Austin, based out of Sunrise Community Church at 4430 Menchaca Road, has served hundreds of clients from around the city and received millions of local and federal dollars in recent years. It’s also drawn many public safety complaints, and both legal and legislative pushback. Homeless Strategy O cer David Gray said it’s been clear that a new location was needed, despite previous work with Sunrise on “operational enhancements” at the church. A property at 2401 S. I-35 was identied as a potential replacement after months of searching, and Austin may now move to buy the site as soon as October after pub- lic review. The city could start leasing the property as its new navigation center by next spring.

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Austin begins $3M civic comprehensive plan update City Council kicked o a $3 million update to the 30-year civic roadmap Imagine Austin in August. The setup

“This update to Imagine Austin is about making sure our city keeps a sense of possibility and connection as we grow. It’s about holding on to what makes Austin special,

rapid changes over the past decade-plus. O cials budgeted $3 million for the project in 2023. An updated draft plan will be up for review next winter ahead of nal approval by fall 2027. Community events, surveys and other outreach are expected over the year ahead and more infor- mation is available online. “We want to make sure everyone’s voice counts, especially the ones that haven’t always been heard,” Planning Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt said.

while thinking big and planning smart for the future,” KIRK WATSON, MAYOR

The city charter calls for ongoing comprehensive planning to manage issues from development to natural resource management. Imagine Austin was adopted in 2012, and city leaders have since used the document as the basis for policy decisions and strategic planning. A revision for the next 20 years is taking place given

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Community Connections Resource Fair Join us for a fun-filled day for the whole family! • Free food, prizes and kid-friendly activities • Health services and vaccinations • Community agencies and vendors • Resources to help lower your utility bills

• Drive-thru food bank • Free bus pass to event

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Area roads set for nearly $4B in state investment A new 10-year transportation plan from the Texas Department of Transporta- tion unveiled in August outlines a nearly $4 billion investment in the Austin area. The plan focuses on improving local roads and tackling major congestion points. Many of the projects in the 2026 plan are roadway segments identied on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Road- ways list. The plan also calls for millions allocated toward trac management technology along I-35 and SH 71. Some Travis County roads will include: • SH 130: from SH 45N to SH 45S • I-35 Capital Express Central • FM 812: from west of SH 130 to Peterson Road • SH 71: from east of Riverside to US 183 • SH 71: from US 183 to Presidential Boulevard

East Austin debuts bike safety course

TxDOT’s 2026 Unied Transportation Program contains several planned transportation projects across the Austin metro.

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For parents preparing to give their kids a bit more independence on the way to school, Parque Zaragoza in East Austin now oers a scaled-down street network where children and new riders can practice bike safety. The new trac garden was created through a partnership between the Austin Parks Foundation, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Amigos de Parque Zaragoza.

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• Loop 360: intersection at Courtyard Drive • Loop 360: intersection at Lakewood Drive • RM 620: from SH 71 to Hudson Bend • RM 1826: from Hwy. 290 to SH 45

Children can ride through the new trac garden at Parque Zaragoza in East Austin.

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Education Private School Guide

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

801 Grande St., Austin • www.headwaters.org

2025

Austin

Huntington-Surrey School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: N/A Enrollment: 30 Tuition: $18,700 annually • 4001 Speedway, Austin • www.huntingtonsurrey.org

AHB Community School Type: micro-school Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: athletics, ne arts, STEM, etc Enrollment: 100 Tuition: $13,950 annually • 1509 Dartmouth Ave., Austin • www.ahbcs.org Austin Jewish Academy Type: Pluralist Jewish day school focused on project- based learning Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: Pluralistic Jewish Extracurriculars: competitive athletics (grades 4-8), art club, musical, chess club, Kids Connection, other activities via Shalom Austin Enrollment: 101 Tuition: $20,800 (K-5), $21,200 (6-8) annually • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin • www.austinjewishacademy.org

Austin Rising Type: micro-school, homeschool co-op Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: n/a Extracurriculars: eld trips, Market Days, community service projects Enrollment: 60-70

The Girls’ School of Austin Type: all-girls school Grades served: K-8 Extracurriculars: art, music, Spanish Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 150 Tuition: $22,000 for lower school; up to $24,800 for middle school annually Headwaters School Type: Montessori, International Baccalaureate diploma program Grades served: 18 months-12th grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurriculars: athletics, art, leadership, clubs and more Enrollment: 505 Tuition: between $16,900-$24,600 annually, depending on the program • Spring Campus, 6305 Menchaca Road, Austin; Creek Campus, 9607 Brodie Lane, Austin; River Campus, • 2007 McCall Road, Austin • www.thegirlsschool.org

Kirby Hall School Type: private, traditional Grades served: pre-K4-8 Religious orientation: N/A

Tuition: $8,550-10,950 annually • 6211 Parkwood Drive, Austin • www.austinrisingschool.com Cathedral School of Saint Mary Type: Catholic, Classical School Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic

Extracurriculars: ag football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and eld, student council, spirit squad and newspaper Enrollment: 101 Tuition: $14,950 annually (pre-K-4), $21,255 annually (K-8)

Extracurriculars: chess club, soccer, basketball, ag football, volleyball, morning care and after-care available Enrollment: 170 Tuition: $8,000 annually; sibling discounts and nancial aid scholarships available

• 306 W. 29th St., Austin • www.kirbyhallschool.org

Grin School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 166 Extracurriculars: athletics, music performance,

studio art, theatre Tuition: $22,600 annually • 5001 Evans Ave., Austin • www.grifinschool.org

• 910 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.smcschoolaustin.org

CONTINUED ON 15

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Education

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Austin

St. Austin Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K3-8

Religious orientation: Catholic, Paulist Fathers Extracurriculars: athletics, choir, band, student council, National Junior Honor Society, Private Schools Interscholastic Association, drama and student clubs Enrollment: 190 Tuition: $11,875-$12,875 annually • 2026 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.staustinschool.org

Magellan International School Type: International Baccalaureate, Spanish immersion

Enrollment: 635 Tuition: $21,835 annually

• Main Campus, 7501 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin; preschool campus, 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 601, Austin • www.magellanschool.org

Grades served: preschool-12 Religious orientation: N/A

Extracurriculars: student-led clubs, competitive sports, innovation labs and international travel

Tuition: $13,900 annually • 2512 S. First St., Austin • www.sjdchs.org

Extracurriculars: athletics, choir, drama, student clubs Enrollment: 360 Tuition: $13,200-$13,950 annually • 4311 Small Drive, Austin • www.st-theresa.org

CONTINUED FROM 13

Redeemer School and Preschool Type: religion-based

St. Louis Catholic School Type: private, religious-based, Montessori, traditional Grades served: Montessori ages 3-5, pre-K4-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurriculars: sports, altar servers, choir Enrollment: 300 Tuition: $9,300 annually • 2114 St. Joseph Blvd., Austin • www.st-louis.org

Grades served: pre-K, Kinder Bridge and K-8 Religious orientation: Protestant-Lutheran Extracurriculars: athletics, music, student council Enrollment: 500 Tuition: $11,300-12,800 annually (preschool); $11,000 annually (elementary); $11,000 annually (middle) • 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.redeemerschool.net San Juan Diego Catholic High School Type of school: religion-based Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurriculars: athletics, internship program Enrollment: 172

Waterloo School Austin Type: project-based learning Grades served: 9-12

Religious orientation: Christian (nondenominational) Extracurriculars: sports, AV media production, yearbook Enrollment: 80 Tuition: $19,000 annually; nancial aid available

• 1511 S. Congress Ave., Austin • https://waterlooaustin.org

St. Theresa Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic

Explore a Catholic education today and watch your child grow into their fullest potential. Forming children in wisdom & holiness

19 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL TEXAS | NOW ENROLLING PREK-12TH GRADE | CSDATX.ORG

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Austin tax election called for $100M+ budget boost From the cover

The setup

Budget blueprint Homeless strategy investments make up a large share of budget additions under the TRE. NOTE: AROUND $76 MILLION OF MORE THAN $109 MILLION IN ADDED GENERAL FUND REVENUE UNDER THE TRE WAS RESERVED FOR CITY OPERATIONS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE CITY DIDN'T CONFIRM REMAINING ALLOCATIONS AS OF PRESS TIME.

Unconrmed: 30.74% Homelessness response 30.32% Public safety 18.53% Public health 8.76% Parks and recreation 7.27% Other 4.37%

T otal: $109.48M

Austin voters will soon decide whether to support the largest tax increase in recent years for a more than $100 million city budget expansion. Funding the $6.3 billion budget passed by City Council requires raising tax revenue above a state cap. That requires a tax rate election, or TRE, this fall labeled on ballots as Proposition Q. Ocials have framed the TRE as a move to maintain city operations in the face of state limits on local spending and federal public service cuts. “I strongly believe that if we’re not making the kinds of investments we need to make in our people and our services, we will fall behind and be managing decay in Austin in a very short period of time,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. After sta proposed a balanced base budget this summer, council members added tens of millions of dollars—largely for homelessness response, public health and safety, and parks—alongside a tax hike to fund it. Those items expand on

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

the budget, with a focus on a council priority of addressing homelessness by: • Continuing Austin’s encampment-to-shelter initiative and conducting more street outreach • Developing new shelter and supportive housing • Expanding programs to divert at-risk residents from becoming homeless. The TRE-backed budget was adopted 10-1, with council member Marc Duchen voting against. He’s said the larger tax hike for a “Band-Aid” budget will impose an aordability burden on residents, without correcting the city’s “longstanding spending problem.”

“Whatever voters decide to do ... we need to take a closer look at our expenditures, nd smarter ways of managing public dollars,” he said. Resident support for the new budget largely came from advocates for public programs, nonprots and city employees. “We can either accept a reduction in essential services that keep Austin safe, healthy and thriving, or we can make a small shared investment and maintain the quality of life we all value,” said Sean Oliver, program manager at the Life Anew restorative justice nonprot.

The approach

Annual household* impact Utility charges and city fees

Property taxes

$6K $5K $4K $3K $2K $1K $0 $7K

The Love Austin political action committee is campaigning for the TRE, with support from elected ocials, labor organizations, nonprots and parks advocates. No organized opposition formed this summer. “If we do not rebalance the city’s budget through Prop Q, the time will come where we’ll have to decide what we will stop doing,” Brydan Summers, president of the government employee union AFSCME Local 1624, said at a Love Austin rally.

Only a handful of Texas cities have held TREs, including Austin. Its lone previous TRE was held in 2020 to fund the Project Connect transit system, passing with roughly 58% support. The typical Austin homeowner would pay hun- dreds of dollars more in property taxes next year if the TRE passes, resulting in a tax rate of $0.574017 per $100 of property value. That would raise the annual property tax bill for a median-valued home by about 7%. Regardless of the election outcome, other city fees and utility charges will also rise.

*BASED ON THE MEDIAN HOME VALUE AND TYPICAL UTILITY USE SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to submit your service requests. Call 3-1-1 512-974- tosubmit or 2000 t your service .

Exhibition On View October 18, 2025 – March 8, 2026

T. rex: The Ultimate Predator is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

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.

Illustration by Zhao Chuang; courtesy of PNSO

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

Some context

Austin's tax rate is just one of several paid by most city residents. Totaling local taxes for FY 202526

The county tax rate is also rising above the vot- er-approval threshold next year—although public authorization isn’t needed as it’s tied to disaster response for the July oods. That rate is expected to drop again next year. Looking ahead, Austin is now planning a com- prehensive bond package for consideration next fall. Sta recommended a total of no more than $700 million for that measure across multiple city departments, which would bring a roughly $100 annual tax increase for the typical homeowner.

The approved tax rate is about 20% higher than this year’s. If the TRE fails, it’d drop 5 cents to the maximum allowed without voter approval. City taxes have been increasing for years, but represent just one piece of the total bill most homeowners might pay to dierent entities. Proposition Q comes one year after successful tax elections for both Austin ISD and Travis County, and three years after the city, school district and Austin Community College each passed bonds.

Austin ISD 44.13% City of Austin 27.38% Travis County 17.93% Central Health 5.63% Austin Community College 4.93%

SOURCES: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AUSTIN ISD, CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT

The bottom line

Zooming out

Budget barriers Austin leaders cited several reasons for the city’s tightened ¡nancial outlook. Federal funding cuts Expiring American Rescue Plan Act dollars Texas’ 3.5% cap on annual local tax revenue increases Declining property tax forecasts Slipping sales tax collections

Majority voter support for Proposition Q will keep the adopted city budget in place, setting new oors for the city’s tax rate and the state’s cap on year- to-year civic revenue increases. If voters reject the tax rate measure, council will have to trim the spending plan below the TRE threshold. That process could see them potentially remove both base budget items and their later amendments. Ocials also previously decided TREs won’t be held more than every four years, barring ¡nancial emergencies or “signi¡cant” funding cuts. Residents have until Oct. 6 to register to vote. Early voting will run from Oct. 20-31 ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4.

Austin leaders had been signaling the likely need for a TRE throughout much of 2025, espe- cially after the city’s latest ve-year forecast, released in April, showed widening shortfalls expected through the 2020s. The city’s original proposed budget closed a more than $30 million decit for the coming scal year, and gaps were expected to reach $80 million by FY 2029-30. Increasing taxes under the TRE will set up balanced budgets for the next two years, and smaller decits by 2030. Austin representatives have cited Texas’ limit on year-over-year jumps in local revenue collections as a large budgeting obstacle. They’ve also pointed to the federal level, where recent grant cuts have impacted local programming, while one-time pandemic relief primarily used for homelessness is nearly used up. Budget sta also said local tax revenue may be falling o from recent highs.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT

The impacts of an expanded budget and higher taxes were criticized by many in the community this summer. One, resident Paul Dietz, told council he’s seen longtime Austinites and businesses pushed out by cost pressures that don’t aect many of the city’s “ultra-rich” new arrivals. “It’s forming a new caste system here, and it’s crowding out the soul of what made Austin, Austin,” he said.

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Business

BY DACIA GARCIA

Pins & Wheels at Playland expands

Since 1974, Pins & Wheels at Playland has crafted a family-friendly entertainment space for customers of all ages to dive into a world of fun. With recent renovations, the center has grown from a roller rink and small arcade to a community hub featuring ve entertainment experiences. The background Managing partner Stephanie Moxley grew up alongside the business after her parents, Pete and Anna Morin, purchased the space in 2002. As a locally owned and operated business for over 50 years, Moxley said the center has served as a place families can share generation to generation. “The heart of Playland is our roller skating and the memories that we’ve created for families,” Moxley said. Attendees can take part in skating, axe throwing, bowling, karaoke and arcade games.

Managing partner Stephanie Moxley has been part of the business since her parents purchased it in 2002.

The main attraction at the center is its skating rink which hosts themed-skating night frequently.

COURTESY PINS & WHEELS AT PLAYLAND

DACIA GARCIA COMMUNITY IMPACT

183

MCCANN DR.

8822 McCann Dr, Austin, TX 78757 www.pinsandwheels.com

Customers can enjoy bowling for as little as $10 on Thursdays.

COURTESY PINS & WHEELS AT PLAYLAND

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

• Oct. 17-Oct. 19 • Free (ages 10 and under); $10-$50 (admission) • 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austincardshow.com Austin Food Fest The festival will feature restaurants and food trucks accompanied by live music, games and giveaways. • Oct. 18, 2-10 p.m. • Free (ages 8 and under), $8 (general admission) • Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., Austin • Eventbrite: Austin Food Fest Austin Film Festival & Conference Attendees can enjoy watching feature lms and short lms as well as attend lmmaker Q&A’s. • Oct. 23-30 • $80+ • Locations vary • www.austin¢ilmfestival.com Tacos and Tires 3rd Annual Bicycle Show Bicycle lovers can admire custom and vintage bicycles. • Oct. 25, noon-5 p.m. • Free (general admission), $10 (bicycle registration) • Trek Bicycle Lamar, 517 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • Facebook: Tacos and Tires 3rd Annual Bicycle Show, Swap Meet and Ride

September

Kimmie and Friends Play for HOME The concert and storytelling series will bene t nonpro t Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers. • Sept. 8-Oct. 27, Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m. • $15 (general admission) • Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.homeaustin.org

October

Panic At The Paramount Individuals can get in the Halloween spirit by catching a screening of their favorite horror classics, slashers and thrillers at one of the series’ six showings. • Oct. 6-Nov. 9 • Prices range by showing • The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin • www.austintheatre.org Austin Card Show Community members can check out over 350 tables lled with various cards including Pokémon to memorabilia and collectibles.

Viva la Vida The annual Día De Los Muertos event will include over 20 vendors, traditional foods, hands-on art activities, a lowrider exhibition and live performances. • Oct. 25, noon-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Downtown Austin, Fourth Street and Congress Avenue, Austin • www.mexic-artemuseum.org/ event/viva-la-vida-2025

TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL 300+ Authors | Nov. 8–9 | Downtown ATX | Free

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

A slightly less amount of homes sold in the Central Austin market in August 2025 compared to August 2024, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

August 2024

August 2025

+63.64%

-50%

+35.29%

+21.74%

-0.15%

-55.56%

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

78705 78751 78752 78756

+11.11%

-42.31%

-11.11%

-42.86%

-25%

+24.24%

78757

78731

290

360

78723

78703

78701

78722

78702

78704

290

183

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

MOPAC

Median home sales price

South Central Austin

August

2024

2025

August

2023

2024

$624,498 $635,000 $1,632,750 $900,000 $337,000 $476,500 $570,450 $1,077,495 $589,999 $375,000 $857,500 $630,000

$665,000 $782,500 $1,185,000 $935,000 $293,000 $495,000 $611,000 $1,060,000 $625,000

78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78722 78723 78731 78751 78752 78756 78757

427 487

New listings

268 250

Closed sales

Homes under contract

240 280

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

$487,500 $897,800 $779,500

Whether you rent or own, checking for common code violations can help you stay safe at home.

Is your home safe?

AustinTexas.gov/SafeHome

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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