North Central Austin Edition | September 2025

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

North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 6 OCT. 2OCT. 30, 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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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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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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

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

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Travis Baker Austin Market President tbaker@ communityimpact.com

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Maudie’s Tex-Mex

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts North Central Austin

3 Lau Lau The family-run business is named after a Chinese family and is owned by long-time service industry workers, including Hannah Foy. In addition to classic coffee drinks, customers can order specialty items including Fish Sauce Caramel Latte, Chinese Five Spice Cortado and Foy’s Old Fashioned Latte. • Opened Aug. 18 • 3701 Guadalupe St., Ste. 106, Austin • www.laulauatx.com 4 Mù Coffee Mù Coffee is now serving coffee with Chinese-inspired flavors at The Cauldron in West Campus until mid- September. Founded by The University of Texas alumni Genny and Juan Acosta-Li, the coffee business features drinks such as the Osmanthus Latte, Barley Cold Brew and Jasmine Matcha. • Opened Aug. 19 • 2402 San Gabriel St., Austin • www.mucoffeeatx.com 5 Cenote The East Austin coffee shop has found a new home in the former Revival Coffee location on East Seventh Street. The refreshed menu offers brunch favorites, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and fries. • Opened Aug. 29 • 1405 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.cenoteaustin.com 6 Mazúr Coffee & Boutique The business is owned by Marissa Mazúr and will offer traditional coffee items, specialty coffee, matcha, tea and baked goods. The shop also doubles as a boutique. • Opening Aug. 30 • 4207 Medical Parkway, Austin • www.mazurcoffee.com 7 Small’s Pizza After years of operating as a food truck in various spots around the neighborhood, this local pie purveyor has found a permanent home for its crispy-crusted New Haven-style pizza in Springdale General. The menu offers pies like the Tomato Pie—a classic New Haven staple with garlic, oregano, olive oil and pecorino on a blistered, thin crust.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Lil’ Ramen Tatsu-Ya The latest location offers a limited menu focused on the restaurant’s most popular items, including The OG Tonkotsu, Miso Hot Tonkotsu and Curry Nu Skool Vegan. • Opened Aug. 17

Now open

MOPAC

71 1 Kesshō Craft Chocolate The small-batch “bean-to-bar” chocolate shop is co- owned by Liang Wang and Mark Huetsch and blends Asian ingredients into Western-style desserts. • Opened June 20 • 6726 Burnet Road, Austin • www.kessho.com

• 2416 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.ramen-tatsuya.com

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 COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opened Sept. 2 • 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 1 Unit D, Austin • www.smalls.pizza

• 1141½ Airport Blvd., Austin • Instagram: @thelostwell

Now open

12 Catholic Art & Gifts The faith-based retailer is relocating within the North Star Shopping Center. The store carries a variety of religious items, including rosaries, crucifixes, Bibles and prayer books. • Relocating in September • 7727 Burnet Road, Bldg. 5, Ste. 2115, Austin • www.zieglers.com

8 Waylon J’s Barbeque A new barbecue joint from pitboss Chad Deen and operating partner Lance Gresak is now open next door to Salty Sow. The restaurant is offering smoked brisket, sausages, pork belly, turkey and ribs. • Opened Sept. 11 • 1917 Manor Road, Austin • www.waylonj.com

In the news

Coming soon

13 Dwell Coworking The space is expanding its coworking area, which should be completed in September. The location offers dedicated desks available for booking, meeting rooms and private office spaces. • 1106 Clayton Lane, Ste. 500W, Austin • www.dwellcoworking.com 14 Recycled Reads Austin Public Library’s used bookstore, Recycled Reads, is anticipated to close in December or January with plans to expand bookselling operations across all library branches. • 5335 Burnet Road, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov/recycled-reads- bookstore 15 Water2Wine Owned by Dane Aziz, the neighborhood winery and tasting room specializes in low sulfite and low histamine wines and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. • 3300 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 304, Austin • https://austin.water2wine.com 16 Room Service Vintage LuCretia Sisk is stepping down as the owner of Room Service Vintage after 26 years and passing the torch to Audrie San Miguel, co-owner of Prototype Vintage and former Room Service Vintage employee. San Miguel plans to expand the space by over 400 square feet and extend the store’s hours.

9 Neon Belly Kathleen Wainwright and her husband, Tony Latto, developed the concept for Neon Belly. The cafe will feature locally roasted coffee, a full matcha bar, bite-

17 Twin Isle A new Caribbean restaurant from local chef Janelle Romeo, behind Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, opened off Rosewood Avenue in September. Menu items are inspired by the flavors of Romeo’s native island, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding

sized pastries and gelato. • Coming in September • 8312 Burnet Road, Austin • www.neonbellycoffee.com

Caribbean islands. • Opened Sept. 1

• 1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.twinislerestaurant.com

10 kidsActing Studio The children’s theater studio has taken center stage at The Linc in North Austin, unveiling a brand-new theatre space that will serve as its permanent home. The new facility features a 160-seat theatre, specially designed to host full-scale productions. The group offers a variety of classes and camps for children ages 3-19. • Opened in August • 6406 N. I-35, Ste. 2150, Austin • www.kidsactingstudio.com

• 117 E. North Loop Blvd., Austin • www.roomservicevintage.com

Closings

18 DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya The Japanese hot pot restaurant has closed to make space for a new concept which has not yet been disclosed. • Closed Aug. 17 • 7301 Burnet Road, Ste. 101, Austin • www.dipdipdip-tatsuya.com

Relocations

11 The Lost Well The Austin metal and rock venue The Lost Well has found a new home on Airport Boulevard in East Austin, after months of closure. Billed as “the friendliest bar you’ve ever been too scared to walk into,” the iconic rock ’n’ roll, punk and metal venue, the new spot takes over what was formerly the restaurant Tropicana Bar & Grill. • Opened Aug. 16

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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 ocials 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 oce 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 oce 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 Ocer 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. Ocials 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

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT DISCLAIMER: AMENDMENT TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

Ban on securities transaction taxes HJR 4 would bar lawmakers from imposing taxes on the purchase and sale of financial assets or requiring financial market operators to pay a tax to conduct business.

Judicial oversight SJR 27 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct to include six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the governor.

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

Texas State Technical College funding Senate Joint Resolution 59 would create two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College System, which has campuses statewide. Up to $52 million could be appropriated this year.

Tax exemption for military spouses HJR 133 would allow lawmakers to create a future property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from an illness related to their military service.

Increasing homestead exemption SJR 2 would raise the property tax exemption on a person’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

Ban on capital gains taxes SJR 18 would prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing any future taxes on capital gains, which is income received from selling an asset. Texas does not currently have such a tax.

Ban on death taxes HJR 2 would prohibit the legislature from imposing future taxes on a deceased person’s estate or an inheritance passed to their heirs. Neither tax currently exists in Texas.

State dementia research institute SJR 3 would allocate $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. An additional $300 million would be available for dementia-related research grants.

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

Tightening bail rules SJR 5 would require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, if the state demonstrates that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.

Business tax exemption HJR 1 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a $2,500 exemption.

Parental rights SJR 34 would add language to the Texas Constitution stating that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody and control” of their children and determine how to raise them.

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

Water supply funding House Joint Resolution 7 would send $1 billion in sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund each year from 2027-47. The state fund was formed in 2023 to finance water projects.

Homes destroyed in fire SJR 84 would allow a future state legislature to create a property tax exemption for someone rebuilding a home that is completely destroyed in a fire.

Requiring citizenship to vote SJR 37 would enshrine in the Texas Constitution that people who are not U.S. citizens may not vote in Texas elections. Only U.S. citizens are currently eligible to vote under state law.

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

Animal feed tax exemption HJR 99 would allow state lawmakers, in a future legislative session, to create a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed.

Exemption for elderly homeowners SJR 85 asks voters to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability to $200,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Border security tax exemption HJR 34 would exempt increases in a property’s value from taxation if the land is along the Texas- Mexico border and the added value is due to the installation of border security infrastructure.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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

BY CHLOE YOUNG

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

Austin ISD to intervene as 12 failing campuses require intervention

Twelve Austin ISD campuses will require immediate interven- tion after receiving three F ratings from the Texas Education Agency, AISD officials announced Sept. 3 in a letter to families. The district could choose to close these schools or restart the campus by hiring new principals and staff or partnering with a charter school. Something to note This summer, AISD began a school consolidation process to close and merge some campuses in the 2026-27 school year due to budgetary constraints and declining enrollment. While AISD didn’t use A-F ratings to rank cam- puses for potential consolidation, the 2025 ratings may now limit the district’s ability to combine campuses, Superintendent Matias Segura said in a letter posted to the district’s website. AISD must submit turnaround plans to the TEA on how it plans to improve performance at 23 campuses by Nov. 14. The plans are required after these campuses receive two or more unacceptable A-F accountability ratings, which Austin ISD will begin offering free after-school child care for eligible prekindergarten students at nine campuses this semester. The Travis County Commission- ers Court approved a $3.7 million, two-year contract to fund the new centers. AISD to extend prekindergarten after-school care

Schools facing closure or restarts

The following 12 campuses will require immediate intervention

due to receiving three unacceptable ratings:

Barrington Elementary Dawson Elementary Linder Elementary Oak Springs Elementary Pecan Springs Elementary Sanchez Elementary

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

Saturday, November 15 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastside Early College High School

Widen Elementary Winn Montessori

Woolridge Elementary Bedichek Middle School Martin Middle School Paredes Middle School

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

include F or multiple D ratings, from the state in 2025, according to scores released by Aug. 15. Additionally, Eastside Early College High School will require a turnaround plan.

The details Extended after-school care will be offered for around 300 eligible 3-year-old pre-K students from 3-6 p.m. each school day. Schools offering the program have 75% or more economically disadvantaged students or are located in areas lacking adequate availability of child care services. Participating schools include Allison, Padron, Houston, Norman-Sims, St. Elmo, Andrews, Guerrero-Thompson, Langford and Harris elementaries.

AustinEnergy.com/CommunityConnections

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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, fine 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: field 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: flag football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and field, 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, flag football, volleyball, morning care and after-care available Enrollment: 170 Tuition: $8,000 annually; sibling discounts and financial aid scholarships available

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

Griffin 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.griffinschool.org

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

CONTINUED ON 17

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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 15

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; financial 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

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NORTH 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.

Unconfirmed: 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. Officials 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 staff 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 AUSTIN/COMMUNITY 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 affordability 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, find smarter ways of managing public dollars,” he said. Resident support for the new budget largely came from advocates for public programs, nonprofits 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 nonprofit.

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 officials, labor organizations, nonprofits 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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BY BEN THOMPSON

Some context

Austin's tax rate is just one of several paid by most city residents. Totaling local taxes for FY 2025-26

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 floods. That rate is expected to drop again next year. Looking ahead, Austin is now planning a com- prehensive bond package for consideration next fall. Staff 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 different 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 financial 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 floors 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. Officials also previously decided TREs won’t be held more than every four years, barring financial emergencies or “significant” 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 five-year forecast, released in April, showed widening shortfalls expected through the 2020s. The city’s original proposed budget closed a more than $30 million deficit for the coming fiscal 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 deficits 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 staff also said local tax revenue may be falling off 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 affect 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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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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 films and short films as well as attend filmmaker Q&A’s. • Oct. 23-30 • $80+ • Locations vary • www.austinfilmfestival.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 benefit nonprofit 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 filled 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

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Business

BY DACIA GARCIA

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

COURTESY PINS & WHEELS AT PLAYLAND

Pins & Wheels at Playland brings all ages together Since 1974, Pins & Wheels at Playland has crafted a family-friendly entertainment space for all ages. With its latest renovations, the center has grown from a roller rink paired with a small arcade to a com- munity 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. “My dad would say it was a diamond that just needed to be polished,” Moxley said. The business underwent extensive renovations in December 2024, expanding into the space previously occupied by the Austin Antique Mall. Moxley said the upgrades have shaped the space into a one-stop enter- tainment shop better serving the local community. What they oer Attendees can take part in skating, axe throwing, bowling, karaoke and arcade games. Along with the updates to games, individuals can partake in the enhanced dining options. The impact 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.

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

COURTESY PINS & WHEELS AT PLAYLAND

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

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

183

MCCANN DR.

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

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Dining

BY DACIA GARCIA

Hill-Bert’s Burgers dishes up classic burgers For over 50 years, Hill-Bert’s Burgers has kept Austin stomachs full with classic hamburgers, onion rings, milkshakes and more. How we got here As a newly-wed student in 1963 with a baby on the way, Hilbert Maldonado was prompted to nd a job as soon as possible. The catalyst sparked Maldo- nado’s journey as an employee with various burger restaurants. After two years of hard work at Burger Chef, the owners sold the business to Maldonado. One of Maldonado’s goals was to craft the perfect burger, which he says the team has perfected. The impact Maldonado said regular customers make the most impact on the business. “We’re in our fourth and in some cases our fth generation of families that we’re serving.”

Hilbert Maldonado’s order is a double cheeseburger, light on the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo and mustard.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

5340 Cameron Road, Austin http://hill-bertsburgers.com

Hilbert and Lucille Maldonado opened the rst Hill- Bert’s Burgers location in 1973.

COURTESY HILLBERT’S BURGERS

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

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

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