South Central Austin Edition | November 2025

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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 8 NOV. 28DEC. 30, 2025

2025 Volunteer Guide

CapMetro evolves as habits shift

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Election

Page 11

See results from the Nov. 4 election

Dining

Page 33

Discover Southern cooking at Carpenters Hall

Passengers gather at a CapMetro stop as the agency revises its bus services to reect changing commuter patterns. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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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.

Market leaders & metro team

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

Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com

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

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Gail Watson Account Executive gwatson@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts South Central Austin

management services, traditional Chinese medicine utilizing acupuncture and herbal medicine, and more. • Reopened Oct. 17 • 3200 Red River St., Ste. 206, Austin • www.ctxhh.com 4 The Halfway Market The joint market and cafe is the latest concept by Barley Bean co-founder and CEO Mohit Mehra, who is an Austin resident. The Halfway Market sells essential groceries and convenience items, fresh food and craft beer. • Opened Oct. 31 • 2805 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.barleybean.com; Facebook: Halfway Market 5 Jo’s Coee The coee shop has debuted its ninth location which is now serving tacos, pastries, coee and more beverages

RED RIVER ST.

CURTIS AVE.

W. 6TH ST.

E. 11TH ST.

ROSEWOOD AVE.

MOPAC

10A

10B

BARTON HILLS DR.

183

AZIE MORTON RD.

DAVIS ST.

in West Campus. • Opened Nov. 7 • 701 W. 24th St., Austin • www.joscoffee.com

MOPAC

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2 15

6 Mantle Thermal Haus The new wellness center will feature a hot sauna and natural-stone cold plunge pool alongside a re-lit lounge, red-light recovery lounge and coee and smoothie bar. The business will host a grand opening celebration Nov. 22 featuring pop-ups from wellness brands, live music, hot sauna and cold plunge rotations and tness and recovery activities. • Opened Nov. 22

WOODWARD ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 2204 Curtis Ave., Austin • www.mantlethermal.com

2 Bar Fino Inspired by European culture, the new bar oers aperitivo- style cocktails, curated wines and crisp beers. The space is operated by seasoned Austin-bar owners Terance Robson, Jack “Slim” Hogan, Vincent Glackin and Matt Wolski. • Opened in October • 88 1/2 Rainey St., Austin • www.barinoatx.com 3 Central Texas Holistic Health Owned by Eva Montes and Andrea De Luna, the local clinic oers integrative holistic family care and women’s health. Community members can nd weight

Now open

1 Little Tipsy Customers can nd wine, non-alcoholic beverages, caviar and owers at the new shop on North Lamar Boulevard. Little Tipsy is located near Ace Tailors. • Opened in September • 724 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.littletipsy.wine

Coming soon

7 The Code A luxury hotel-residence hybrid development is slated to open in the Zilker area this winter. The ve- story development will include 178 fully-furnished residences. Boutique services will be available to residents and guests, including housekeeping, concierge, food and beverage, and wellness amenities. Buyers may stay at their residences or oer short-term

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or long-term rentals through enrolling in AvantStay’s professional management program. • Opening in December

Now open

• 2323 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.thecodeaustin.com

Relocations

8 Austin Retina Associates The practice’s South o¥ce was previously located at 4207 James Casey St., Ste. 301, Austin. Patients can nd a range of services at the location including treatments for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. • Opened Oct. 9 • 4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 645, Austin • www.austinretina.com 9 Tribe Comics & Games The comic store and community hub is in the process of relocating from its previous location at 3005 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. D113, Austin. Community members can nd comics ranging from Marvel and DC to Dark Horse and manga. The store frequently hosts game nights and events. • Relocated late October • 321 W. Ben White Blvd., Ste. 101, Austin • www.tribecag.com

11 Tapville Social Tapville Social is oering a self-pour taproom experience combined with a chef-driven menu featuring sliders, chicken wings, pasta, bowls, sh and chips and more. • Opened in September • 1836 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.tapvillesocial.com

14 Training Mate The new HIIT studio oers high-intensity, 45-minute workout classes focused on strength and cardio. The business, founded in Australia, aims to provide a social community where people can make friends. • Opened Nov. 8 • 4341 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 125, Austin • https://trainingmate.com

In the news

12 Home Slice Pizza The pizzeria’s South Congress Avenue location is celebrating 20 years of New York slices. The pizzeria was founded by married couple Jen and Joseph Strickland as well as partner Terri Hannin Buis. • 1415 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.homeslicepizza.com 13 El Taquito The South Austin Mexican restaurant celebrated 30 years serving customers at its location o East Riverside Drive. The business started as a taco stand in Matamoros, Mexico in the early 1980s before starting its headquarters in Austin. • 713 E. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.eltaquito.com

Closings

10 Fin’s First Thom’s Market—a long-standing corner store with several locations across Austin—has a new name and a new owner. Now known as Fin’s First, the store will continue oering its collection of locally-sourced foods and products. The name is a nod to new owner Ron Maknojia. • 10A 1418 Barton Springs Road, Austin; 10B 1160 E. Riverside Drive, Austin • Instagram: @insirstmarket

15 Asador Tacos The taco eatery has closed its Rainey Street location while its two additional locations remain open at Las

Perlas and Cheer Up Charlies. • Closed in late September • 88 1/2 Rainey St., Austin • www.asadortacos.com

500 W Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78704

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

City cleanup initiative ends after state sweeps A three-week city initiative to clear dozens of encampments ended Nov. 8 on the heels of a sep- arate state operation to remove homeless people from public areas in Austin. What happened Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state cleanup Oct. 21. He said dozens of encampments with thousands of pounds of debris were removed, while dozens of arrests and extensive drug seizures were made. The move surprised local ocials, who labeled the operation as a “show of force” without long-term benet. They said Texas agencies didn’t notify Austin after the city started its wider encampment management initiative days before. “It’s not the way government ought to be working, especially when we’re talking about our most vulnerable Texans,” Mayor Kirk Watson said of the state operation. Homeless Strategy Ocer David Gray said the Texas Department of Transportation regularly clears out encampments and debris from state rights of way like highway frontage roads and underpasses, and that city leaders had been holding weekly coordination calls with the agency. However, TxDOT’s work hadn’t crossed over into city property and parkland until mid-October. Since then, multiple Austin departments coordinated to prioritize dozens of clean-ups and connect homeless residents with resources and shelter under the city-led program. Gray said the eort was meant to get ahead of impacts from severe weather and a cold winter season. It con- cluded Nov. 3-8 with a focus on “harder-to-reach”

Austin-San Antonio rail study launched Travis County ocials approved a $124,953 feasibility study exploring commuter rail options between Austin and San Antonio. The big picture The study into an initiative long cham- pioned by county Judge Andy Brown will evaluate passenger rail options on state-managed land along major highways, including existing rail infrastructure, with potential service options from the Amtrak station in San Antonio to the Austin-Berg- strom International Airport. It’ll examine rail on existing transportation corridors without requiring signicant private land acquisition, making the route potentially more feasible and faster to develop. “If we got on it quickly, we can build it before I-35 construction is nished,” Brown said. The theoretical path would run from downtown Austin to the east along Hwy. 71 past the airport, south down SH 130 and west into San Antonio along I-10, Brown said. He noted the study is currently only expected to look at SH 130 and I-10. Brown said proponents of a commuter line have long hoped to partner with Union Pacic—which operates existing freight lines along I-35—on passenger rail, but the railroad has prioritized freight operations. A summary report on project manage- ment, engineering and other information is expected in 175 days.

Austin Resource Recovery crews addressed hundreds of encampments this fall.

Encampment response

• 669 encampments cleaned • 1,212 people found at encampments

• 181 moved to shelters • 87 connected to services

• 1.35M pounds/ 673.86 tons of debris removed • 71 citations and 22 arrests

CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

public land deeper in city greenbelts, parks, and nature preserves. The initiatives took place under a 2021 state law that bans camping in public, as well as Austin’s local camping ban reinstated by city voters the same year. What’s next Renewed focus on public encampments is continuing in Austin after the recent city and state initiatives. City Council voted Nov. 6 to expand city-led out- reach to those living on the streets, and to launch an encampment management dashboard with improved processes for public reporting. Updates are expected in the coming months.

City o cials OK internal hires to lead Austin Energy, auditor’s o ce

interim Austin Energy GM Stuart Reilly to that role on a full-time basis starting Nov. 2. Reilly, who has nearly 20 years of public utility experience including six as an Austin Energy executive, will now earn a $470,000 salary. And after selecting him for the role in October, City Council approved the hire of Deputy City Auditor Jason Hadavi to lead that oce Nov. 6. The 20-year auditor’s oce veteran will earn a $216,341 salary.

Austin ocials approved internal hires for two city leadership positions this fall. What happened National searches for a new Austin Energy gen- eral manager and city auditor launched this year. The recruitment eorts came after former Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn’s retirement in the spring, and ahead of City Auditor Corrie Stokes’ planned departure in late 2025. City Manager T.C. Broadnax appointed former

Stuart Reilly, Austin Energy General Manager

Jason Hadavi, City Auditor

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10/23/25 9:31 AM

Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin budget cuts advance after election

Budget revisions Approved budget (Aug.)

Revised budget (Nov.)

Public safety $1.00B $990.94M

Austin leaders moved to adopt a downsized scal year 2025-26 budget in November after voters rejected a tax hike. What happened Proposition Q, the ballot measure for a property tax rate above the city’s voter-approval limit, failed in the Nov. 4 election. That result lowered Austin’s tax rate, reducing the city budget. The owner of a median-valued home in Aus- tin—estimated at $494,803 this scal year—can still expect to pay just over $100 more in property taxes; Proposition Q would’ve added a more than $300 annual increase. Utility bills and other city charges are also expected to rise by about $115 this year for the typical resident, city ocials said. Austinites won’t face another tax rate election, or TRE, in the near future due to a city policy limiting TREs to every four years unless the city faces a “ nancial emergency.”

The approach In July, City Manager T.C. Broadnax outlined a draft budget that City Council later increased by more than $100 million to fund various public pro- grams, using projected added tax revenue. After the election, a revised budget recommendation cutting most spending planned under Proposition Q was produced for consideration Nov. 7. A nal spending plan was set for approval in late November, after press time. One more thing The election outcome renewed calls for a deep dive into city spending. Mayor Kirk Watson suggested an audit of city services and Broadnax outlined several government eciency processes. Ocials are also voting to reign in their expenses by reforming council spending policies, and to adopt new nancial reporting and best practices ahead of future annual budgeting reviews.

-1.10%

Parks, libraries, animal services $247.13M $241.89M

-2.12%

Public health, homelessness, social services $185.9M $150.05M -19.29%

Transfers/other $107.12M $64.72M

-39.58%

Housing and Planning $25.96M $25.29M

-2.56%

Arts and culture $11.08M $10.88M

-1.80%

NOTE: REVISED BUDGET SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER PRESS TIME.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON & BEN THOMPSON

Austin voters reject tax increase Austin voters rejected Proposition Q, a 20% tax rate increase, by a nearly two-to-one margin. The outcome dropped the city tax rate by 5 cents, although it’s still about 10% higher than last year’s. The election also led city ocials to cut the scal year 2025-26 budget they approved in August (see Page 10).

Constitutional amendments results breakdown

89.28% 10.72% Proposition 10: Tax exemption for homes destroyed by re Passed For Against

69.03% 30.97% Proposition 1: Texas State Technical College Funding

Proposition 11: Homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners

Proposition 2: Ban on capital gains taxes

65.37%

34.63%

77.68%

22.32%

Proposition 3: Tightening bail rules 61.14% Proposition 4: Water supply funding 70.42%

Proposition 12: Judicial oversight 61.90%

38.86%

38.10%

Proposition 13: Increasing the homestead exemption 79.41% 20.59% Proposition 14: State dementia research institute 68.57% 31.43%

29.58%

Proposition 5: Animal feed tax exemption 63.61%

36.39%

Proposition 6: Ban on securities transaction taxes 58.87% 45.13% Proposition 7: Tax exemption for military spouses 86.25%

Proposition 15: Parental rights 69.87%

Austin Prop. Q results

30.13%

Proposition 16: Requiring citizenship to vote 71.95% Proposition 17: Border security tax exemption 57.42% 42.58%

13.8%

For

Against

28.05%

Proposition 8: Ban on death taxes 72.22% Proposition 9: Business tax exemption 65.05%

Proposition Q 62,952 109,375

27.78%

All 17 propositions on the ballot passed

34.96%

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY, TRAVIS COUNTY, WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD to hold o on 3 school closures

Schools proposed to close: Where students will go: Barrington Elementary Guerrero-Thompson, Wooldridge elementaries Becker Elementary Galindo or Zilker elementaries Dawson Elementary Galindo Elementary Oak Springs Elementary Blackshear Elementary Ridgetop Elementary Reilly Elementary Sunset Valley Elementary Boone, Cunningham elementaries Widen Elementary Rodriguez Elementary Winn Montessori Andrews, Pecan Springs elementaries Bedichek Middle School Covington, Paredes, Mendez middle schools Martin Middle School Kealing, Marshall, Lively middle schools

The Austin ISD board of trustees will no longer vote to close Palm, Bryker Woods and Maplewood elementaries in November. Additionally, the district will postpone any proposed attendance boundary changes until next year, excluding those related to interven- tion at failing schools, Superintendent Matias Segura announced in a letter to families on the evening of Nov. 4. The announcement follows weeks of protesting from AISD parents, sta and students against the district’s initial plan to close 13 schools and rezone most campuses. The update On Nov. 20, the AISD board will move forward with voting on the closure of 10 of the 13 campuses it initially proposed to close next school year. Seven of these campuses have received three

Former AISD School slated for housing Austin ISD’s former Rosedale School campus in North Austin could be developed into a six-story apartment complex. Residents living near the property shared concerns about the building causing safety and trac hazards. OHT Partners has proposed building a 435-unit, market-rate apartment complex spanning six stories with a parking garage at 2117 W. 49th St., Austin.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

consecutive F ratings and require state-mandated intervention through turnaround plans. In the spring, AISD will pick up its eorts to balance enrollment through a comprehensive boundary plan before taking a vote in the fall.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

MOPAC

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Ongoing

N. LAMAR BLVD.

W. 12TH ST.

MOPAC

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4 I35 Capital Express Central project Project: The $4.5 billion I-35 overhaul will add two nontolled HOV lanes along the 8-mile stretch from Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 71. Update: The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge will be reconstructed and widened. This segment will also add sidewalks, shade structures and safety barriers along the bridge, and reconstruct entrance and exit ramps.

MOPAC

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PORTER ST.

• Timeline: 2024-26 • Cost: $34.4 million • Funding source: TxDOT, CAMPO

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Cost: $850,000 • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond and 2022 Safe Streets and Roads For All grant 3 Avenue Urban Design Initiative, or CAUDI Project: Redesign of Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin to create a more pedestrian friendly, multimodal conguration. The rst construction phase focuses on Cesar Chavez Street to Seventh Street, expanding sidewalks, adding pedestrian amenity zones, upgrading bikeway barriers and adding turn lanes for vehicle tra c. Update: Construction is expected to begin early 2026, according to a recent update from the city. • Timeline: Phase 1 2026-27; full project 2026-30 • Cost: Phase 1 $13 million; full project $29 million • Funding source: 2012 and 2020 Mobility Bonds

2 Montopolis Drive safety improvements Project: Austin Transportation and Public Works is enhancing safety and mobility along Montopolis Drive from Riverside Drive to US 183. Crews will implement some immediate improvements, while more signicant, long-term changes are in development. Update: Starting in spring 2026, Austin crews will install tra c signal upgrades, such as retroreective backplates and audible pedestrian signals, at Fairway Street, Porter Street and Ponca Street, according to city documents. They will then construct accessible ramps and curb bump-outs at eight high-priority intersections, followed by construction of sidewalks or shared-use paths to close gaps between El Mirando Street and the

Upcoming projects

1 South Lamar Boulevard mobility program Project: The city of Austin is adding mobility, safety and connectivity improvements along South Lamar Boulevard between Riverside Drive and Hwy. 290. Update: Construction along roughly 3 miles of South Lamar Boulevard from Barton Springs Road to Hwy. 290 will see mobility improvements, including bike and pedestrian facilities, intermittent medians, intersection improvements and upgraded tra c signals, according to city documents. • Timeline: construction expected to begin early 2026 • Cost: $60.5 million • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bonds

US 183 service road. • Timeline: 2026-27

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

TxDOT spends $748M to burrow tunnels under Central Austin

The Texas Department of Transpor- tation is set to launch one of Austin’s largest underground construction projects in 2026, digging 6.5 miles of 22-foot-wide drainage tunnels beneath the city’s busiest highway. Explained As part of the I-35 overhaul, which will lower sections of the highway below ground level, o cials will build underground tunnels to prevent ooding. Plans show the tunnels would extend along I-35 from 45th Street down to Cesar Chavez Street, then veer east on Cesar Chavez and end near US 183 by Lady Bird Lake. Boring crews will drill nine drop shafts along the proposed tunnel

route in phases. The rst tunnel boring machine will be deployed near Airport Boulevard in 2026. Once the drop shafts are completed two boring machines will begin cutting tunnels between each. Contractor Sak & Shea will oversee the $748 million project, which is being funded by TxDOT and federal dollars obtained by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. What residents should know Construction work will be done around the clock and is expected to generate dust and cause some vibra- tion in the area. Temporary sound walls have been erected. The entire project completion is estimated for 2029.

I35 drainage tunnels

A Airport Boulevard drop shaft B Hancock drop shaft C 15th Street drop shaft D Edgewood drop shaft E 11th Street drop shaft F Cesar Chavez drop shaft G Brushy Street drop shaft H River Street drop shaft I US 183 drop shaft Pump station Drainage tunnel

HANCOCK RECREATION CENTER

EDGEWOOD AVE.

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COLORADO RIVER

LADY BIRD LAKE

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

Power delivery crucial for local tech expansions As the Austin metro area continues to see expansion in the technology sector, industry lead- ers are highlighting key critical area of interest: power delivery. What they’re saying Ed Latson, CEO of the regional economic partnership Opportunity Austin, said power delivery is now “up there” with workforce in terms of priorities for international businesses exploring potential projects in the area. “They want to know if they’re going to be able to get it now, and also what their plans are for the future,” he said at an October panel discussion. Eric Van Hensbergen, a leader at technology company Arm, said powering buildings has become a No. 1 consideration for corporate expansions—and one that’s especially relevant for data centers.

Low-income housing opens in East Austin A new income-restricted housing complex is now open in East Austin. Libertad Austin, developed by Vecino Group, features 198 apartments for tenants earning up to 30%-60% median family income, or MFI, that’s currently $133,800 for a four-person household. Libertad includes 50 permanent supportive housing units for residents exiting homeless- ness. The project received $4.5 million in city anti-displacement funds.

Projects in the pipeline Opportunity Austin managed more than 200 local projects in 2025.

General manufacturing Clean tech Biotech/life sciences Automotive Software/IT Aerospace/defense:

SOURCE: OPPORTUNITY AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

At least ve data centers have opened or announced intentions to open in the Austin metro area in the last few years, tapping into land avail- ability and a deregulated energy market outside of Austin’s city limits. Did you know? In 2025, most businesses seeking to locate in the Austin area were from international sources led by Taiwan, Korea, India, Australia and the United Kingdom. Most domestic relocation interest comes from California.

183

Interim height limit set for new buildings downtown Temporary building regulations for downtown high-rises are now in place in response to a new state law meant to spur housing development. The big picture that’s been used to build dozens of downtown towers.

Median building height increase New development around downtown Austin gradually grew taller over the past decade-plus.

+157.14%

200ft 400ft 600ft 800ft 0

This fall’s local update caps new construction in much of Austin’s core at 350 feet, unless projects provide streetscape improvements and aordable housing funds. The change is expected to be short-lived with wider revisions to downtown development policies coming next year.

Under this year’s Senate Bill 840, mixed-use and multifamily projects are now allowed in places previously reserved for commercial uses only. It also aects local development programs, like one

2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Clinic opens women’s health center

The bottom line

People’s Community Clinic provides a range of comprehensive health care and dental services for children, adolescents and adults at its Austin and Manor clinics. Through the new women’s center, People Community Clinic aims to provide a seamless transition in care for women and their children from postnatal to pediatric care, Balthazar said. Moretti said she hopes the Center for Women’s Health serves as a medical home where women can feel comfortable sharing their concerns, receiving care and forming close relationships with providers and sta. “For our low-resource community, we’ve got people who are falling through the cracks in receiving health care. We see it as our job to step in and ll those cracks and make that continuum as easy as possible to access.” MATT BALTHAZAR, CEO OF PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC

People’s Community Clinic is aiming to serve more uninsured and underserved women through a new health care center. People’s Community Clinic leaders said the expansion is helping ll gaps amid a growing need for women’s health care in Central Texas. The new People’s Center for Women’s Health, located at St. David’s Medical Center o 32nd Street, features additional exam rooms, a dedicated area to provide group care and health education, and more space to grow future programs. The center now oers cardiology care and is planning to eventually launch menopause and perimenopause services, women’s mental health support, and pelvic oor care, said Dr. Nicole Moretti, an OB-GYN and director of the Center for Women’s Health.

Available services

The center oers full-scope OB-GYN care, including: Prenatal and postpartum care Comprehensive well-woman exams Birth control counseling and contraceptive care High-risk pregnancy support Teen pregnancy services and parenting programs Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment Health screenings, nutrition consultations and behavioral health services

SOURCE: PEOPLE’S COMMUNITY CLINICCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Why it matters

OB GYNs in Texas over time The number of obstetricians and gynecologists in Texas declined 50% from 2021 to 2023.

Some women travel over an hour to the clinic due to an inability to receive care where they live, People’s Community Clinic CEO Matt Balthazar said. The number of providers has not kept pace with population growth, he said. “We’re seeing a lot more folks coming in to receive those services from us,” Balthazar said. “In some of the surrounding communities, they don’t have what they feel is a trusted women’s health partner.”

1,740 1,830

1,550

1.5K

RED RIVER ST.

1025 E 32nd St., Ste. 200, Austin www.austinpcc.org

910 940

2020 2021 2022 2023

2024

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Events

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Zilker Tree Lighting The 155-foot tree’s 3,909 lights will come to life right after Thanksgiving on Nov. 30. Attendees can look forward to live music, entertainment and food. • Nov. 30, 5:15 p.m. • Free • 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austintexas.gov/ department/zilker-holiday-tree

Blue Genie Art Bazaar Every year, Blue Genie Art Bazaar oers Austinites a selection of locally crafted goods such as paintings, journals, soaps and candles during the holiday season. The market is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

• Nov. 14-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free • 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

addition to a selection of local vendors, the market will also feature a festive-themed cocktail lounge. • Nov. 20-Dec. 24, times vary • Free (admission)

• 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin • www.texasperformingarts.org

November

'A Charlie Brown Christmas’ The Zach Theater is putting on a production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which follows Charlie Brown and his friends as Charlie searches for the meaning of Christmas. • Nov. 7-Dec. 28, show times vary • $30-$44 • 1426 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.zachtheater.org Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl Five Austin bars are collaborating to throw Austin’s third annual Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl. Participants can start the crawl at Upstairs at Caroline, Azul Rooftop, Otopia, Edge Rooftop or Zanzibar. Guests who get their crawl card punched by all ve bars will earn a $50 promo card, valid at any of the participating bars.

Luminations Community members can enjoy winter lights across the center’s Central Gardens as well as immersive projections, holiday-themed cocktails and more. • Dec. 5-Jan. 3, 5:45-7:45 p.m. (entry times) • Free (ages 2 and under); $13-$20 (ages 3-12); $23-$30 (ages 13 and up) • 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin • www.wildflower.org/luminations Cocoa and Cuddles with Santa Attendees can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate while taking pictures with baby goats and Santa Claus in The Hive’s backyard. • Dec. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. • $14 (ages 3-16 admission); $20 (adult admission) • 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.goatshenanigans.com/event-details/ cocoa-and-cuddles-with-santa-austin-2 Tio Toto Live The interactive kid-music event will take place at Cherrywood Coeehouse. Featuring bubbles and a banana piano, the event listing says it is for toddlers, preschoolers and the adults who love them. • Dec. 21, 10-11 a.m. • Free • 1400 E 38th ½ Street, Austin • www.tiototo.com

• 422 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.ohwhatfunatx.com

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail The Lady Bird Johnson Wild©ower Center is hosting a light trail where guests can walk through Halloween Town and Christmas Town, based on Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” • Nov. 28-30, times vary • $20-35

• 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin • www.texasperformingarts.org

December

‘UMLAUF After Dark: Holiday Market The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum is hosting a holiday market where guests can shop for handmade gifts from local artisans. The event will also oer refreshments and live music from harpist Sarah Hall. • Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m. • Free (admission for members), $12 (general admission) • 605 Azie Morton Road, Austin • www.umlaufsculpture.org Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Bass Concert Hall is putting on a 30th anniversary production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show has a 2.5-hour run time and features an Oscar- winning score. • Dec. 2-14, show times vary • $36-$180

• Nov. 19-Dec. 28 • Free (admission) • 109 E. Seventh Street, Austin • www.rockinaroundtherooftops.com

‘A Christmas Carol’ The Zach Theater is hosting a production of “A Christmas Carol,” based on the story by Charles Dickens. • Nov. 19-Jan. 3, show times vary • $46-$127 • 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.zachtheater.org Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market The Oh What Fun! market oers locals a place to shop for holiday gifts and seasonal treats in Central Austin. In

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BRODIE LANE 4970 W Hwy 290 (512) 366-8260

NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665

35TH STREET 1500 West 35th St (512) 277-2518

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community Volunteer Guide

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

2025

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Since 1971, the nonprot has facilitated mentor-mentee matches. The organization’s mission is to provide the support and guidance youth need to achieve their full potential. • Sample activities: match events, fundraising or event support, mentorships • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations • 4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austin • www.bigmentoring.org Blair Woods Nature Preserve The 10-acre nature preserve provides woodland, riparian and prairie habitat for urban wildlife. • Sample activities: maintaining trails, removing invasive plant species, cleaning the preserve • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 5401 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin • https://travisaudubon.org/sanctuaries/blair-woods

Caritas of Austin The nonprot is dedicated to providing homes and tailored services to prevent and end homelessness. • Sample activities: serve lunch; assemble care kits; work with clients; administrative support • Donations accepted: monetary donations, gift cards, snack packs, hygiene packs, winter care kits • 611 Neches St., Austin • www.caritasofaustin.org The Charlie Center The homeless navigation and hospitality center helps individuals move toward permanent housing. • Sample activities: preparing a dish; serve a meal; set-up and clean-up of the center; welcoming clients; helping clients check mail • Donations accepted: items off Amazon wishlist • Mosaic Church, 12675 Research Blvd., Austin • www.thecharliecenter.org/new-page-volunteer This list is not comprehensive.

Foundation Communities The nonprot provides aordable homes and free on-site support services. • Sample activities: helping Central Texans ile their taxes, manage inances, ind insurance plans, learn English, help children with their homework • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 3000 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 300, Austin • www.foundcom.org

CONTINUED ON 25

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

CONTINUED FROM 23

Communities In Schools of Central Texas The nonprot works with students pre-K through 12th grade to provide support and resources. • Sample activities: meet with a student as a reading buddy, math buddy or mentor; host a supply drive • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations, drives • Located within 55 schools in Austin ISD • www.ciscentraltexas.org Drive a Senior The nonprot’s mission is to empower older adults by providing transportation and support services. • Sample activities: provide transportation to seniors; Education Connection The nonprot works to improve childhood literacy rates by oering one-on-one reading support to children. • Sample activities: reading with students, practicing reading fluency, discussing stories and reading • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • www.education-connection.org Explore Austin The nonprot empowers economically disadvantaged youth through mentoring and outdoor adventure. • Sample activities: become a youth mentor, work a fundraising event, join the young professionals group, organize warehouse gear, serve breakfast, work a shift during summer wilderness trip season • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, outdoor gear1211 W. Sixth St., Ste. 600, Austin • www.exploreaustin.org Front Steps The nonprot provides shelter, aordable housing and education to help residents nd stability. • Sample activities: administrative tasks; distribute hygiene kits and blankets; community outreach • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, blankets, coats help at home with repairs or yard work. • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin • www.driveasenioratx.org

Manos de Cristo The dental practice oers low-cost dental care. The organization also provides adult education programs. In addition, the center operates a food pantry. • Sample activities: support adult learners through

ESL programs, computer and citizenship classes; distribute food; provide dental care • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, food and clothing donations, auction item donations

• 4911 Harmon Ave., Austin • www.manosdecristo.org

organizing, assist with food giveaways • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • www.keepaustinfed.org

• 4507 N. I-35 Frontage Road, Austin • www.frontsteps.org

Junior Achievement of Central Texas Part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the Austin chapter oers programs on career readiness, nancial literacy and entrepreneurship to children and young adults. • Sample activities: student mentorship, event setup

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas The 30-bedroom home provides a place to stay near the hospital at no cost. • Sample activities: cook and serve meals, help with daily tasks, restocking and assisting with families in need • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 1/2, Austin • www.rmhc-ctx.org This list is not comprehensive.

and teardown, program presentations • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • www.jacentex.org

Keep Austin Fed The food rescue organization collects surplus food from businesses and redistributes it to communities. • Sample activities: food rescue driver, food sorting and

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

CapMetro evolves as habits shift From the cover

MOPAC

Rethinking the ride

Transit access across Austin CapMetro’s service area includes a range of route types that move riders within neighborhoods and across the region.

As CapMetro celebrates its 40th anniversary, the agency isn’t just looking back—it’s looking ahead. Four decades after Austin voters created the transit authority, CapMetro nds itself at a crossroads, navigating a region whose commuting patterns look dierent than they once did. The rise of hybrid work and the decline of the traditional nine-to-ve commuters have forced Austin’s public transit agency to confront the problem of how to adapt a system built for a past era to meet the needs of today’s Central Texans. CapMetro’s Transit Plan 2035, adopted Oct. 20, marks what CEO Dottie Watkins calls a sweeping “recalibration” to create a more equitable and widely used transit system. The plan coincides with the agency’s partner initiative Project Connect—the multibillion dollar build-out of Austin’s voter-approved light rail, which is set to begin construction within the next few years. In Central Austin, reliability and frequency remain large concerns from public transit advocates and users. City Council member Paige Ellis, who also serves on the CapMetro board, said the agency must “get creative” as it works to increasing frequency while managing the costs of operation personnel. CapMetro’s long-term strategy aims to close mobility gaps by bringing access closer to where people live and work. However, providing frequent, xed-route service remains dicult— especially amid at sales tax revenue that limits CapMetro’s funding resources, Watkins said. Instead, the agency is leaning on new exible solutions, such as CapMetro Pickup, an on- demand microtransit service that operates like a shared ride-hail within dened zones. Using smaller vehicles, Pickup helps riders reach bus routes, grocery stores and medical centers, the “last-mile” solution for those that do not live directly near transit stops, agency documents state.

North Austin

Rapid routes

183

1 High frequency 2 Introductory service

MOPAC

Regular bus routes

3 High frequency bus 4 Bus service to and from Austin along major streets 5 Bus service in outlying areas including crosstown, ex and feeder options 6 Express, Flyer 7 UT Shuttle

290

183

Rail

MOPAC

Rail Rail shuttle 8 South Congress Transit Center

STATE CAPITOL

183

Austin

MOPAC

South Austin

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CAPMETROCOMMUNITY IMPACT

183

Increased frequency

frequency improvements for other corridors, including the Red Line commuter rail in Northwest Austin, which is expected to move from its current varying schedule to a consistent 30-minute all-day service, with extended weekday and Saturday hours in the agency’s ve-plus-year outlook.

way to attract riders and keep them using transit. The agency aims to achieve a consistent 10-min- ute frequency on its two newest MetroRapid routes—Route 800 and Route 837, serving East Austin—by next summer. Further ahead, the plan outlines additional

Under Transit Plan 2035, CapMetro plans to increase transit frequency primarily to core high-ridership corridors, specically focusing on its MetroRapid lines and converting several existing bus routes to run more often. Watkins said frequency is the single most eective

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Items worth mentioning

Managing the impact

Beyond lling immediate service gaps, CapMetro is making long-term investments in infrastructure for a more integrated network. In early November, the agency broke ground on its North Burnet Uptown Station along the MetroRail Red Line, which will function as transit-oriented development, or TOD. TODs are designed to create compact, mixed- use, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods centered around multimodal transit hubs. By linking rail with high-frequency bus routes, it cuts transfers and shortens travel times— directly beneting lower-income commuters who often face long, complicated commuter trips, CapMetro ocials said. Project Connect corridors are already attracting

The cast of characters that riders can encounter can range from interesting to scary, said Steve Crossland, Austin resident and regular CapMetro rider. “[Public transit] does have a little bit more of a perceived safety issue,” Crossland said. Watkins emphasized that public transit must not only be safe but also feel safe for it to become a regular option for all residents. In 2021, CapMetro launched a three-pronged public safety program that remains rooted in a community-centered approach, said Gardner Tabon, executive vice president of systemwide accessibility and chief safety o- cer at CapMetro. The in-house Transit Police Department launched this summer currently consists of 14 active ocers. Safety personnel split time roughly 50/50 between proactive “directed patrols” in identied areas with recurring issues and reactive responses to calls for service, Tabon said. Since launching the public safety ini- tiative, the agency has seen a “leveling o” eect in the number of public safety incidents, Tabon said.

The South Congress Transit Center is being designed as a mobility and mixed-use hub.

developers that build housing, oces and enter- tainment destinations, resulting in neighborhoods designed for transit riders, agency ocials said. City-level policy changes—like the removal of parking minimums in 2023 and the introduction of new TOD zoning overlays in 2024—are helping expand this approach citywide.

Central Texas commuting trends

Keep in mind

2019 trends

2024 trends

10% 15% 20% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

As the culture shifts away from being car-centric, the demand for high-density development around infrastructure will become prevalent, said Lonny Stern, executive director of Central Texas multimodal transportation planning nonpro t Movability. “We need to allow a little bit more commercial in our neighborhoods. We need to make sure that when we build multifamily, it’s walkable,” Stern said. “... We need to make sure that there’s shade structures and trees ... so that if you’re 8 or 80, you enjoy walking around the neighborhood.”

“We are less inclined, when there’s not a crime taking place, to criminalize individuals that are in our system. We’d rather try to

0% 5%

nd them a positive path.” GARDNER TABON, CAPMETRO EVP OF SYSTEMWIDE ACCESSIBILITY AND CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER

Drive alone

Work from home

Public transit

Bike Walk Carpool

SOURCE: MOVABILITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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

FO OR ADIE'S FILY T Y URS, TAK Y U FO SORTIN U W L OK F RWD TO SRVI Y U! URS, SORTIN U

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.

@maudiestexmex

Maudie’s Tex-Mex

Illustration by Zhao Chuang; courtesy of PNSO

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