Northwest Austin Edition | November 2022

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

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10 NOV. 19DEC. 21, 2022

costs going up Austin Energy customers are charged per the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used monthly, split into tiers based on usage. The next increase to the base rate will go into eect Jan. 1.

Key:

Rates:

Winter

Summer

Whole year

Proposed

# Tier number (based on usage starting at tier 1)

Most residents will pay more due to the increase in the tier 1 rate and the reduced number of kWh charged at that rate.

$0.00 $0.02 $0.04 $0.06 $0.08 $0.10 $0.12

Austin Humane Society celebrates 70th anniversary HOLIDAY GUIDE 2022

2 3 4

2 3 4 5

2 3

kWh used

1994-2012

2013-16

2017-22

2023

SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Second rate hike ahead for Austin Energy customers BY SUMAIYA MALIK

Holiday to-do list

VOTER GUIDE 2022

charges to the customers as a result of factors that were beyond its con- trol, ination, and rising cost of basic maintenance and operation, according to AE documents from April. Austin City Council approved an increase to the pass-through

charge Oct. 13, eective Nov. 1 for customers. The bill represents a $15 monthly increase for the average AE customer. The second rate increase under consideration is for the base rate and customer charge,

Shortly after a rate hike took eect Nov. 1, Austin Energy cus- tomers will see a second rate increase on their January bill pend- ing a decision from Austin City Council on Dec. 1. Austin Energy is passing these

CONTINUED ON 34

Election results

Loop 360 will undergo signicant transformation over the next 10-15 years as an intersection improve- ment project seeks to alleviate trac congestion and increase road safety. The Texas Department of Trans- portation, in partnership with the city of Austin, is working to upgrade 10 dierent intersections along the Loop 360 corridor. The agency is planning ve projects on the high- way, which spans 14 miles between US 183 to the north to Hwy. 290 and SH 71 to the south. Each project targets two key inter- sections and will take two to three CONTINUED ON 36 Loop 360 projects to oer trac relief BY TAYLOR CRIPE

Dog gives inspiration for North Austin bagel shop

Improvements along Loop 360 target ve major projects made up of 10 high-volume intersections in the area. GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Open a checking or savings account at Amplify and you'll never pay another bank fee— no matter how much you deposit, spend, or save. Where your bank sees FEES, we see opportunities for FREE.

Learn more: goamplify.com/community

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/9155295

realtyaustin.com/p/1747161

realtyaustin.com/p/9978140

realtyaustin.com/p/9435483

$500,000

$540,000

$615,000

$680,000

4 bds

2.5 ba 1,899 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,688 sq ft

2 bds

2.5 ba 1,899 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

2,297 sq ft

11219 Timbrook Trl , Austin, TX 78750 Michelle Allen | 512-800-9155

12803 Knotty Trl, Austin, TX 78727 Ramirez Team | 512-240-2810

10300 Morado Cv #601, Austin, TX 78759 Todd Bailey | 512-900-5775

12003 Millwright Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750 Beverly Williams | 512-773-6056

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/4487683

realtyaustin.com/p/4795387

realtyaustin.com/p/4096139

realtyaustin.com/p/7747686

$695,000

$697,500

$799,000

$850,000

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,514 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,838 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 2,080 sq ft

4 bds

4 ba

3,015 sq ft

7405 Potters Trl, Austin, TX 78729 Callum Sinclair | 512-931-4271

11410 Catalonia Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Allison Dady | 512-924-1818

1503 Garnaas Dr, Austin, TX 78758 Ashley Arthur | 210-793-6163

11125 Zimmerman Ln, Austin, TX 78726 Spickes Property Group | 512-517-8206

ACTIVE

PENDING

SOLD

realtyaustin.com/p/8297827

realtyaustin.com/p/9707026

realtyaustin.com/p/9499074

realtyaustin.com/p/4394743

$1,550,000

$1,200,000

$1,500,000

$550,000

5 bds

3 ba

2,756 sq ft

5 bds

4.5 ba 4,055 sq ft

5 bds

3.5 ba 3,409 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,593 sq ft

11503 Sawatch Cir, Austin, TX 78726 Lawrence Pritchett | 512-962-6936

10807 Winchelsea Dr, Austin, TX 78750 Holly Hughes | 512-387-5377

8213 Gutherie Dr, Austin, TX 78750 Kathy Jacobs | 512-924-1644

13138 Humphrey Dr, Austin, TX 78729 Jackie Ogier | 512-507-8167

Homeownership Resources That Make Buying More Affordable Fluctuating mortgage rates have many homebuyers pressing pause on their plans. If you’ve been thinking of buying a home, stay informed with these resources and leverage them to achieve your homeownership goals. Discover down payment assistance information, first-time homebuyer programs, online tools, and housing developments with income-based purchase prices by scanning the QR code.

resources in austin

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

FOR SALE

Quick Move-In Homes Available!

Save big so you can live big. It’s hard to say which you’ll love more — the homes or the savings. With Brookfield, you get everything you want — innovative layouts that fit your family and lifestyle, in vibrant communities like Addison, Easton Park, and Kissing Tree. Whether it’s your first home or your favorite, our team works with you to find the right home and the right financing. Quick move-in homes are now available with less wait time for construction. Scan the QR code to see available homes, or call 512-829-3163 to find out how you can save thousands.

View available homes

BrookfieldTX.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35-plus localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover EDITOR Grace Dickens REPORTER Sumaiya Malik GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jill Futch METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nwanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nwaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM TAYLOR: This Thanksgiving, we are so thankful to have been able to serve the Northwest Austin community, and we are all grateful for you, our wonderful readers. This year marks the 15-year anniversary of our Northwest Austin edition, and this November issue is our 190th issue. Since our inaugural issue in 2007, we have profiled almost 400 local businesses and restaurants, covered thousands of stories—starting with the opening of The Domain in March 2007—and spotlighted countless nonprofits and community servants. Cheers to the next 15 years! Taylor Caranfa Stover, GENERAL MANAGER tstover@communityimpact.com

FROM GRACE: In this issue, you will find a comprehensive look at the Loop 630 projects slated for the next 10-15 years to increase traffic flow and safety in the area. You will also find a breakdown of local results from the Nov. 8 elections for Austin mayor, county clerks and several school district positions. This issue also features an inside look at Nervous Charlie’s, a New York-style bagel shop in North Austin. Grace Dickens, EDITOR

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU THIS NOVEMBER Each year at this time, we launch our annual Community Impact Giving Campaign. It's an opportunity for our print and digital readers and podcast subscribers to learn more about our journalists and values behind the scenes. We hope once you do, you'll become a CI Patron by giving any one-time or monthly amount. Feel good knowing you're supporting our mission to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets.

CI PATRON SPOTLIGHT

CI EXECUTIVE EDITOR

CI STATS

Mailboxes reached with Community Impact newspaper 2.5 MILLION+ Web stories and updates posted per month at communityimpact.com 1,500+ Journalist positions covering city council and other community meetings in person 80+

communityimpact.com

facebook.com/impactnewsatx

@impactnews_nwa

"I support this paper because the information it provides is so valuable and lacking these days. The unbiased articles help my understanding about my community. I think a paper like CI should exist for all regions in Texas." TABITHA L.

"When CI Patrons give, it helps fund our hyperlocal reporting and hire more journalists to take CI coverage to the next level. Community giving overall strengthens our opportunity to be a light in our industry." JOE WARNER

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

Proudly printed by

SCAN TO GIVE TODAY

Wells Branch 14900 N. Interstate Hwy. 35 Austin, TX 78728

BECAUSE STICKS AND STONES DO BREAK BONES.

Hutto 720 U.S. 79, Suite 100 Hutto, TX 78634

Round Rock 3200 Greenlawn Blvd. Round Rock, TX 78664

More locations coming soon to Austin!

Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

IMPACTS

45 TOLL

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding LYNDHURST ST.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

MOPAC

NORTHWEST AUSTIN

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

POND SPRINGS RD.

620

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

PALM WAY

183

MOPAC

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

Chi’Lantro

620

COURTESY CHI’LANTRO

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DR.

high-quality merchandise created exclu- sively by underrepresented founders, opened the business at The Arboretum in Northwest Austin in September. The store at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 123, Austin, carries bath and body products, home decor, jewelry, books, and food and beverage products. 512-373-8335.

ESPERANZA CROSSING

8 13

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

www.soulmadeatx.com COMING SOON

4 17

360

5 American Family care , a walk-in ur- gent care located at 2510 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin, is expected to open at the end of January. The national medical business is located next to Fire Station No. 28 and Jiy Lube at the intersection of To- manet Trail and Parmer Lane. Patients can walk in without appointments and have access to physicians and nurses, X-rays, on-site diagnostic procedures and clinical lab testing. www.afcurgentcare.com 6 Cambria hotel, a Choice Hotels brand with over 60 locations nationwide, will open Cambria Hotel Uptown near The Domain this fall. The new hotel at 13205 Burnet Road, Austin, will be a part of a mixed-use development in Austin’s high- tech corridor. It will include 135 rooms, spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth- enabled mirrors, a tness center and pool. 512-253-8050. www.choicehotels.com/cambria 7 Crestview Veterinary Hospital at Tech Ridge will open at 500 W. Canyon Ridge Drive, Ste. 306, in Northwest Austin on Nov. 30. The full-service veterinary hospi- tal will provide veterinary and urgent care to pets. Crestview provides preventive care with wellness exams, testing and di- agnostics, ultrasounds and other services.

2222

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

W. CANYON RIDGE DR.

W. ANDERSON LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Chi’Lantro , a Korean-inspired barbe- cue restaurant, held a grand opening for its location at 12129 N. RM 620, Austin, on Oct. 17. The restaurant, which claims to be the home of the original kimchi fries, serves bowls and ssams—or wraps— with a base, a protein, vegetables, toppings and a sauce. This is Chi’Lantro’s 10th location. 512-800-9098. www.chilantrobbq.com

2 Deep Purpl , a Brazilian-style acai bowl and smoothie shop originally from Chicago, opened its rst Texas location at 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 125, Austin, on Oct. 14. The business is located in Northcross Center and oers bowls in four customizable sizes using a base of acai berries. 312-436-0162. Instagram: @deeppurpltx 3 Pandora opened a second Austin location in The Domain at 11401 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 133, on Sept. 26. The

jewelry store sells charms, bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants and lab-cre- ated diamond jewelry, and is committed to being carbon-neutral in operations by 2025. The store celebrated its grand opening Oct. 22 with complimentary treats, a rae to win a $250 Pandora gift card and take-home dried ower bouquets with a purchase. 512-543-3414. www.us.pandora.net 4 Soul Made Collective Cultural Exchange , a boutique featuring original,

Our Focus is on You Your health is paramount to us. We put your health first with our full range of women’s services. Our dedicated specialists offer advanced mammography, imaging and a variety of non-invasive specialty treatments. No matter where your healthcare journey takes you, we’re here to see you through.

ARA, leaders in medical imaging.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK

Deep Purpl

Crestview Veterinary Hospital

COURTESY DEEP PURPL

COURTESY CRESTVIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL

The brick-and-mortar designer retail boutique carries American, Scandinavian and British- based clothing brands for women.

512-572-6777. www.crestviewveterinaryclinictechridge. com 8 Michigan-based global supermarket Fresh International Market is expect- ed to open early 2024 at 12901 N. I-35, Ste. 800, Austin, in the Parmer Center. Founder Bowen Kou opened the rst lo- cation in Lansing, Michigan, in 2012, and it has since expanded into Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The store carries grocery items along with those related to Asian cooking. www.freshimarket.com 9 Full-service pool repair and supply store Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa will open in late fall at 11521 N. RM 620, Ste. 600, Austin. The store is located in the H-E-B shopping center at the intersection of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road. In addition to pool supply retail, Pinch A Penny oers ongoing maintenance and repair services, such as water testing and pool services. 512-766-7455. www.pinchapenny.com RELOCATIONS 10 It’Sugar , a retail chain oering classic and oversized candy, apparel, accessories and novelty gifts at 11621 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin, will move to a bigger 4,000-square-foot location across the street next to Hat Creek Burgers in early January. The new space will carry everything the current location carries with more candy. 737- 292-2272. www.itsugar.com ANNIVERSARIES 11 Austin Humane Society, a nonprot

COURTESY SHOWROOM

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Showroom, a women’s designer retail boutique, celebrated a grand opening Nov. 10 at the Domain Northside. The 1,000-square-foot boutique is located at 3200 Palm Way, Austin, across from Lush Cosmetics. The store carries American, Scandinavian and British-based clothing brands. Austin’s Showroom is the rst brick-and-mortar location in Texas. Owner Erica Hanks, who has been a stylist for 15 years, founded Showroom in 2020 as an e-commerce platform in Charlotte, North Carolina. The store carries clothing sized from 0-16. Prices range years of business in November. Galaxy features 11 theaters with state-of-the-art auditoriums, recliners and dine-in options for select theaters. 512-428-6071. www.themoviehouse.com 15 H&M at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace in The Domain celebrated 10 years in Austin on Nov. 17. The Swedish retailer is known for its trendy apparel, acces- sories and shoes for women, men, teens and children. 855-466-7467. www.hm.com 16 Limbo Jewelry at 3211 Palm Way, Ste. 152, Austin, at the Domain Northside, celebrated ve years of business in October. The jewelry store carries handmade pieces

from under $50 for candles to over $1,000 for some brands of boots. The store held a soft opening Oct. 17. 3200 Palm Way, Austin 512-305-3103. www.shopshowroom.com

Austin Humane Society

COURTESY AUSTIN HUMANE SOCIETY

that oers comprehensive, humane, life- saving animal services at 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, celebrated its 70th anniversary Nov. 10. The nonprot has been serving the community since 1952 as a no-kill shelter. AHS saved 11,000 animals with the help of donors in scal year 2021-22. Opportunities for adoption or donation are available. 512-646-7387. www.austinhumanesociety.org 12 Create a Cig , a vape shop carrying e-cigarettes and kits for making them at 2121 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 103-A, Austin, celebrated 10 years in business in Octo- ber. 512-508-1658. www.createacig.com 13 Floor & Decor , a home interior store selling ooring, tile, backsplash, and bathroom and kitchen xtures, cele- brated ve years of service at 12901 N. I-35, Ste. 3, Austin, in November. The 78,000-square-foot store also oers free design services. 512-382-2079. www.ooranddecor.com 14 Galaxy Moviehouse & Eatery by Cinépolis at 8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. B, Austin, in The Trails at 620 celebrated 10

using uncommon takes on modern, architectural, art and nature-inspired designs. 512-765-1146. www.limbojewelrystore.com RENOVATIONS 17 Estancia Churrascaria , a Brazilian steakhouse at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. B, at The Arboretum in Austin will undergo renovations to modernize and update the restaurant. The renovations that include adding windows will be completed by April. The 8,000-square- foot business plans to remain open during this time. 512-345-5600. https://h5u.394.myftpupload.com

FREE HEARING EVALUATION SAVE $500 PER HEARING AID

THE MOST 5-STAR REVIEWS OF ANY HEARING CENTER IN AUSTIN

Benefits of Better Hearing: Clarifies conversations Improves memory Increases confidence Reduces stress Resists dementia

Renew your hearing and your life. Call now. 512-282-HEAR (4327) CUT – SAVE – SHARE – HEAR BETTER

North Austin 3921 Steck Ave. #A-121 Austin TX 78759

South Austin 2500 W William Cannon Dr. Suite #501 Austin TX 78745

WWW.BETTERHEARINGOFAUSTIN.COM

Saleem Assaf , Clinician – HIS. Native Texan.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY

December 13, 2022 | 11 AM - 2 PM Workforce Solutions Capital Area 9001 N. IH 35, Ste 110, Austin, TX 78753 JOB FAIR

This holiday season, feel good again . Give to the Central Texas Food Bank. www.centraltexasfoodbank.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

November & December events

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK

NOVEMBER 25 TUNE INTO THE GAME The FIFA World Cup Soccer USA vs. England match will be screened live at the Hop Squad Brewing Co. from Al Khor, Qatar. 1-3 p.m. Free with menu purchase. 2307 Kramer Lane, Austin. 512-351-9654. www.hopsquad.com DECEMBER 03 ENJOY AN EVENING RETREAT Organized by Dupsy Enterprises, the Evening Retreat and Networking Gala provides networking opportunities and an evening banquet in a formal setting with food and entertainment. The gala includes a three-course meal, inspirational speakers, complimentary wine and door prizes. 5:30-11:30 p.m. $85. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin, 6505 N. I-35 Austin. 512-990-9508. www.dupsyenterprises.com 03 ATTEND A GALA The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce Ovation X gala will celebrate past accomplishments with a futuristic theme of how Austin will be in 2032. Dress code is formal with black tie or traditional dress. 6-11 p.m. $15 (self park), $25 (valet), $350 and up (tickets). 512-407-8240. JW Marriott Hotel, 110 E. Second St. Austin. www.ovationgala.org

NOV. 30

GOLF AND MINGLE GOLFINITY

DEC. 28

LAUGH THE NIGHT AWAY CAP CITY COMEDY CLUB

DEC. 31

DANCE TO THE NEW YEAR AUSTIN UPTOWN DANCE

10 CELEBRATE QUEER BUSINESSES The 2022 Business of Pride Gala honors leaders of Austin’s LGBTQ business community and their allies. The formal dress event at the Hilton Austin in downtown includes dinner and programming. Silver is recommended in the attire. The event is hosted by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. 5:30-10 p.m. $195 and up. 500 E. Fourth St., Austin. 512-761-5428. www.austinlgbtchamber.com venue Golnity. 5-8 p.m. Free. 12332 N. RM 620, Austin. 512-807-9594. www.westaustinchamber.org West Austin Chamber of Commerce will host a holiday gathering and networking event at indoor golf

11 TRY DIFFERENT FLAVORS Austin’s Premier Foodie Fest will showcase local restaurants, eateries, cafes and food trucks with 50 dierent participating vendors. Attendees can enjoy live music, games, contests and giveaways in downtown Austin. Attendees can bring chairs. Parking is free. 1-9 p.m. Free (8 and under), $6 (admission). Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., Austin. Eventbrite: Austin Foodie Fest Over 50 comedians will recap 2022, covering major events with fast-paced jokes. 8 p.m. $20-$28. 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Bldg. B, Unit 100, Austin. 512-467-2333. www.capcitycomedy.com

19 LEARN TO TANGO Esquina Tango is a non-prot organization and cultural center that provides community dance experiences and cultural awareness of Latin American countries. The non-prot will host a tango night for attendees at any level of skill. Beginners start at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour at 7:30 p.m. 6:30-11 p.m. Free. Halcyon Muller, 1905 Aldrich Street, Austin. 512-524-2772. www.esquinatango.org Austin Ballroom Dancers will host a New Year’s Eve dance party. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. $45 (members), $55 (nonmembers). 8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 706, Austin. 512-459-5678. www.austinuptowndance.com

Find more or submit Northwest Austin events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

¿Se ha sentido perdido últimamente? Venga y acompáñenos esta Navidad para conectarse con Cristo! Feeling a bit lost lately? Come join us this Christmas to connect with Christ!

Advent Penance Service Servicio Penitencial de Adviento 12/15: 7:00 PM (Bilingual/Bilingüe)

Posadas 12/16 - 12/23: 7:00 PM (Español)

Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Natividad del Señor (Navidad)

12/24: 3:30 PM Christmas Children Play (English) 12/24: 4:00 PM Children Vigil Mass (English) 12/24: 6:00 PM Mass of Remembrance (English) 12/24: 8:00 PM Misa de Vigilia (Español) 12/25: 12:00 AM Midnight Mass (Bilingual/Bilingüe)

12/25: 10:00 AM Mass (English) 12/25: 12:00 PM Misa (Español) 12/25: 2:00 PM Misa (Español)

Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church 1 2041 Bittern Hollow Austin, TX 78758 (512) 837-7825 www.saintalbert.org stalbertaustin saintalbertatx

Welcome Weekend Retreat for Women 1/21 and 1/22 (English)

Ascension Complete is a Medicare Advantage Plan made by doctors you trust, so you get the coverage you need. Check out the benefits we offer. Get to know Ascension Complete

Don’t miss out. Annual Enrollment Period:

October December

–

✓ Preloaded Visa Flex Card to help pay for dental, vision, and hearing benefits not covered by the plan ✓ Vision and hearing coverage ✓ Spiritual Care - Connect virtually with a professionally trained chaplain for your spiritual and emotional needs, anytime, from anywhere ✓ Fitness membership at no additional cost

✓ $0 plan premiums ✓ $0 primary care physician visit copay

✓ Telehealth appointments ✓ Prescription drug coverage

Get the Medicare Advantage coverage you deserve. Call Ascension Complete today to enroll. ✓ More money back in your Social Security check every year ✓ Dental services with no annual maximum, including exams, fillings, extractions, implants, and dentures ($0 copay for preventive services, 30% cost share for comprehensive services)

1-877-844-4436 (TTY: 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. medicare.ascensioncomplete.com

Benefits vary by plan.

Ascension Complete is contracted with Medicare for HMO and PPO plans. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Ascension Complete depends on contract renewal.

Y0020_CNC_90828E_M FINAL1 CMS Accepted 09172022

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Tolls to rise on regional roads 2018 HIGHER ANNUAL INCREASE

ONGOING PROJECTS

Tolls for roads under the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will increase 8.2%.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

183

$0.04- $0.14

Toll increase per booth

10%

BY GRACE DICKENS

$0.02- $0.09

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

Drivers can expect to pay 4-14 cents more per toll plaza on a handful of regional roadways in 2023 as the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority updates its rates for the upcoming year. Eective Jan. 1, the 8.2% toll increase applies to the following roadways: 183A Toll, 183 South, 290 Toll, E. Hwy. 71, MoPac and SH 45 SW. Toll rates for the 183A Toll will increase 4-14 cents, depending on the toll plaza, while rates for MoPac will go up 5 cents. Rates on 290 Toll will increase 5-11 cents, while rates on E. Hwy. 71 and SH 45 SW will increase 8 cents and 9 cents, respectively. 183 South will see an increase of 5-11 cents.

$0.01- $0.03

$0.01- $0.02

US 183 North Expansion Through Dec. 21, there will be an overnight closure from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on east/westbound Spicewood Springs Road and McNeil Drive between north- and southbound US 183 frontage roads due to the 183 North Mobility Project. Timeline: January 2022-26 Cost: $612 million Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority

AFFECTED TOLLWAYS

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

183A TOLL

rate increase was 5.39%, or 2-9 cents. Toll rates for 2017-20 ranged between 1.46%-2.27%, or 1-3 cents. The additional money raised by tolls will help pay for the rising prices the Mobility Authority endures in its contracts to conduct trac and revenue studies. “I don’t take it lightly that we’re increasing rates. ... But I also recognize the continued viability of our system. We need to be healthy— that’s in the community interest,” Mobility Authority Director David Armbrust said.

183

620

RECENT PROJECTS

290 TOLL

MOPAC

183

Toll rates in the last two years have risen higher than in previous years for the Mobility Authority turnpike system. In 2021, the approved toll TxDOT plans ahead for upcoming winter weather season 45 N

E. ANDERSON LN.

183

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF NOV. 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NWANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Georgian Acres mobility hub A mobility hub in Georgian Acres opened Nov. 14. Located at 312 E. Wonsley Drive, the hub includes a eet of Lime e-scooters, two circu- lator buses, covered benches and solar-powered device charging pads. Timeline: 2021-22 Cost: $1 million Funding source: Austin Transporta- tion Department

snow, according to Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT’s Austin district engineer. Ferguson detailed the district’s plans at a news conference Nov. 10. Ferguson said his team has learned from Winter Storm Uri and Winter Storm Landon, which occurred in 2021 and 2022, respectively. He empha- sized the Austin district will adapt to weather patterns, changing road conditions and the length of storms.

BY HANNAH NORTON

Across the state, the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation is preparing for the winter. Following multiple winter storms in 2021 and 2022, crews have cleaned, tested and set up their equipment to respond to snow and ice. The TxDOT Austin district has dozens of vehicles that will pretreat roads ahead of storms, place gran- ular material on icy roads and plow

Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT’s Austin district engineer, emphasized driver safety during a Nov. 10 news conference. HANNAH NORTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

We proudly manufacture our own Mulch, Gravel, Sand, Rock, Topsoil, Compost & more!

We are beyond thankful thankful for our customers and community!

DIY Homeowners & Commercial Contractors

4 Retail Locations in Central Texas: ROUND ROCK • AUSTIN • LIBERTY HILL • GRANITE SHOALS

512-989-7625

www.989rock.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

EDUCATION School districts struggle with state funding due to COVID-19’s effect on daily attendance rates

FUNDING EDUCATION IN TEXAS

Texas is one of six states that funds schools based on attendance rates, alongside California, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri. Texas schools receive per-student funding under the basic allotment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of students in attendance on average. Nearly 433,000 students were uncounted during the 2020-21 school year, or about 8% of all Texas students. Nearly 300,000 students were uncounted during the 2021-22 school year. Schools earn $6,160 per student. If adjusted for inflation, the basic allotment could be at least $7,100 . Texas is behind the national average for student funding by over $4,000 .

BY HANNAH NORTON

Every Texan. Roughly 433,000 were uncounted during the 2020-21 school year, or about 8% of all students in Texas. The basic allotment also is not adjusted for inflation. With inflationary adjustments, the basic allotment should reach at least $7,100, according to Raise Your Hand Texas, a public policy organization focused on public education. School districts also receive funding from local property tax rates. Bob Popinski, the senior director of policy for RYHT, said lawmakers need to continue to invest in public schools, even when property taxes increase. Last biennium, the state saved about $5 billion due to property tax hikes. Popinski said that money was used to fund other programs across Texas. “A big chunk of it did not go back into public education,” Popinski said. “[And] our contention is that any kind of savings to the state due to local [property] value increases needs to be pumped back into public education through increases in the basic allotment or funding for other public education programs.” During the first year of the pandemic, the TEA funded schools based on attendance and enrollment estimates made before the pandemic. As districts began to shift to more in-person instruction during the 2021-22 school year, officials issued an opera- tional minutes adjustment, which excluded periods with low attendance rates from districts’ averages. However, the adjustment was only in effect for the first two-thirds of the school year. During the latter portion of the year, average daily attendance rates were calculated normally. The TEA reported that schools were not held harmless for enrollment declines last school year. After the operational minutes adjustment ended, Pflugerville ISD’s attendance rates hovered around 92%. The district missed out on approximately $1 million during the last 12 weeks of the 2021-22 school year, Land said.

Pflugerville ISD lost roughly $1 million during the last 12 weeks of the 2021-22 school year, officials said. The district serves about 25,000 students, but due to gaps in attendance, it only received funding for 23,000 students, Pflugerville ISD chief communi- cations officer Tamra Spence said. These gaps were primarily fueled by COVID-19 cases and students who participated in classes remotely. Because Texas public schools are financed based on attendance rates, many districts across the state faced similar issues. Schools receive per-student funding under the basic allotment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of students in attendance on average. Average daily attendance is calculated by finding the sum of attendance counts throughout the school year and dividing that by the number of days that schools are required to be open, according to the Texas Education Agency. Schools then earn $6,160 per student who meets the average daily attendance threshold. If a student is absent, they are not counted for the day. If a student is frequently absent, they are not counted at all, in terms of funding, according to the TEA. But day-to-day school operations do not change when students are absent, officials said. “We don’t pay teachers based on the number of kids or percentage of kids who come to school for a day; teachers don’t prepare lessons assuming that only 92% of the kids are going to be there,” said Jennifer Land, Pflugerville ISD’s chief financial officer. “We still have to prepare and fund and act as though we’re going to have 100% of our students at school every day.” Land also serves as the board president for the Texas Association of School Business Officials, a nonprofit organization that supports public school officials. Nearly 300,000 students were uncounted during the 2021-22 school year, according to policy nonprofit

SOURCES: EDUCATION WEEK, EVERY TEXAN, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Attendance rates are now around 94%, a 4 percentage-point decrease from prepandemic levels. Land said she thinks this is the new normal, because parents and administrators are more aware of viral illnesses and the importance of increased caution to keep students healthy. Texas is one of just six states that funds schools based on attendance rates, alongside California, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri. According to Every Texan, there are four methods commonly used to fund schools based on enroll- ment: average daily membership, single count days, enrollment periods and multiday counts. The most common method, average daily membership, is used in 23 states. Villanueva said it is similar to Texas’ existing funding model. In this case, enrollment is recorded throughout the year and used to determine district-by-district funding. Two bills in favor of enrollment-based fund- ing—Senate Bill 728 and House Bill 1246—were filed during the 87th Texas Legislature, which occurred in 2021. But despite support from bipartisan lawmakers and educators across the state, neither bill received a hearing or reached the chamber floors. The 88th Texas Legislature begins in January.

NEW WATER AEROBICS AND LAP SWIMMING CLASSES

FREE EVALUATIONS SATURDAY’S @ 12:30PM

WHY WATERLOO? • SAFETY! Chlorinated/UV Filter Pools • Low instructor: student ratios • Curriculum that gets results! • Trained Instructors...we do this year round PROGRAMS AT WATERLOO • Swim Lessons • Private Lessons • Kid and Teen Fitness • Homeschool

• Adult Lessons / Masters • Swim Team (#3 Age Group Team in Texas)

12332 FM 620 NORTH � AUSTIN � NEAR HWY 183 AND 45 TOLLROAD � WATERLOOSWIMMING.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin Community College, Austin ISD, Pflugerville ISD & Round Rock ISD

HIGHLIGHTS ROUND ROCK ISD The district completed some upgrades and additions to McNeil High School in October, including an all-new career and technical education workshop, a health sciences wing with doctor’s and simulation clinics, and a black box theater. Funding came from the district’s 2018 bond. Round Rock ISD board of trustees Will meet Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org Pflugerville ISD board of trustees Will meet Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at 1401 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville 512-594-0000 www.pfisd.net Austin ISD board of trustees Will meet Dec. 1 and 15 at 6 p.m. at 4000 S. I-35, Austin. 512-414-1700 www.austinisd.org Austin Community College board of trustees Will meet Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 512-223-7613 www.austincc.edu MEETINGS WE COVER

District makes policy tweak to allow Narcan

Austin ISD to convert all buses to electric by 2035

WHAT IS NARCAN?

Narcan, a brand of naloxone, is an emergency opioid overdose- reversal medicine. In 2-3 minutes, it can restore normal breathing in a person whose breath has slowed or stopped. Comes as a nasal spray or an injectable The city of Austin, Travis County and other local agencies have ramped up funding for the treatment in the last several months.

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

AUSTIN ISD Officials announced plans Oct. 17 to convert all of Aus- tin ISD’s diesel buses to electric by 2035. In September, the AISD board of trustees approved the resolu- tion to safeguard children from the effects of diesel school bus pollution and save money in the long run. AISD Executive Director of Transportation Kris Hafezizadeh said there are 548 diesel buses in the district that are taking students to and from school. With the new plan, all of them will be replaced with electric buses. A pilot program to achieve that goal is in development and will begin when three of those buses are replaced in September 2023 with all-electric ones.

AUSTIN ISD On Oct. 27, the AISD board of trustees approved updates to the Wellness and Health Services Medical Treat- ment Plan to allow nurses to administer Narcan, an over- dose-reversal drug. The vote followed an Oct. 21 announcement that the district is giving school nurses Narcan as part of a fentanyl prevention and emergency response. Board President Geronimo Rodriguez said during the meeting that the changes were fast tracked because nurses would be unable to administer the medicine until the policy was updated. “These steps, part of Fake & Fatal awareness campaign, [are] in response to fentanyl overdose

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

in neighboring school districts and rising national numbers of fentanyl related fatalities,” Rodriguez said. The Fake & Fatal awareness campaign provides information to students, staff and parents about the prevention of fentanyl-related over- doses. Additionally, the campaign guides families on the best practices for educating their children on the issue along with other key infor- mation, according to the district’s website.

10 % Introductory Pricing OFF 24/7 VIRTUAL CARE

1-Year/365 Plans Code: HOLIDAY10

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

No appointments Diagnosis, treatment & advice in minutes $0 copay

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.

Avery Ranch (PS–8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

NormanMD.com/holiday-offer

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

Hello, Austin! Texas Children’s Hospital is set to make its biggest impression yet on the state capital.

Opening February 2024! Our state-of-the-art facility, Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus , will be led by the finest pediatric and women’s faculty in the nation. We’ve grown to more than 20 locations offering pediatric, urgent care and specialty care services to the Austin community and we won’t stop there.

At Texas Children’s, the difference is life changing. Come see why at texaschildrensaustin.org.

Bringing the best to Austin Now ranked #2 in the nation

Meet our Leadership

Mark A. Wallace President and Chief Executive Officer Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 33 years

Michael A. Belfort, MD, PhD OB/GYN In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years

Lara Shekerdemian, MD Pediatrician In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years

Larry H. Hollier Jr., MD Surgeon In-Chief & Chair of Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 24 years

Thierry A.G.M. Huisman, MD Radiologist In-Chief & Chair of Radiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 4 years

Jeffrey S. Shilt, MD Community In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Medical Director of the Motion Analysis Lab Tenure: 6 years

James Versalovic, MD, PhD Pathologist In-Chief & Chair of Pathology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 21 years

Huda Y. Zoghbi, MD Research In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 34 years

Dean B. Andropoulos, MD Anesthesiologist In-Chief & Chair of Anesthesiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 25 years

Edward P. Buchanan, MD Chief Surgical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 11 years

Bryan Vartabedian, MD Chief Medical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 31 years

NEWS BRIEFS

News from Austin & Williamson County

County celebrates completion of 200th voter-approved road project

City homelessness initiative progressing

CLOSING A GAP Most of the $515 million needed to support a citywide homeless housing effort has been secured through October.

BY SUMAIYA MALIK

BY BEN THOMPSON

identify the needs of the growing population, according to officials. “There’s one thing to plan, but the hardest part—and I give our trans- portation department’s Bob Daigh and his team so much credit—is to actually get the roads on the ground,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said.

On Oct. 18, Williamson County Commissioners Court recognized CR 200 in Liberty Hill as the 200th road project completed under the voter-approved road bond program. “Voters have seen that need and have said yes to these projects,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said. Williamson County had a total of four successful bond elections in 2000, 2006, 2013 and 2019. Using funding from the bonds, the county has completed safety and mobility projects in unincorporated areas of the county as well as in cities through partnerships with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. The need for the roads was first recognized in 1999 when the commissioners court adopted its first Long-Range Transportation Plan to

A half-billion-dollar plan to house thousands experiencing homeless- ness is moving closer to its fundrais- ing goal. Finding Home ATX, a partnership among local governments, nonprof- its, businesses and philanthropists, started last year following a com- munity summit aimed at curbing unsheltered homelessness in Austin. Finding Home leaders announced in November that $449.14 million of the estimated $515 million total needed to house 3,000 people and develop more than 1,000 new affordable housing units over three years—87.21%—has been or is expected to be secured. “We are on track to ending home- lessness in the city of Austin,” Mayor Steve Adler said Nov. 2. As of last October, FindingHome had secured just under $400 million of its total goal. After raising nearly

Austin: $227.59 million Texas: $91.64 million

Travis County: $56.8 million

$515 million

$50 million more since then, the program now has a funding gap of $65.86 million to be filled by private sources—less than 13% of the overall total. “Personally, I think you lose the right to complain about homeless- ness in this city if you’re not going to be part of the solution to ending it,” Adler said. Private sources: $49.79 million Housing Authority of the City of Austin: $21.92 million Homeless service providers: $1.4 million Funding gap: $65.86 million SOURCE: FINDING HOME ATX/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMPLETING COUNTY ROADS

The 200th project funded by Williamson County’s four voter- approved road bonds was completed in October.

2000

$375M

2006

$228M

2013

$275M

2019

$412M

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking �o live life �o �he fuest?

Sun City Texas in Georgetown offers views of the Hill Country and an active adult lifestyle filled with outdoor recreation.

• Quick Move-in Homes Available Now • 8 New Model Homes Open for Touring Daily • New Amenity Center Coming Summer 2023

Call or text 512-729-1228 to learn more or visit us today at 701 Silver Spur Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78633 www.delwebb.com/suncitytexas

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

GOVERNMENT County homelessness organization seeks volunteers to assist with point-in-time count

WHERE IS THE COUNT TAKEN?

A point-in-time count provides a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in a specic area overnight.

Unsheltered locations

Sheltered locations

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Coalition member Christel Erickson-Collins said the data collected through the count is used to gauge what services are needed for homeless populations. “It’s an opportunity for us to understand what the scope of the problem of homelessness is in Wil-

In January, the WilCo Homeless Coalition will partner with San Antonio-based Endeavors, a nonprot dedicated to assisting vulnerable popu- lations, to carry out a point-in-time count of those experiencing homelessness in Williamson County.

• Cars • Parks • Streets and sidewalks

• Transitional housing • Emergency shelter

liamson County,” Erickson-Col- lins said. “It’s important because without understanding the scope of the issue, we don’t know how to address it, and we don’t know how to get resources to the folks that need them.” Coalition President Ebby Green, who also leads the Round Rock and Taylor housing author- ities, said the data gathered through the count is also used at the federal level for planning. “It’s not something that we get funding for, but they do use it across the country,” Green said.

Volunteer in Williamson County Those interested in the point-in-time count may email homelesswilco@gmail.com . Volunteers will receive training and will be grouped for safety.

This will be the second time the county has taken a count of those who lack stable and adequate housing since 2011. The WilCo Homeless Coalition was founded in 2019 to connect those in need with resources, through opportunities such as resource fairs. The organization’s long-term goal is to establish temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Ahead of the count, the coalition is seeking volunteers to

“IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM OF HOMELESSNESS.” CHRISTEL ERICKSONCOLLINS, WILCO HOMELESS COALITION MEMBER

SOURCE: TEXAS HOMELESS NETWORKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

volunteers will walk through areas of Williamson County over the course of two to four hours. “One of the things that volunteers are often con- cerned about is their safety,” Erickson-Collins said. “This is a population that there’s a lot of myths and misunderstandings about. We want volunteers to know that they will never be going out alone. There will be training ahead of the actual count.” Those who are interested in participating in the count must be 18 years or older and may send an email to homelesswilco@gmail.com. Participants are not required to live in Williamson County.

participate in ensuring the county has an accurate count, as bad weather hindered the accuracy of the last count done in February.

Volunteers will help count the number of people who are living unsheltered in vehicles or otherwise out of shelters. Erickson-Collins said

Payment Options:

Whether you're choosing a route, choosing a mode of transportation or choosing a payment option, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority keeps you connected. There's always more than one way…

With an Electronic Tag

Explore your options at MobilityAuthority.com/pay-your-toll/options

Online By Phone By Mail

In Person

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis & Williamson counties

Austin extends renter eviction timeline, sets new organizing rights

BY BEN THOMPSON

majority of the city’s housing space. According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 54.49% of all units in Austin are renter occupied. Both measures were supported by several local advocacy groups and tenant organizations that said the changes would balance the power dynamic between tenants and landlords in Austin while supporting renters’ ability to stay housed. However, some real estate groups and rental housing providers expressed concern that the eviction item may not be effective and could conflict with state property code. Mayor Steve Adler said the final evic- tion change created a right to cure “with some accommodations and forward protections for mobile home residents. The measure will update city guidelines to give more notice of potential relocation if properties are in line for rehabilitation or redevelopment. compromises” on both sides. Council also voted to move

AUSTIN New protections for renters aimed at staving off evictions and protecting organizing activity were approved in October. Previously, Austin tenants may have had the chance to cure, or correct, potential leasing violations when facing eviction but were not guaranteed that right. Tenants now have seven days to cure before an eviction moves along. The one-week timeline was reduced from a 21-day period that was originally proposed. The change will not apply to landlords with fewer than four residences. Council also voted for a city code update ensuring tenants can organize without interference from their landlords. Retaliation against renters for activities such as posting organizing information in public or meeting with other tenants is now a misdemeanor punishable by a fine. The rewrites to portions of city rental property code apply to a

MAJORITY-RENTER CITY New ordinances related to evictions and tenant organizing apply to the majority of households in Austin.

Owner occupied

Renter occupied

54.49%

45.51%

Citywide

47.56%

52.44%

District 1

44.55%

55.45%

District 2

73.2%

26.8%

District 3

65.43%

34.57%

District 4

49.66%

50.34%

District 5

49.76%

50.24%

District 6

59.46%

40.54%

District 7

33.1%

66.9%

District 8

70.17%

29.83%

District 9

47.01%

52.99%

District 10

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44

communityimpact.com