North - Northwest Austin Edition | December 2024

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

North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 11 DEC. 28, 2024FEB. 3, 2025

2024 Senior Living Guide

Furthering food access

Austin, Travis County cement community plan for more resilient food system

Qualifying area residents can pick up nutritious food at the Central Texas Food Bank’s mobile FARMacy pantry, launched last year in response to local food insecurity.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and improving lacking food access for residents. “This food plan sets a historic precedent that equitable access to safe, nutritious food and the land in support of that is something that we all deserve and have a right to,” Joi Chevalier, The Cook’s Nook owner and Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board member, told county leaders in October.

The work came in response to widespread food system setbacks and shortages amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, and in anticipation of future climate disruptions. Residents, local groups and governments will pursue dozens of strategies laid out in the “plan of plans” through the 2020s and beyond to ll the cracks in Central Texas’ food system by encourag- ing more local production, addressing disparities

BY BEN THOMPSON

After several years and with input from thou- sands of residents, Austin and Travis County’s rst-ever food plan was approved by local leaders this fall. It’s meant to address access and production issues experienced countywide, where less than 0.1% of food is grown locally and more than 1 in 10 people regularly struggle accessing healthy food.

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Check out two new luxury retailers oering clothes, shoes and more in The Domain (Page 6)

Government: See more details about Austin Energy’s new plans for future power generation (Page 9)

“ Advanced care in our own backyard.

”

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

This holiday season, help keep our roads safe and spirits bright by committing to drive sober, keep your attention on the road, and maintain a cheerful attitude while you travel. The Mobility Authority wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

DRIVE RIGHT to keep the spirit BRIGHT

Visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more.

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

PUBLIC MEETING

Let’s talk light rail.

Join us in early 2025 at our upcoming Open House events to learn more about Austin Light Rail and how it’s progressing. Connect with ATP staff and provide feedback. Learn more at atptx.org .

SHOW UP

Para obtener información sobre los servicios de interpretación, comuníquese con nosotros por correo electrónico a sophie.petkus@atptx.org o por teléfono al 512-710-2100.

For translation in other languages, contact us by email (sophie.petkus@atptx.org) or phone at 512-710-2100.

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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

4 Fogueira Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse The restaurant features an all-you-can-eat dining style where customers can enjoy options from Filet Mignon and Lombo de Porco. • Opened Dec. 9 • 3221 Feathergrass Court, Austin • www.fogueiragaucha.com 5 McKnight Title The Fort Worth-based company offers title and escrow services in various areas including residential, commercial, refinancing, reverse mortgages and real estate-owned titles. • Opened Nov. 12 • 9500 Arboretum Blvd., Ste. 320, Austin • www.mcknighttitle.com 6 PamCakes Bakery Owned by Pamela Wooten, the bakery offers a variety of pastries. • Opened Nov. 16 • 13450 Research Blvd., Ste. 239B, Austin • www.pamcakestexas.com 7 Purple Rice Korean Grab & Go The Shops at Arbor Walk welcomed a new Korean, on- the-go food option. • Opened Nov. 14 • 10515 N. Mopac Expressway, Unit A-135, Austin • www.purple-rice.com 8 Saigon Quan Owned by Nghi Quach, the restaurant focuses on Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. • Opened Nov. 12 • 1921 Cedar Bend Drive, Ste. A-101, Austin • www.saigonquanatx.com Pet Comfort & Clean Spaces The mobile business—founded by Austin resident Juvadee Taoha—offers dog walking and drop-in visits for pets. Several cleaning packages are available featuring a range of services from dusting to plant care. • Opened Nov. 11 • www.petcomfortcleanspaces.com

ROCK ROSE AVE.

45 TOLL

MOPAC

3 9

PALM WAY

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

ESPERANZA CROSSING

POND SPRINGS RD.

183

620

FEATHERGRASS COURT

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

MOPAC

CEDAR BEND DR.

GREAT HILLS TRL.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

GREENLAWN PKWY.

2222

ARBORETUM BLVD.

10 PASADENA DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

ANDERSON LN.

CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

tea and more. • Opened Sept. 21

Now open

• 7221 McNeil Drive, Austin • www.dhabacafeatx.com

1 Balenciaga The luxury retailer sells bags and shoes, alongside men and women’s clothing and accessories. • Opened Dec. 18 • 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 101, Austin • www.balenciaga.com 2 Dhaba Cafe The mobile coffee cart opened a trailer, which sells drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, matcha,

3 Fashionphile Launched in 1999, the business features over 80 high-end brands. The business sells pre-owned luxury products from handbags to accessories from brands including Chanel, Hermès, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. • Opened Nov. 18 • 11700 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 166, Austin • www.fashionphile.com

Happy Holidays!

Every donation helps Austin Habitat for Humanity build homes & hope with Central Texas families. follow us @atxrestore • www.austinhabitat.org/restore

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, DACIA GARCIA & CHLOE YOUNG

Coming soon

Now open

9 Ema The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will feature an indoor and outdoor bar and dining space. Customers can look forward to a mezze-style menu. • Opening in fall 2025

• 3120 Palm Way, Ste. 170, Austin • www.abarestaurants.com/austin

10 Gold’s Gym The chain has 10 established locations in Austin and is introducing one more in the Crestview neighborhood. Locations feature free weights, cardio equipment and

resistance machines. • Opening in summer • 7301 Burnet Road, Austin • www.goldsgym.com

14 Zimmermann The brand sells dresses, shoes, accessories, jewelry, tops, bottoms, and swim and resort options. The retail space has two main rooms and a lounge area with artwork by Australian artist Sean Hill, as stated in a news release. • Opened Nov. 17 • 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 125, Austin • www.zimmermann.com/us

17 Loro The Austin-based Asian smokehouse and bar focuses on grilled and smoked meats with a Southeast Asian and Japanese influence for its sauces and sides. • Opening Dec. 21 • 11601 Domain Drive, Ste. 200, Austin • www.loroeats.com/locations

11 Nora Mental Health The practice offers individual, couple, family and group therapy in addition to medication management services. • Opening Jan. 21 • 9020 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. 280, Austin • www.noramentalhealth.com/austin-texas

In the news

12 Con Olio Oils and Vinegars The business celebrated its 15th anniversary in November. The woman- and family-owned boutique

in Leander at 1631 Crystal Village Blvd., Leander. The Wisconsin chain is best known for its cheese curds and fresh frozen custard. • Closing Dec. 22, relocating Feb. 2025 • 2240 W. Braker Lane, Austin • www.culvers.com 18 Fairweather Cider The hard cider company opened on Metric Boulevard in 2017. The business offered reservations for events and private parties in addition to its daily taproom hours. The cider company can be found in H-E-B and some

Closings

15 American Freight The discount home retailer is closing 30 of its Texas locations, including its sole Austin store. The far Northwest Austin store has mattresses, sofas and kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and stoves

features a try-before-you-buy concept. • 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 130, Austin • www.conolios.com

13 Dave and Buster’s The business’ location at The Arboretum celebrated its 25th anniversary on Sept. 17. The national chain offers arcade games, food and drinks and event hosting options for kids birthdays, corporate events and socials.

marked up to 40% off. • No set closing date • 13435 N. Hwy. 183, Austin • www.americanfreight.com

Austin retailers. • Closed Nov. 23 • 10609 Metric Blvd., Ste. 108, Austin • www.fairweathercider.com

• 9333 Research Blvd., Austin • www.daveandbusters.com

16 Culver’s North Austin’s Culver’s location will be closing its doors at Braker Lane on Dec. 22., but will reopen soon

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Austin Energy outlines plans to up its generation Austin Energy’s blueprint for its next decade of power resource planning and generation investments—including proposed natural gas units amid the utility’s pledged decarbonization—were finalized Dec. 12. The big picture AE’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protec- tion Plan to 2035 is a follow-up to the last version of the power strategy that’s leading up to 2030. The 2035 plan calls for new investments to keep up with AE’s customer growth and soaring demand. A majority of AE’s residential customers surveyed this summer would also accept higher monthly bills to reach Austin’s goal of 100% carbon-free power by 2035; it’s currently about 70%. Proposed generation updates may include: • Boosting AE’s portfolio of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar

TravCo sees decline in opioid overdoses Local and state officials announced Dec. 2 that Travis County has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to launch a jail-based substance use intake program as recent data shows the first decline in accidental opioid deaths in more than three years. Fentanyl-related opioid deaths went from 180 in 2023 to 130 in 2024 from January to July of both years, according to Travis County. Overdoses remain the leading cause of accidental deaths in Travis County, prompt- ing commissioners to renew a 2022 public health crisis declaration in November. As part of this effort, the county allocated $100,000 for naloxone—a medication used to treat opioid overdoses—and an additional $300,000 for future overdose prevention programs in the upcoming year.

Carbon-free energy usage

Percent of carbon-free energy used

80% 100%

60% 40% 20% 0%

SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Exiting the locally unpopular Fayette Power Project—AE’s lone remaining coal plant • Using new sources such as geothermal generation • Exploring other options, such as nuclear genera- tion and increasing utility battery usage Any additions would be costly, and subject to public review and council approval before finalized.

GRAND OPENING SPRING 2025

NORTHPOINT AT OLD SETTLERS IN PREMIER ROUND ROCK LOCATION

New Townhomes Starting from the $300Ks

1,685 - 1,977 SF

3bedrooms | 2 car garages

Minutes from 640-acre Old Settlers Park

1955 Settlers Glen Drive, Round Rock,TX 78665

512.764.5562 pulte.com/northpoint

*The photographs depict models containing features that may or may not be available on all homes or that may be available for an additional cost. Community Association fees required. Square footages listed is approximate. Home designs and features vary and may not be available on every home, or may be available for an additional cost, and are subject to change or modification at any time without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by low. Pulte Homes® and More Life Built In® are registered trademarks of PulteGroup, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ©2024 Pulte Homes of Texas, L.P. All rights reserved. 12/24

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ & BROOKE SJOBERG

RRISD deficit nearly doubled for 2023-24 school year

Travis Early College renovations begin Austin ISD officials, Travis Early College High School representatives, students and staff celebrated a groundbreaking at Travis ECHS on Nov. 8. The overview The groundbreaking marks the start of a modernization project of the high school, funded by the voter-approved $2.44 billion 2022 bond program. The renovations include modernized learning spaces, outdoor learning areas, security upgrades, additional counseling and mental health facilities, and improved athletic and fine arts facilities. The project in South Austin will cost $252.21 million, and the new high school is expected to open for the 2028-29 school year, according to district officials.

A final budget update for fiscal year 2023-24 shows Round Rock ISD’s projected budget shortfall doubled to $37 million. Initially estimated around $19 million, Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington said the shortfall increase was due to a variety of factors, including higher than anticipated expenses and reduced revenues. What you need to know A reduction in federal reimbursement for special education services, reduced property values, higher program costs and more employees qualifying for stipends than anticipated are just a few of several factors that caused the district’s budget deficit to increase by about $18 million for the 2023-24 fiscal year, Covington said in a Nov. 21 board meeting. “A good thing, but not good for your budget—we had more teachers complete the reading academy, so they earned the stipends,” Covington said.

Decreased revenues • $600,000 reduction in current year property tax collections • $300,000 reduction in prior year property tax collections • $6.5 million in lost reimbursement from special education funding Increased expenses • $2 million in underestimated salary increases • $3.9 million in special education stipends and services • $1.5 million for substitute teachers • $1.2 million stipends for other teachers • $500,000 to fund student competitions in extracurriculars • $900,000 for higher than planned retiree payout and insurance deductibles Budget adjustments The district received $7.4 million less in revenue and expended $10 million more than expected for fiscal year 2023-24.

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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

Get Ready .

Stay Ready .

Weather disasters keep coming, with bigger storms that last longer. As Austin Energy prepares for future power outage emergencies, you can get ready, too. • Know how to report an outage, use the Outage Map and get text alerts. • Make sure your contact info is current at COAUtilities.com or call 512-494-9400 . • Learn how Austin Energy handles outages. AustinEnergy.com/StayReady Know what to do in case of an outage.

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

The total number of homes sold across the market was lower in November compared to the previous year, Unlock MLS data shows. Residential market data

Homes sold

November 2023

November 2024

-20%

+26.67%

+27.27%

+15.38%

-45.45%

45 TOLL

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

78729

620

MOPAC

183

Median home sales price

78727

78750

78759

November

2023

2024

78758

360

$510,350 $441,000 $758,250 $410,000 $630,000

$530,500 $450,000 $542,500 $370,000 $637,000

78727

2222

78729

78750

78758

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78759

Average days on market

North-Northwest Austin

November 2023

November 2024

+31.25%

+9.80%

-1.67%

+78.72%

November

2023

2024

115

New listings

Closed sales

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in November

Months of inventory

4.2

4.4

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

- -

2 5 9 2

$900,000+

3 5 6

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$291

$281

3 5 7

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

351

355

<$299,999

More Rebates, More Savings » Enjoy instant savings on energy efficient products at participating local stores » Earn rebates averaging $2,000 on home energy improvements » Get up to $130 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives through January 31

©CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval and only eligible with CMG Home Loans, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 8/14/24 and close by 12/31/24, while funds last, and finance with CMG Home Loans. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Flex cash offers vary per home and per community. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. *Rate provided 11/26/2024. 10/6 ARM. Stated rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. Example: Purchase Price $350,000, 10% Down Payment, $315,000 Loan Amount, 30 year term, initial interest rate 3.750% (5.223%% APR) , with a 1-0 temporary buydown. 12 monthly payments of $1,286, followed by 108 payments of $1,459.00, not including mortgage insurance/taxes/insurance.Post Introductory Period Example: Interest Rate = SOFR + Margin. Payment can adjust every 6 months. Sample Repayments at month 120 with balance of $246,052: 3% Margin, 4.690% SOFR (11/26/24), 7.750% variable rate, $2,020.00 monthly payment. At max interest rate of 8.750% payment is $2,174.00. Payment stated does not include taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance which will result in a higher payment. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. The flex cash can only be used in one of the four ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate (specific inter- est rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promo- tions or interest-only/buy-down and second lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. Average build time of 3.5 months is an average across all communities and product types as of 2024. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2024 Clayton Proper- ties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes. 2.75 % Year One & 3.75% Years 2-10 (5.223% APR)* This won’t last long! Close this month to Rake in the Savings before this interest rate is gone. HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199

» See if you qualify for free home energy improvements

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Customer Driven. Community Focused.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY GRACE DICKENS

Senior Living Guide

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Senior Living Guide! Our annual Senior Living Guide focuses on resources for seniors living in and around Northwest Austin, from different living facilities to organizations providing services. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news. Without the support of our readers and advertisers, we wouldn’t be celebrating over 17 years of publishing the North-Northwest Austin paper. Each month, we mail more than 57,000 copies to all of the homes and apartments in the Northwest Austin market. We are unwavering in our commitment to inform communities we cover free of cost because we believe everyone—homeowners and renters alike—deserve to receive high-quality, hyperlocal information about where they live. The stories in this edition dig into the demographics of seniors in our market, what living options are available and a local agency dedicated to supporting the senior population. As always, thank you for reading and we hope you find this guide informative.

What's inside

Here are 18 senior living options in the Northwest Austin area (Page 14)

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

AGE of Central Texas aims to help seniors age in place (Page 17)

Sponsor:

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Local senior statistics

The senior population of those 65 and older in Austin, Travis County and Williamson County has increased from 2019 to 2023. In Austin, the median age has also increased year over year in the same timeframe.

Senior population changes over time

2023 population percentage

Age 65 or older

Williamson County Austin Travis County 5-year percentage change

Williamson County

Travis County

Austin

+20.1%

150,000

10.7%

10.1%

12.8%

125,000

+14.58%

100,000

139,903

82,263

97,391

+27%

75,000

Austin median age

50,000

33.3

34.2

2019

2022

25,000

33.7

34.5

2020

2023

33.9

2021

2019

2021 2020

2022

2023

2019

2021 2020

2022

2023

2019

2021 2020

2022

2023

SOURCE: US CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Community Senior Living Communities

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, HALEY MCLEOD & DACIA GARCIA

Brookdale Northwest Hills Type: assisted living, memory care

large rooms • 9205 Collinfield Drive, Austin • www.assistedlivinginaustin.com Conservatory at North Austin Type: independent living Cost: not provided Total units: 16

Cost: starts at $4,820 for assisted living studios, $6,040 for assisted living one-bedroom suites Total units: 120 room capacity for assisted living, 28 room capacity for memory care Amenities: restaurant-style dining, recreation and activity rooms, weekly events and activities, library, pet friendly, outdoor garden area • 5715 Mesa Drive, Austin • www.brookdale.com The Clairmont Retirement Community Type: independent living Cost: $2,200-$3,400 monthly Total units: 142 Amenities: housekeeping, hair salon, three meals per day, transportation, activities, pet friendly, private patios, green space • 12463 Los Indios Trail, Austin • www.sunshineretirementliving.com The Collinfield House Type: assisted living, hospice care Cost: starts at $5,500 monthly for shared living, up to $15,000 for private rooms Total units: five to eight units Amenities: 24-hour inclusive care, feeding, bed management, showering, in-room bathrooms, extra

Anointed Senior Living Austin Type: memory care Cost: starting at $5,495 monthly Total units: 50 Amenities: beauty salon, outdoor garden, life enrichment programs, chef-prepared meals, concierge assistance, personal care, medication management

Arden Courts Type: memory care Cost: $7,650 monthly for private room Total units: 60 residents

Types of communities

Amenities: daily meals, fitness center and trainer, housekeeping, transportation, 24/7 concierge service • 14320 Tandem Blvd., Austin • www.conservatoryseniorliving.com Everleigh Lakeline Type: independent living Cost: starting at $1,599 monthly for a one-bedroom suite, $2,477 for a two-bedroom suite Total units: 191 units Amenities: fitness center, community garden, resident lounge, gaming area, coffee bar and bistro, heated swimming pool, theater room, dog park and dog wash, pickleball court • 9821 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.liveeverleigh.com

Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.

Amenities: specialized staff trained in memory care, dedicated physicians and nurse practitioners, programming, family support groups, large courtyard space • 11630 Four Iron Drive, Austin • www.arden-courts.org

• 10025 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.anointedseniorlivingaustin.com

Parmer Woods at North Austin Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: $2,795 monthly for assisted living, $4,395 monthly for memory care Total units: 128 Amenities: dining room, courtyard, media room, activities program • 12429 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin

Anthology of The Arboretum Type: assisted living, memory care

Atria at the Arboretum Type: independent living Cost: $3,595-$6,000 monthly Total units: 172

Cost: starts at $5,200 monthly for studio, $6,149 for one-bedroom suite and $9,200 for two-bedroom suite Total units: 130 Amenities: transportation available, home maintenance services provided, beauty and barbershops on-site • Opening in February

Amenities: housekeeping, transportation, salon and barber shop, hot tub, chef-prepared meals, indoor pool

• 9306 Great Hills Trail, Austin • www.atriaseniorliving.com

• www.pegasusseniorliving.com /parmer-woods-at-north-austin

• 10001 Stonelake Blvd., Austin • www.anthologysrliving.com

CONTINUED ON 16

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

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

ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665

Community

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, HALEY MCLEOD & DACIA GARCIA

Overture Domain Type: independent living Cost: $1,749 monthly for one-bedroom suite, $2,799 for two-bedroom suite Total units: 189 Amenities: fitness center, heated pool and hot tub, outdoor grilling kitchen, yoga studio, reading nook, game room, social hours, movie theater • 3100 Kramer Lane, Austin • www.liveoverture.com/communities/overture-domain Park Bend Health Center Type: skilled nursing Cost: starts at $7,170 monthly for semi-private suite, $8,700 monthly for private suite Total units: 124 Amenities: beautician services, therapy equipment, daily activities • 2122 Park Bend Drive, Austin • www.caradayhealth.com/parkbend The Pavilion at Great Hills Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starts at $4,375 monthly for assisted living, $4,780 monthly for memory care Total units: 139 Amenities: art studio, game room, library, salon, fitness classes, town outings, social events, housekeeping services, all-day meal service

• 11819 Pavilion Blvd., Austin • www.paviliongreathills.com

CONTINUED FROM 15

Maravilla at the Domain Type: independent living, assisted living, memory care Cost: starts at $5,535 monthly Total units: 238 Amenities: art studio, game room, restaurant, bar and lounge, cafe and market, beauty salon and spa • 11001 Austin Lane, Austin • www.srgseniorliving.com/austin-tx-maravilla Millhouse Assisted Living Type: assisted living Cost: $5,500-$8,000 monthly Total units: eight Amenities: medication management, 24-hour care, fall Overture Arboretum Type: independent living Cost: not provided Total units: 184 Amenities: fitness center, pool, dining room and coffee bar/bistro, art studio, dog park, private theater • 10600 Jollyville Road, Austin • www.liveoverture.com/communities/ overture-arboretum prevention program, customized care • 11005 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.livingwithcareassistedliving.com

Silverleaf Eldercare at the Arboretum Type: assisted living, memory care, hospice care Cost: $6,500-$9,500 monthly Total units: 12 beds Amenities: chef-prepared meals, health care provider visits, medication management, one-on-one exercise director and CarePredict, an AI-powered digital health platform

• 9004 Wildridge Drive, Austin • www.silverleafeldercare.com

Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Duval Type: skilled nursing Cost: not provided Total units: 208 Amenities: beauty salon, therapy gym, transportation services • 5301 Duval Road, Austin • www.wellsentialhealth.org/location/ windsor-nursing-and-rehabilitation-center-of-duval

This list is not comprehensive

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Suzanne Anderson, the CEO of AGE of Central Texas, sits at her desk at the organization’s main oce in Austin.

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Supplying services • Health equipment lending • Daytime care • Technology learning classes

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SOURCE: AGE OF CENTRAL TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

AGE of Central Texas supports aging adults, caregivers in region Since 1985, AGE of Central Texas, or Austin Groups for the Elderly, has provided resource centers in the Austin area dedicated to supporting aging adults and their caregivers as they navigate the health care landscape. What’s special about it CEO Suzanne Anderson said AGE presents a unique opportunity for aging adults to “age in place” and maintain access to their home and local resources, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

What they oer One of the central goals of the organization is to provide community and connection, such as its memory loss program and a weekday care center. Though Anderson began her role at AGE six years ago, her experiences with the organiza- tion started before then. When her father was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and began experiencing memory loss, she turned to its resources for support as he wanted to continue aging at home. “[Having AGE] was truly a blessing from a caregiver standpoint—to have a shoulder to lean on and know that there are those resources that I could call at any time,” Anderson said. Dig deeper With two centers located in Central Austin and Round Rock, AGE announced plans for a new thrive

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From the cover

Furthering food access

The approach

How we got here

System strategies

The plan’s more than 60 approaches could change where residents can get healthy food, the cost, products available and who’s involved across the food system. Preserving property for food-related uses, encouraging food production features in new developments and creating an urban farming plan are among the dozen concepts tied to land. Some other strategies are meant to break down barriers for farmers and improve conditions for the many food workers earning below a living wage.

Austin officials launched the food planning process in 2021. Recent events exposed supply chain fragility and food access barriers, said city food policy manager Edwin Marty, prompting a response to such challenges and a shifting climate. “It’s going to get hotter, drier, wetter and colder. All of these extremes are going to happen more frequently,” he said. While a regional food policy board has existed since the late 2000s, Marty said it never had a public mandate for action until governments, nonprofits and residents came together on the new collaboration. “This process is a model example of what an inclusive, intentional and meaningful community participation process can look like,” said council member Alison Alter.

The plan's nine focus areas each include up to a dozen unique strategies for food system upgrades.

Climate, health: 4

Resident food access, nutrition: 11 Emergency preparedness: 7 Food worker livelihoods: 7 Food recovery, reduced waste: 7 Collaborations, research: 5 Farm worker support: 4 Developing food facilities: 4

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Land use, preservation: 12

Zooming in

Those involved agreed local food access and resilience can improve if more food eaten here also comes from around Austin. Just 0.06% of food con- sumed in Travis County was grown here, according to the Department of Agriculture. Transported food can be less fresh and leaves a much higher overall carbon footprint than local production and distribution. It also puts the area at risk of supply chain disruptions and access issues, like the grocery closures and shortages experienced in recent emergencies. While Travis County still has hundreds of square miles of farmland, federal reporting shows much of it isn’t for food for consumption. Food policy stakeholders also said the area’s urban gardens and larger agricultural facilities are dwindling. Marty said those trends will likely continue due to economic factors and escalating development across

the region, which is seeing more farmland replaced with commercial space and housing. From 2017-22 alone, Travis County lost more than 200 farms and nearly 40 square miles of agricultural space. “We expect [losses] in the next Agricultural Census to drop through the floor; we’ll probably have half that number of farms in the next five years. So pretty brutal,” Marty said.

Food Plan strategies for the city, county, local nonprofits and others to tackle include: Food planning

Preserving land to lease or sell to farmers, and using public land for food production Creating economic incentives for local farming Adjusting living wage policies for farmers and food industry workers Opening more affordable food retail locations and nutritional programs in low-access areas

1,306

1,500

870

1,000

500

2007 2012 2017 2022

2002

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Put in perspective

Lacking access Low-income, low-access areas—formerly labeled food deserts—are places where many people live far from a grocery store or supermarket, and likely lack vehicle access. Low-income, low-access population in census tract:

130

Hundreds of thousands of Central Texans regularly confront issues with food access and security, according to the national food system network Feeding America. At least 14% of Travis County’s population is food insecure, or lacking access to nutritious food. Tracy Ayrhart, vice president of strategic insights with the Central Texas Food Bank, said that may now be even higher as food insecurity increases nationally. The new plan will address that need at a broad level, she said, as the area remains at the mercy of larger factors. The plan also addresses food security for those who aren’t struggling to find meals daily. Lisa Barden, executive director of Keep Austin Fed, noted that many Austinites felt the pinch during recent winter storms. “That’s why the average Joe should care,” she said. “We’re just one natural disaster away from suddenly not having food access because we don’t have any local food connection.” Council member Vanessa Fuentes called the new com- munity initiatives a “significant step” toward addressing insecurity, especially in areas across the east side.

183

290

0-500

360

2,500-7,000 500-1,500 1,500-2,500

130

Austin

290

183

SOURCES: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward

Barden said strategies were designed to build off each other and may not be noticed right away. For example, setting up a “food hub” for smaller farmers to pool and distribute harvests could have wider-ranging effects on operations and local consumption over time. “If you take them just one at a time, you don’t necessarily recognize the impact they’ll have," Barden said.

2026. Council also plans to budget funding for the plan. Nitza Cuevas, program director for food business collaborative Good Work Austin, said the process set up those seeking to strengthen the food system, and that organizations involved are discussing new ways to collaborate.

Many strategies likely won’t be completed in the plan’s five-year window. Challenges such as a lack of money for high-cost land preservation also lie ahead. Officials are exploring funding for a new local food network to help implement the plan, Marty said Nov. 18. Austin is building a climate-centered bond package that could cover some of that, if approved in 2025 or

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Environment

Austin updates long-range water resource, conservation plans

The bottom line

AW is weighing alternative drinking water sources outside the Colorado River. Options like long-term water storage in underground aquifers and new reservoirs are being considered. The utility could also look to desalination, or converting salty groundwater into drinking water. New strategies related to water use and conservation would cost billions of dollars combined. After recent utility rate increases, AW Director Shay Ralls Roalson said the proposals would also require “significant investment” from customers. The plan updates were approved this fall with direction from council member Ryan Alter calling for stricter enforcement of AW’s watering schedule. He said it’s time for the utility to get “more aggressive” on that front.

Revisions to Austin’s 100-year water resource plan and the city’s drought and water conservation plans were approved this fall. The updates came in response to planning over future access to drinking water, sourced from the Highland Lakes that have seen lower capacity in the past few years. AW anticipates longer, worse droughts ahead as Texas grows drier. Those trends would come alongside a surge in local population and demand for water. AW Director Shay Ralls Roalson said the updates focused on the conservation and reuse of the city’s water from along the Colorado River. The utility is planning for alternative sources given reliance on the river and lakes, she said.

Future growth Austin Water is preparing for projected water service need increases.

Higher use Medium use Lower use

500K

400K

300K

200K

100K 0

Historic baseline (2015-20 average)

2040

2080

2120

SOURCE: AUSTIN WATER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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