East Austin Edition | April 2026

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East Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 MAY 5JUNE 3, 2026

East Austin’s next ‘economic anchor’ City advances incentive deal for nearly $1B resort project

130

812

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS BLVD.

INSIDE

1,000-room hotel 170,000-square-foot conference center Golf course, driving range, lazy river and other hospitality features

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN, RIDA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

COTALAND

Also in this issue

Education

Page 11

Learn about East Austin schools impacted by closures

Business

Page 19

Discover the East Coast at Austin Oyster Co.

Austin ocials approved an economic incentive for a hotel and conference center development at Circuit of the Americas in April. MATTHEW BROOKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bleed

Safe Area 19.2 in x 11.25 in

Keep all text and critical images inside this line. This is the final size of the double truck ad.

Bleed Area (0.25 in bleed)

20.5 in x 12.5 in

Gut

This is the final size of the PDF that gets sent through the job jacket and Automator.

0.832

Instructions: • Doubletruck needs to be designed within the safe area and exported with bleed • Avoid text in the gutter • Final specs with bleed should be 20.5 in x 12.5 in • Export PDF as a spread • For doubletrucks designed in-house, export the doubletruck at the CI – In Paper Ads preset (modified by selecting “Export as spread” instead of “as pages.”)

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Safe Area WaterWise Water Saving Rebates Keep all text and critical images inside this line. This is the final size of the double truck ad. WaterWise Landscape Rebate* Austin Water customers who replace a minimum of 200 sq feet of healthy turf grass with native plant beds may be eligible for $100 per 100 square feet, up to $3,000 in rebates. Landscape Survival Tools Rebates By using a combination of mulch, compost and core aeration of your lawn, you will be prepared for the damage that an Austin summer can do to your yard. These techniques will ensure that water stays on your yard, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation. 19.2 in x 11.25 in

20.5 in x 12.5 in Bleed Area (0.25 in bleed) This is the final size of the PDF that gets sent through the job jacket and Automator. (equipment rental is acceptable) Rebate $30 Maximize your rebate by doing all three $120 WaterWise Rainscape Rebate* Compost: 2 cubic yards or 54 cubic feet Rebate $50 Mulch: 2 cubic yards or 54 cubic feet Rebate $40 Core aeration service for entire front and/or back lawn area

tter

26 in

The Rainscape Rebate Program helps residents install landscape features (berms, terraces, swales, rain gardens, porous pavement, etc.) to keep and beneficially use rainwater on the property. The rebate pays $0.50 for every square foot (100 sq. ft. minimum) converted, up to $1,500 per property. Rainwater Harvesting Rebate* Rebates of $0.50 per gallon capacity for non-pressurized systems or $1.00 per gallon capacity for pressurized systems up to a maximum rebate of $5,000 are available for rainwater harvesting systems. Irrigation Upgrade Rebate Customers may receive up to $1,000 in rebates for making improvements to their existing irrigation systems to increase water efficiency. New irrigation systems and expansions to existing systems are not eligible. *some rebates require pre-approval. Please check program guidelines.

Conservation Rebates, Tools, Tips, and more

austinwater.org

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

54% of Travis County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

46%

54%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

177,605

204,405

residential properties

$122.0M total missed potential savings

$160.2M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 89% of the time in Travis County1

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 94%

IMPORTANT DATES

deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026

Travis County 2025 win rate

41,730

Travis County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025

property tax protest deadline

23% of Travis County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025

$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025

PROTEST YOUR 2026 PROPERTY TAXES

or visit Ownwell.com/impact to get started today. Enter an address and see how much you’re overpaying →

25%

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¹ ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest • ² ownwell.com/insight/austin-area-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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EAST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

microblading removal and other services. • Opened Feb. 10 • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 900, Austin • www.swampmermaidaustin.com

183

LA POSADA DR.

290

4 Akiba Texas The new Austin toy store opened in February selling blind boxes, trinkets, accessories and more, according to a representative from Giant Noise. The store concept is owned by the creators of Toy Joy and Yummi Joy, according to a press release. • Opened Feb. 19 5 Austin Oyster Co. East Austinites can now enjoy oysters in addition to a full seafood menu at the brick-and-mortar restaurant, which opened six years after the eatery’s founding. A raw bar menu features rotating oysters, dressed clams, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail and curated seafood platters, alongside nonseafood options and cocktails, wine and beer. • Opened March 31 • 2502 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.austinoysterco.com 6 Flyrite Chicken Flyrite Chicken once again has a presence in East Austin just over a year after the closure of its brick-and-mortar location. The eatery now operates from a food truck at Stoney’s Good Time Ranch, just over a mile from its former eatery that operated until early 2025. The food truck menu features sandwiches and bar snacks. • Opened March 26 • 3526 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.flyritechicken.com • 301 W. 2nd St., Ste. 200 • https://akibatexas.com 7 Stoney’s Good Time Ranch The new patio bar is now serving up drinks in East Austin. Stoney’s features pool tables and food trucks, including Flyrite Chicken. The drinks menu features cocktails, beers and frozen drinks. Stoney’s is named after a horse, Stoney, and has replaced what was Sunny’s Backyard. • Opened April 4 • 3526 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.stoneysgoodtimeranch.com

RAINEY ST.

W. CESAR CHAVEZ ST.

AIRPORT BLVD.

MOPAC

N. LAMAR BLVD.

961

18 13

183

E. 6TH ST.

6 7

AIRPORT BLVD.

973

E. CESAR CHAVEZ ST.

130 TOLL

SHORE DISTRICT DR.

East Austin

2 Pedroso’s Pizza The pizzeria formerly based out of food trucks celebrated the soft opening of its second brick-and- mortar location in East Austin. Pedroso’s serves several pizza styles as well as appetizers, salads, sandwiches and cannoli. • Opened in February

Now open

1 Blu ’s Owners Austin Anderson and Andrew Ramirez present the neighborhood bar as a laid back social option on one of the city’s busiest nightlife corridors. Blu’s focuses on live sports and social gatherings, and caters to locals, service industry workers and other visitors looking for “a fun, no-frills place to drink and hang out,” according to management. • Opened Jan. 5

• 3850 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.pedrosospizza.com

3 Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project The local salon owned by Jody Rivera moved from Mueller to its new Springdale Road location in February. Swamp Mermaid oers a variety of hair services, cosmetic tattooing and laser tattoo removal,

• 1107 E. Sixth St., Austin • Instagram: @bluffsatx

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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8 St. Johns Therapy Center The Center for Child Protection opened its third facility in Northeast Austin, the St. Johns Therapy Center, which will provide free counseling and treatment in English and Spanish to children in Travis County. The new center creates therapeutic plans to help victims of trauma and works with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Travis County District Attorney’s Oce, Dell Children’s Medical Center and more than a dozen local police departments. • Opened April 8 • 1033 La Posada Drive, Ste. 200, Austin • www.centerforchildprotection.org 9 Modern Bar Urbanspace Hospitality has debuted a new cocktail destination in the Rainey Street District. The bar is located on the rst oor of The Modern Austin Residences. • Opened April 10 • 90 Rainey St., Ste. 100, Austin • www.modernbaratx.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Now open

12 Wahoo’s The national seafood chain is opening in Riverside’s South Shore District, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 1333 Shore District Drive, Austin • www.wahoos.com 13 Karaz A Middle Eastern restaurant from the team behind Suerte, Este and Bar Toti is headed to East Austin. Karaz—named after the Arabic word for cherry—will be led by Executive Chef Alejandra Kuri, who currently serves as the Chef de Cuisine at Este. • 2627 Manor Road, Austin 14 Royal Blue Grocery The urban grocer will bring a new location of its corner shop concept to Mueller. The 2,158-square-foot grocery store could be completed by late 2026, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 2010 Aldrich St., Austin 15 Paramount Theatre Paramount Theatre will temporarily close, beginning mid-June, for its rst major renovation in over half a century, according to a news release. The restoration is

17 ThoroughFare CEO Ryan Goebel and co-founder Nick Vukmaravich opened a new market in Mueller oering bakery, café, deli and grocery items all made by the brand. The products are made without seed oil, articial preservatives, colors or avors. ThoroughFare held a soft opening on March 17, according to general manager Arturo Carrasquillo, and a grand opening event with a block party will be held on May 21. • Opened March 17 • 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 110, Austin • www.thoroughfare.com 18 The Vortex City ocials approved a nearly $110,000 economic incentive deal with the nonprot community theater and bar in March. Austin Economic Development’s Place-Based Enhancement Program is aimed at providing aordability relief to longtime local businesses, nonprots and creative entities. • 2307 Manor Road, Austin • www.vortexrep.org

Coming soon

10 Every Body Jams The local music school oers a variety of programs including private lessons, band coaching, songwriting and more. • Opened May 1 • 1602 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.everybodyjams.com 11 Counter Culture Owner of the plant-based restaurant, Sue Davis, is gearing up to open a permanent Counter Culture restaurant in Austin this summer, she said. Counter Culture had a previous food trailer, and later a brick and mortar, before Davis closed the location to build a purposeful space, according to its website. • Opening summer • 5812 Berkman Drive, Austin • www.countercultureaustin.com

expected to take 8-9 months. • 713 N. Congress Ave., Austin • www.austintheatre.org

In the news

16 Bouldering Project The climbing gym’s Springdale location recently completed upgrades to the tness equipment and space in the gym and are moving forward with locker room upgrades this spring.

• 979 Springdale Road, Austin • www.boulderingproject.com

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EAST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Travis County to withhold some of Tesla tax rebate Travis County is lowering its tax rebate to automotive company Tesla due to “partial noncom- pliance” with a performance-based local incentive agreement. Since 2020, the county promised Tesla tax breaks to build the 10-million-square-foot Giga Texas car manufacturing plant near Del Valle. On April 7, Travis County commissioners voted to withhold 9% of funds for 2020-22 after receiving “incomplete documentation” from the Colorado River Project, a Tesla subsidiary, County Judge Andy Brown said. “We have to continue to demand accountability in future compliance conversations,” Commissioner Ann Howard said. “I’m grateful for the work and the good, but it comes with a price, and we need to be accountable to the people for that.” The overview Under the agreement, Tesla would receive a 70% rebate on its maintenance and operations property taxes for the first $1.09 billion invested through Giga Texas. The company could receive a 75% rebate for investments beyond $1.09 billion and up to an 80% rebate for investments beyond $2 billion. Tesla was projected to receive a $14.65 million rebate over 10 years, according to initial county estimates from 2020. A Travis County spokesperson said the county has not yet calculated how much of a rebate Tesla will receive for 2020-22. To acquire these rebates, the company was required to create at least 5,001 new full-time jobs—50% of which had to be filled by Travis County residents—among other requirements. All employees had to receive a minimum base wage of $15 per hour and at least $47,147 a year for full-time

Austin moves to expand mixed zoning City Council took the first step toward broadening the types of multiunit housing that can be built in Austin neighborhoods and allowing more mixed-use development citywide. What happened On March 26, council advanced the creation of two new zoning categories over the year ahead meant to support: • Multi-unit, “missing middle” housing at scales in between single-family homes and bigger apartment complexes • Transit- and pedestrian-oriented develop- ments blending residential and commercial space, from smaller corner stores to larger mixed-use buildings Council member Paige Ellis said improved mixed-use zones can support a wide variety of development, from denser apartment proj- ects desired near downtown and transit lines to smaller businesses near neighborhoods. And Mayor Kirk Watson called missing middle a “logical step” toward improving housing affordability and choice. “Having a well-rounded, robust, and active housing market means addressing what’s missing, and these mid-density developments are what’s missing,” he said. The two concepts, laid out in a resolution from Ellis, will now be worked into new zon- ing in the year ahead. Her measure built on a recent city study into Austin’s current housing stock and recommending policy changes.

Tesla tax breaks Travis County extended tax relief to Tesla for the development of its Giga Texas plant.

County grant percentage:

• 70% in all payment years for first $1.1 billion invested • 75% for investments over $1.1 billion up to $2 billion • 80% for investments over $2 billion

As of 2022, Tesla:

Invested over $5.8 billion

Created nearly 12,300 new jobs

Jobs averaged hourly pay of $39.72 , and $26.53 for construction contractors

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

jobs, according to county documents. “We are holding Tesla accountable,” Commis- sioner Brigid Shea said. “They have also met and significantly exceeded the key requirements in the contract of creating a very large number of very good paying jobs for people who have less than a college degree.” The update Tesla provided incomplete documentation on its building standards, construction site safety, mini- mum hourly wage, and janitorial and food contrac- tors. Tesla also exceeded many of the agreement’s provisions, Christy Moffett, the county’s director of economic development and strategic investments, said. As of 2022, Tesla invested over $5.8 billion into the property, surpassing the original target of nearly $178 million.

Scores of digital ad kiosks to arrive in public spaces A plan to install dozens of digital advertising kiosks in public places around Austin advanced

Digital advertising kiosks scale

9' 8'

promote civic messaging and transit information. Council’s March code update was the final step needed to roll out interactive wayfinding tools requested in 2024. Austin already entered into an agreement for the program with vendor IKE Smart City last year. Kiosk locations aren’t yet finalized. After rollout, the city projects more than $6 million in annual revenue.

this spring. The details

City Council approved an ordinance allowing off-premises signage that’ll bring kiosks with more-than-7-foot screens sidewalks and public rights of way. New kiosks are meant to help residents and visitors get around and access local businesses, according to the city, as well as to

3' 2' 4'

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD considers $117M-plus budget cuts Austin ISD is anticipating making more than $100 million in budget cuts to staffing, academic programs and other operational expenses across campuses and departments. The sweeping cuts come as the district aims to reduce a mounting budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for fiscal year 2026-27 The approach To reduce expenses, district officials dis- cussed four scenarios that could involve making anywhere from $117 million-$132 million in budget cuts. Additionally, the district may save $9 million-$10 million by removing vacant positions and receive $50 million from monetizing three district properties, Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.

City looks to shape school closures The city of Austin is seeking to have a say in the future of some Austin ISD campuses—10 of which are slated to close this summer. What’s happening Following council’s approval March 26, the city manager will develop a land policy around when to acquire or partner in the redevelopment of land owned by other public groups, such as local school districts, council member Vanessa Fuentes said. The city has joint ownership of parks at 12 AISD campuses. Under council member Ryan Alter’s resolution, the city manager must now develop a process for managing city parkland condemnations. Previously, the city could greenlight the condemnation of public parkland without the council’s approval, Alter said.

The following are some of the top cuts the district is considering for fiscal year 2026-27.

Estimated savings

Strategies

$40.9M

Staffing adjustments for departments

Elimination of funding tied to vacant department positions Reduction of current-year non-staffing department balances Secondary campus teacher staffing adjustment 15% reduction to non-staffing department expenses

$23.1M

$17.1M

$16M

$9.2M

$6M

Elementary campus staff adjustments

$5.7M

Reduction of special education stipends

Reduction of campus safety monitors at secondary campuses Potential staffing adjustments for campuses Conversion of librarian positions to support roles

$2.9M

$2.5M

$2M

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD opts to close Blackshear, open new Oak Springs school

What they’re saying

Blackshear parent Gabe Hernandez said the campus has been eager to welcome Oak Springs students next school year and now feels blindsided by the decision to close Blackshear. Blackshear parent Laura Dablain said it is not ideal for students to move mid- school year. “He’s pretty devastated that he will no longer be at Blackshear,” Hernandez said about his son who will attend Oak Springs for part of fifth grade. “It was really disappointing.” Dream Together 2030, a coalition of community organizations, has advocated to preserve Oak Springs due to its importance and accessibility to the surrounding community, member Nehemiah Pitts III said. Securing transportation to attend another campus could be a challenge for many families, he said. “We’re delighted with the outcome,” Pitts said.

Austin ISD announced it will close Blackshear Elementary and relocate students to a new facility for Oak Springs Elementary in January of 2028. In November, the AISD board voted to close Oak Springs alongside nine additional campuses and merge the campus with Blackshear. After reviewing community feedback, AISD Superintendent Matis Segura said he has decided to continue constructing the $47.6 million modernized Oak Springs campus funded by the 2022 bond. As “a cornerstone of East Austin’s history,” AISD will seek a historic designation for the Blackshear, which opened in 1891, Segura said.

To maintain Blackshear’s fine arts programming, the new Oak Springs campus will feature:

Professional dance and yoga studio

Orchestra hall with private practice rooms

Outdoor performance stage

Theatre studio

Fenced garden

Zones for sensory play

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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EAST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Check out 3 transportation updates impacting East Austin

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

Completed project

AIRPORT BLVD.

N. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

AIRPORT BLVD.

969

CESAR CHAVEZ ST.

WEBBERVILLE RD.

RED BLUFF RD.

COLORADO RIVER

LONGHORN DAM

ED BLUESTEIN BLVD. TOLLROAD

1 Cesar Chavez Street and Red Bluff Road

3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Spring- dale Road and Heflin Lane intersection Project: New northbound left-turn bay is now on Springdale Road and Heflin Lane is right-in/right-out only. New CapMetro bus stops, raised bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks and new shared-use paths.

2 Airport Boulevard Shared-Use Path Project: New 10-foot-wide continuous shared-use paths on the west side of Airport Boulevard from Springdale Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Update: A shared-use path along Airport Boulevard from 51st Street to Middle Fiskville Road was completed in early April. • Timeline: winter 2025-spring 2028 • Cost: $12.4 million • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond

Project: New intersections, lane configurations, bicycle lanes, left-turn lanes, transit access and pedestrian crossings. Update: Community meetings held in April, resident feedback surveyed through May 11. • Timeline: summer 2027-summer 2028 or 2029 • Cost: $6.5 million • Funding sources: federal funding, 2018 and 2020 Mobility Bonds

Update: Completed in late February. • Timeline: summer 2025-spring 2026 • Cost: $3.5 million • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond

Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

City funds east side affordable housing

South Terminal now closed at airport The South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport shut down April 1 after less than a decade in operation. It will be demolished to make way for new midfield taxiways as part of the airport’s expansion, including a new 26-gate con- course and temporary six-gate Concourse M. Zooming in Concourse M, to be located on the west side of ABIA’s airfield, will operate while the main airport terminals are built and expanded. The new facility is expected to open in 2028. Unlike the South Terminal, the 37,537-square-foot Concourse M will only be accessible via shuttle bus from the airport’s existing Gate 13. It will offer both national and local retail options.

TANNEHILL LN.

FATHER JOE ZNOTAS ST.

JACKIE ROBINSON ST.

City Council approved more than $50 million for local affordable housing initiatives April 9, including $9 million for East Austin developments. The overview Most recent funding for the east side went to affordable homeownership projects from the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corp.: • $6.4 million for the 32-home Ada Anderson Place • $2.14 million for the 27-home Johnny Limon Village • $285,000 for three homes being built in East and Southeast Austin The Sasha, a 60-unit supportive housing devel- opment for renters exiting homelessness, also won $300,000 this spring after previously receiving more than $8 million in city support.

183 TOLL

GROVE BLVD.

71 1 3124 Father Joe Znotas 2 Ada Anderson Place 3 Johnny Limon Village 4 806 Vargas 5 The Sasha

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

East Austin's next 'economic anchor' From the cover

The big picture

Park/soccer elds

A hotel and convention center project at motorsports and entertainment venue Circuit of the Americas could pour hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, and won support from Austin ocials this spring. “It’s huge. This really, truly will mark a rst-of-its- kind city partnership in Del Valle. We haven’t seen this,” said council member Vanessa Fuentes, who represents the area. City Council advanced a 30-year incentive deal between Austin and RIDA Development that’d support an $985 million resort project at COTA. RIDA plans to build a 1,000-room hotel and 170,000-square-foot conference center with dining options, a golf course and Top Golf-style driving range, and a lazy river feature. Michael Whellan, a lobbyist for RIDA, said the project represents a “long-awaited economic anchor” for Austin’s east side, including the Del Valle area. Council’s advancement of the economic development agreement April 23 comes after ocials previously supported RIDA’s project with a land acquisition and tourism tax deal last summer. Civic development plans for the COTA property were also updated this spring as the resort, and other major projects, move ahead.

Potential future practice racetrack

COTA resort

COTALAND

T11 COTA Car Community

Parkland

812

SOURCE: GOOGLE EARTH™

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

Local impact

The approach

The plan’s local employment impacts also won early support from community groups like the Del Valle Community Coalition, a Southeast Austin neighborhood group and the hospitality union Unite Here Local 23— which reached a labor peace deal with RIDA. Fuentes said Del Valle residents at a recent town hall applauded the deal for its focus on east-side job creation.

RIDA’s incentive deal includes a commit- ment to add public open space, and COTA’s original city development plan included nearly 12 acres of parks. However, RIDA recently sought to allow either o-site land dedication or fee payments to the city instead. Residents criticized those plans during reviews earlier this spring, and the nal incentive outline now includes a pair of park spaces.

The performance-based incentive won’t aect Austin’s general fund budget or require upfront public subsidies. Instead, the city will reimburse 8.25% of room night revenue generated by the hotel once it’s operating. That tax repayment structure represents a favor- able share of the deal compared to RIDA’s nearly $1 billion investment, Assistant City Manager Eric Johnson reported, with a roughly 89% private to 11% public value breakdown. “When you look at ratios in the world of economic development, that is a really good number,” he told council. “Anything 15% or below is considered a good use of public dollars.” RIDA’s conference center is 3.5 times smaller than the redeveloped Austin Convention Center that’s now under construction, and won’t compete with the city-owned facility. The COTA project’s target market of self-contained, campus-style events diers from major exhibitions that can draw tens of thousands of people downtown, according to city sta.

“We are going to have an anchor economic hub that will have 900 year-round permanent jobs that are going to pay above the city’s

Original plan: 11.38-acre on-site parkland

Past proposed amendment: No on-site parkland; 14-acre o-site park or $2 million fee payment

living wage, that’ll come with health care and benets.” VANESSA FUENTES, DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER

Current commitment 6.3-acre public park and potential future city recreation center site, 5.6-acre site for two public soccer elds

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

By the numbers

Looking ahead

could exceed $560 million. City sta reported that the project will result in secondary business and tourism impacts asso- ciated with COTA’s growing destination status, and serve as an economic catalyst in the Del Valle and East Austin areas that historically have seen underinvestment.

The project could result in more than $318 million in net benets to the city over the 30-year agreement, including roughly $170 million prop- erty tax and $8 million sales tax revenue. Total property taxes collected by Austin, Del Valle ISD, Austin Community College, Travis County and the Central Health hospital district

Council will review a nal agreement with RIDA in the near future, and ocials said they’re broadly in favor of reaching a deal. The developer aims to open the new resort in fall 2030, ahead of that year’s Formula 1 event. Aside from the outlined benets, Fuentes said the project will also bring new additions to the surrounding Del Valle community as it gets up and running, like new infrastructure and further economic investment. With a major project now on the horizon, residents also said they hope COTA’s growth brings more economic opportunities that have historically been lacking around far East Austin. “This kind of scale of projects does not occur very often, and our community wants and deserves more opportunities without having to go across the city to nd them,” DVCC Project Manager Juan Rodriguez said.

Economic benets

Other benets

Austin could bring in more than $400 million from RIDA's resort development over the 30-year economic development agreement.

Creating about 3,800 temporary construction jobs

Creating 900 permanent full-time jobs paying an average of $60,679 annually—indirectly resulting in an estimated 512 local “spin-o” jobs

Other taxes and fees: $3.44M

Sales taxes: $7.99M Utility revenue and

franchise fees: $75.98M Hotel occupancy taxes: $147.82M Property taxes: $169.89M

$1.5M payment to Austin’s aordable housing fund

Public park dedications

THE CITY EXPECTS ROUGHLY $87 MILLION IN RELATED COSTS, FOR A NET BENEFIT OF $318 MILLION. NOTE: COSTS ARE ROUNDED

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*Price includes internet service, equipment, & autopay/e-bill discount. Excludes taxes, surcharges, & fees. $ 40 Gig WiFi /mo * + $200 Gift Card †

No contracts. No equipment fees. No, seriously.

1.800.4.ASTOUND | astound.com

*Internet speeds vary, not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required. See astound.com for details. Ltd-time offer; subj. to change. Internet speeds under 1 Gig, pricing valid for 12 mos. Price for life on Gig+ internet service. Excludes taxes, surcharges, & fees. Offer subj. to change. Pricing valid from start; subj. to change thereafter. Modem req’d. Enhanced Wi-Fi or Whole Home Wi-Fi included with Gig+; $5/mo for lower speeds or add’l devices. Monthly price shown includes discount for enrolling in autopay & e-bill. $10 off/mo w/ bank acct autopay or $5 off/mo w/ credit/debit card autopay. Valid email & enrollment req’d. Must enroll w/ in 30 days of order. Discount appears within 3 bill cycles, ends if autopay/e-bill is canceled, svcs change, or acct isn’t in good standing. †Gift card value varies based on selected products and internet speeds. See astound.com for details. Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Virtual card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted online, or phone/mail orders. Valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid through date. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid for new res. customers or former customers in good standing w/out Astound svc in past 60 days. Add’l svcs, equip, premiums & tiers extra & subject to add’l charge & reg. increases. A one-time activation fee of $14.99 (in addition to any installation fees) will be charged. Cust. responsible for any accrued charges. Subj. to credit check. Not all svcs/speeds avail. in all areas. ©2026 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. eero and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com c/o eero LLC, 660 3rd St. San Francisco, CA. All svcs are governed by Astound Customer Terms & Conditions found at astound.com/ policies-disclaimers. © 2026 Radiate HoldCo, LLC d/b/a Astound Broadband. All rights reserved. AST271

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY KATLYNN FOX

• 1830 Simond Ave., Austin • https://my.thinkeryaustin.org

May

49th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-O World Championships Contestants will perform prepared puns and freestyle puns. Attendees can also enjoy live music and a silent auction. • May 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (attendance) • 409 E. 5th St., Austin • www.punoffatx.brushsquaremuseums.org East Austin Market The outdoor sidewalk market will host a Mother’s Day market, showcasing over 40 local vendors. • May 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1023 Springdale Road, Austin • www.eastatxmarket.com Mother’s Day Celebration Thinkery in Mueller will host a morning yoga and craft event to celebrate Mother’s Day. Visitors can create a ower print card using real owers, create a bouquet in the sensory bins and design a take-home trinket box. • May 10, 8-10 • $25 (non-members) $15 (members)

Cine Las Americas The 28th annual international lm festival features ve days of lm screenings, red carpets, panels and more. • May 13-17 • $150 (ilm badge), $60 (conference badge), $13-15 (ilm screenings), $25 (premiere events) • Various locations • https://cinelasamericas.org Feel Good Fest The SIMS Foundation will host a live music event to support mental healthcare and substance use recovery for those in the music industry. • May 16, 6-11 p.m. • $35-40 (general admission), $125 (VIP tickets) • 3504 Montopolis Drive, Austin • www.radiocoffeeandbeer.com/radio-east ATX TV Festival The television festival will put on screenings, Q&As, panel conversations, happy hours and more. • May 28-31, times vary • $150 (TV Pass), $335 (GP Badge), $535 (Camp Badge) • Downtown Austin • www.atxfestival.com

Austin Psych Fest 2026 The Far Out Lounge will host a three-day music festival featuring The Flaming Lips, Thee Sacred Souls and The Black Angels. • May 8-10, times vary • Tickets starting at $92.02 • 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin • https://bit.ly/4c7ueuX

UPGRADE YOUR DEBIT CARD REWARD GAME. ATX Flex High Interest Rewards Checking is here! *APY on balances up to $15,000. 6.00% to 1.00% on balances over $15,000 - depending on balance in account. APY is accurate as of 02/01/2026 and is subject to change after the account is opened. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA. 6% APR Interest*

Get our $200 new account promo, plus earn monthly rewards that you choose. Promo expires 6/8/26.

Your homegrown credit union

pecutx.org 512-474-1955

Proud Partners

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

austintx.watersmart.com

How to Sign Up in Three Easy Steps

The My ATX Water program Austin Water launched a new smart water meter program called My ATX Water across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. Along with this, a new customer portal is being introduced, offering near real-time water use information, leak alerts, emergency notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features.

1. Locate your account number. You can find this either on your utilities bill or call COA Utilities Customer Care 512-494-9400

2. Type your account number and zip code into this website: austintx.watersmart.com

3. Fill out your user profile and start saving!

austinwater.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY KATLYNN FOX

NEW LOCATION OPEN SOON!!

Patrons can enjoy oysters from Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts for $4 a piece.

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

220 RALPH ABLANEDO

Where community fuels progress, and every visit brings you closer to your fitness goals.

The restaurant also serves up cocktails, including the barefoot contessa, made with blanco tequila.

Drew Ahumada and Brendan Yancy partnered to open Austin Oyster Co.'s brick-and-mortar restaurant in East Austin.

COURTESY MATT CONANT

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin Oyster Co. oers a taste of New England

Brendan Yancy, owner of Austin Oyster Co., went from shucking fresh oysters at private events and pop- ups to serving sit-down meals at a mainstay location. How we got here Yancy said he always had the “entrepreneurial bug” and a longtime love for cooking. His wife being from Maine, he said, is what really kickstarted his curiosity for oyster farming. Since then, he’s been interested in the farm-to-table pipeline that brings oysters from the East Coast to East Austin. Yancy launched his own concept in 2020 and began shucking oysters at private parties across Austin and educating people about oysters. The educational aspect is a through-line that stayed consistent as Austin Oyster Co. evolved to its permanent spot in a reimagined 1950s craftsman home. Austin Oyster Co. ocially opened March 31, serving fresh oysters, seafood and an array of East Coast classics, from Rhode Island clam “stues” to Boston johnnycakes. Craving seafood? Yancy wishes people knew how intentional the menu, oysters and products oered are, he said. “I work really closely with the suppliers in Maine and ... in Boston, as well as our suppliers here, to make

sure that we have oysters you can’t get anywhere else,” Yancy said. What to expect In addition to the brand’s own oysters coming soon, the Austin Oyster Co. team plans to continue its self-sustaining practices by adding an herb garden to supply the kitchen. In 2026, the restaurant’s team also plans to add a wine garden where guests can experience shucking their own oysters, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Austin Oyster Co. accepts reservations and walk-ins, as guests are invited to grab seats at the bar, in the dining room or on the outdoor patio.

Rope Climbing • Bouldering • Yoga Studio • Locker Room With Saunas Strength Training • Climbing Training & Classes • Open Gym • Fitness Classes • Yoga Classes • Lounge • Kids Room • Coffee Shop & Food Trucks

2502 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin www.austinoysterco.com

VISIT US TODAY!

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

The median home sales price in East Austin dropped in March 2026 compared to March 2025, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

Average days on the market

-21.43%

-7.35%

+336.67%

+6%

March 2025

March 2026

290

78702

78722

78723

78702

78722

78723

Median home sales price

78723

78722

March

2025

2026

$825,000

$649,500

183

78702

$650,000

$450,000

78722

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

$655,000

$625,000

78723

Spring Fever

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the farm and ocean to their friendly neighborhood table, Santa Catarina combines fresh ingredients with classic and new Mexican recipes for an authentic dining experience. Join us for interior and coastal favorites, all in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Scan QR code for directions

LAKEWAY West

CEDAR PARK North

CHERRYWOOD Central

$ 10 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND $25 OR MORE.

H E

Not to be used with any other offer. One per table. Expires 12/31/2026

1/2

HAPPY HOUR LUNCH SPECIALS BRUNCH Everyday 4pm to 6pm $8 House Margaritas 1/2 price on most appetizers santacatarinarestaurant.com $11 lunch specials Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm Sat: 11am - 3pm Sun: 10am - 3pm

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

SHARE THE SWEETNESS THIS SPRING

BOGO BUNDTLETS!

Buy One, Get One FREE Bundtlet EXPIRATION 5/31/2026

Proud to øe Local Proud to øe Local

Austin - Mueller 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 680 | (512) 616-9583

BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE

SALES ★ REPAIR ★ INSTALLATION

• Automatic Gates • Telephone Call Boxes • Video Security • Ornamental Iron

• Steel Railing • Mobile Welding • Vehicle IDTags • Replacement Remotes

CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU

3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX 3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX

SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE! Residential & Commercial (512) 296-2671 www.austinestategate.com anthony@austinestategate.com Buy ONE remote, get ONEFREE! One coupon per residence ($50 value)

$5 OFF Purchase of $30. Dine in only. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/5/2026

8 AREA LOCATIONS SERVING FAMILIES AND LOCALS SINCE 1997

CATERING AVAILABLE

7522 N. IH 35 Frontage Rd Building C, Austin TX 78752 • (737) 222-5136

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Your dog is bored at home. Try unlimited dog daycare for

50% off

*First month & new members for a limited time only

5x your SNAP at TFM! 5xy our SNAP at TFM ! Sunday, May 24 th Join us for our SNAP x5 event at Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sunday, May 24 and multiply your benefits (x5!) to spend on locally-grown produce.

Texas Farmers Market at Mue Te x as Farmers Market at M Texas Farmers Market at Mueller 2006 Philomena St.

Sundays, 10am-2pm Year-round | Rain or shine

Scan the QR code and visit texasfarmersmarket.org for more info Find fresh, local produce at our nonprofit, producer-only market!

EAST AUSTIN EDITION

Stronger spines . Brighter futures .

When your child is facing scoliosis, you want excellence and innovation in pediatric spine care. At Dell Children’s, we combine leading-edge surgical techniques with compassionate, child-centered care — so your child can stand taller, move freely, and get back to being a kid.

Smaller incisions. Faster recovery. Lifelong results.

Schedule a consultation for your child today — and take the first step toward a healthier future.

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