Northwest Austin Edition | November 2025

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 10 NOV. 26DEC. 29, 2025

2025 Volunteer Guide

CapMetro evolves as habits shift

BY HALEY MCLEOD

As CapMetro celebrates its 40th anniversary, the agency isn’t just looking back—it’s looking ahead. Four decades after Austin voters created the transit authority, CapMetro nds itself at a crossroads, navigating a region whose commuting patterns look dierent than they once did. The rise of hybrid work and the decline of the traditional nine-to-ve commuters have forced Austin’s public transit agency to confront the problem of how to adapt a system built for a past era to meet the needs of today’s Central Texans.

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 6 Learn about Wow Poke’s incoming brick-and-mortar Page 23 Check out ve local toy stores this holiday season Business

Passengers gather at a busy CapMetro stop in North Austin as the agency revises its bus services to reect changing commuter patterns. (Chloe Young/Community Impact)

Central Texas’ only nationally ranked pediatric heart program

When your child needs heart care, it’s natural to look for a heart program with an excellent reputation. Dell Children’s is the only hospital in Central Texas which is ranked nationally for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News and World Report. Nationally recognized cardiologists, experienced surgeons caring for the tiniest of patients. Moms and dads, it’s all right here. And that’s something to celebrate.

Find award-winning care at ascension.org/DellChildrens

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

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

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

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Impacts

hot plates, poke bowls, and bento boxes. • Opened Oct. 25 • 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 310, Austin • www.bluefinsushiramen.com

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CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

3 Bombas The retailer is known for its variety of socks, underwear, slippers and apparel for men, women and kids, with the company matching one donation with each purchase. • Opened Nov. 14 • 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin • www.bombas.com 4 Churchrow Tejas BBQ The restaurant features barbecue with a Tejano twist, alongside tacos and specialty plates once barbecue is sold out each day. • Opened Oct. 22 5 Hattie B’s Hot Chicken The Nashville-based chicken restaurant opened its second Austin location at Domain Northside and offers menu items such as hot chicken sandwiches. • Opened Nov. 5 • 3100 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. 130, Austin • www.hattieb.com 6 Lone Star Nutrition The health food cafe serves smoothie bowls, protein snacks, shakes, pre- and post-workout drinks, coffee and loaded thermogenic teas. • Opened in September • 1521 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • Instagram: @churchrowbbq 7 Moncler The store sells high-end clothing and accessories for men, women and children, and is known for its down jackets and outerwear. • Opened Aug. 2 • 11601 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 125, Austin • www.moncler.com • 1006 E. Yager Lane, Ste. 101, Austin • Instagram: @lonestarnutritionatx

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

POND SPRINGS RD.

183

RIATA TRACE PKWY.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

HOWARD LN.

TECH RIDGE BLVD.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

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WALNUT CREEK PARK

E. YAGER LN.

GREAT HILLS TRL.

360

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened Nov. 1 • 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 290, Austin • www.allwaysbarefoot.com

Now open

1 Allways Barefoot The retail store sells mens, womens and kids minimalist shoes designed to mimic walking barefoot, as well as other accessories such as socks and massage balls.

2 Bluefin Sushi & Ramen The restaurant’s fifth location serves classic, chef specialty and sashimi rolls, ramen bowls, small cold and

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 Pure Yoga Texas After closing its Anderson Lane location in mid-August, the yoga studio opened a new location, offering hot yoga classes. • Opened in September • 8620 Burnet Road, Ste. 132, Austin • www.pureyogatexas.com 9 Shallots Indian Cuisine The Indian restaurant serves classic Indian breakfast dishes such as dosas and idli, street snacks, drinks, and desserts. • Opened in October • 12221 Riata Trace Parkway, Ste. 190, Austin • Instagram: @shallots_indian_cuisine

Now open

Coming soon

13 Everbowl The franchise cafe serves a variety of acai bowls, signature smoothies, avocado toast and cookie sandwiches. Patrons can build their own bowls or order off of the set menu. • Opened Nov. 7 • 13429 N. US 183, Ste. 110, Austin • www.everbowl.com

16 Wow Poke The food truck is opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant and serves create-your-own or house poke bowls, wraps, dumplings, wings, Hawaiian chips, spam musubi and mochi ice cream. • Opening this fall

Coming soon

10 Flame Broiler The restaurant will serve Korean spicy chicken, bowls and plates featuring steak bulgogi, tofu and white meat chicken; salads; mini bowls; and more in the EastVillage development. • Opening in 2026 • 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Ste. 12140, Austin • www.flamebroilerusa.com 11 United Heritage Credit Union The credit union offers a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, insurance and investment options, loans and 24/7 ATMs. • Opening in 2026 • 8715 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.uhcu.org

• 7433 Burnet Road, Austin • Instagram: @wowpokeatx

Closings

In the news

17 Hana World Market The Asian grocery store announced in a social media post that it will close by the end of the year due to rising rent costs. • Closing in late 2025 • 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin 18 Orvis The outdoor supplies store sells sportswear, home furnishings, travel accessories and dog products. • Closing in December • 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. B04b, Austin

14 Medi-Weightloss Austin North Shankar and Indira Bellam took over as owners of the franchise Oct. 13. The clinic provides a variety of

services to support weight loss. • 13359 N. US 183, Ste. 403, Austin • www.mediweightloss.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

12 Raising Canes The fast food chicken chain is slated to open a new Austin location, per a TDLR filing. Menu items include chicken fingers and chicken sandwiches served with Texas toast, coleslaw or crinkle-cut fries. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027. • 9830 Great Hills Trail, Austin • www.raisingcanes.com

15 Zara The clothing retailer closed for four months to increase its size from 11,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet. • Reopened in November • 3409 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. P-100, Austin • www.zara.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

City cleanup initiative ends after state sweeps A three-week city initiative to clear dozens of encampments ended Nov. 8 on the heels of a sep- arate state operation to remove homeless people from public areas in Austin. What happened Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state cleanup Oct. 21. The move surprised local officials, who said the city was not notified and labeled the operation as a “show of force.” “It’s not the way government ought to be working, especially when we’re talking about our most vulnerable Texans,” Mayor Kirk Watson said of the state operation. Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said the Texas Department of Transportation regularly clears out encampments from state rights of way. However, TxDOT’s work hadn’t crossed over into city property and parkland until mid-October.

City OK’s Austin Energy, auditor hires Austin officials approved internal hires for two city leadership positions this fall. What happened National searches for a new Austin Energy general manager and city auditor launched this year after AE GM Bob Kahn’s retirement in the spring, and ahead of City Auditor Cor- rie Stokes’ planned departure in late 2025. City Manager T.C. Broadnax appointed former interim AE GM Stuart Reilly to that role on a full-time basis starting Nov. 2. Reilly, who has nearly 20 years of public utility experience, will now earn a $470,000 salary. City Council approved the hire of Deputy City Auditor Jason Hadavi to lead that office Nov. 6. The 20-year auditor’s office veteran will earn a $216,341 salary.

Encampment response

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

• 181 moved to shelters • 87 connected to services

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

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Since then, multiple Austin departments coordinated to prioritize dozens of clean-ups and connect homeless residents with resources and shelter under the city-led program. It concluded Nov. 3-8 with a focus on “harder-to-reach” public land deeper in city greenbelts, parks, and nature preserves. What’s next City Council voted Nov. 6 to expand city-led outreach to those living on the streets and launch an encampment management dashboard.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Austin revising budget after failed election Austin leaders are preparing to trim about $100 million from the city’s budget after voters rejected a tax increase that would’ve provided added funding for services like public safety, homelessness response and parks maintenance. The setup With the failure of Proposition Q in the Nov. 4 election, City Council members must now adopt a revised fiscal year 2025-26 budget based on less tax revenue than was included in the spending plan they approved in August. That two-day process came after weeks of consideration of an initial budget proposal forwarded by City Manager T.C. Broadnax in July. Officials are now likely to approve a final plan closer to Broadnax’s original outline, with some changes based on their priority spending areas and slightly higher-than-anticipated tax revenue

Austin-San Antonio rail study launched Travis County officials approved a $124,953 feasibility study exploring com- muter rail options between Austin and San Antonio. The big picture The study into an initiative will evaluate passenger rail options on state-managed land along major highways, including exist- ing rail infrastructure, with potential service options from the Amtrak station in San Antonio to the Austin-Bergstrom Interna- tional Airport. It’ll examine rail on existing transportation corridors without requiring significant private land acquisition, making the route potentially more feasible and faster to develop. A summary report on project management is expected in 175 days.

Austin Prop. Q results

For

Against

Proposition Q

62,952

109,375

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

for the coming year. Following the election, Mayor Kirk Watson called for a “coherent, straightforward budget process” focused on the basics and with minimal edits. The city budget office released its recom- mendations for the more limited spending plan Nov. 7, and council held work sessions Nov. 13 and 18. Council could adopt it as soon as Nov. 20, after press time. Proposition Q was projected to add about $109.5 million to Austin’s general fund, which accounts for almost one-fourth of the overall $6.3 billion city budget.

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Ongoing projects

SCOFIELD FARMS DR.

183

W. BRAKER LN.

JANUARY DR.

BRIGHT VERDE WAY

130 TOLL

1 Cameron Road/Dessau Road Safety Project Project: The project involves various safety improvements between Cameron and Dessau Road such as protected shared-use paths, lane reconfigurations and more. Update: Transit improvements have begun between E. 51st Street and US 290. • Timeline: completion expected in 2027 • Cost: $14 million • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond, grant

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North Austin

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summer 2026 (C3), construction expected to begin in spring 2026 (C4) • Cost: $13.8 million (C2), $23 million (C3), $16 million (C4) • Funding source: Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond 3 January Drive Flood Risk Reduction project Project: The project includes decommissioning a storm drain pipe located on private property and installing a larger one underneath January Drive to allow for easier maintenance and flood risk management. Update: The new storm drain pipe has been installed. Remaining work includes inspecting the new pipe and decommissioning some of the existing system. • Timeline: completion expected in spring 2026 • Cost: $2.1 million • Funding source: Austin’s 2018 drainage bonds

Ongoing projects

Completed projects

Coming january 2026 Community impact’s Health & Wellness Edition 2 Burnet Road Mobility Program Project: The project includes updated traffic signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, trail connections, curb extensions, drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shared-use paths, raised medians and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183 (C2), Bright Verde Way to MoPac (C3) and US 183 to Bright Verde Way (C4). Update: Work will begin at Burnet Road and Koenig Lane and continue north to approximately 500 feet south of US 183 (C2), final design is complete and project has gone to bid (C3 and C4). • Timeline: construction expected to begin in mid- November (C2), construction expected to begin in

4 Scofield Farms Drive speed limit reduction Project: This ordinance amends a city code to install a crosswalk and establish a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour during certain times along a segment of Scofield Farms Drive. Update: Austin City Council approved the item Oct. 25, and the ordinance took effect Nov. 3. Per backup material, the school has been in session for several years, and a reduced speed school zone was not installed, but the area has seen an increase in traffic. • Cost: $500 • Funding source: Austin’s Transportation and Public Works operating budget

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180443_GSDM-P00115735-CommunityImpact_105C.indd 1

10/23/25 9:31 AM

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & CHLOE YOUNG

7 PfISD campuses identified for improvement plans

Austin ISD to hold off on 3 school closures Austin ISD will no longer plan to close Palm, Bryker Woods and Maplewood elementaries. Additionally, the district will postpone any proposed attendance boundary changes until next year, excluding those related to interven- tion at failing schools, Superintendent Matias Segura said Nov. 4. The announcement follows weeks of pro- testing from AISD parents, staff and students against the district’s initial plan to close 13 schools and rezone most campuses. The update On Nov. 20, after press time, the AISD board will move forward with voting on the closure of 10 of the 13 campuses it initially proposed to close next school year, seven of which have received three consecutive F ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

system or the federal rating system. The board later approved the submittal of the improvement plans to TEA during the consent agenda. Plans are aligned with TEA requirements and developed with stakeholder input, she said. “Now, we’ve got to do sustainability,” trustee Renae Mitchell said. “I pray we have some lessons learned.”

Four elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school have been identified as needing a state-required campus improvement plan. The details According to Chief of Staff Brandy Baker, a targeted improvement plan is required when a campus receives its first “unacceptable” rating from the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating

Local PfISD campus improvement plans Campus Connally High

Northwest Elementary Westview Middle

2023, 2024, 2025 A-F rating D, D, C

D, F, F

F, F, F

Planning/implementation years

2025-26, 2026-27

2026-27, 2027-28

2025-26, 2026-27

Strategy

Partner with outside consultant to strengthen school culture and classroom rigor

Implement Bluebonnet Math and HMH Into Reading; strengthen school culture and classroom rigor

Implement intensive curriculum and instruction improvements with a new principal and assistant principals

SOURCE: PFLUGERVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

Holiday events guide

• Free • Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Drive, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov Sing-It-Yourself ‘Messiah’ Chorus Austin’s Symphonic Chorus will perform alongside Austin Symphony Orchestra in Handel’s “Messiah.” • Dec. 7, 6 p.m. • Pay what you’re able (back section); $20 middle section (seniors); $25 middle section (general admission); $40 front section • St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin • www.chorusaustin.org Winter Cheer: Neon Art 3D Printing & LED Workshop The event will let individuals enjoy a hands-on experience creating mini neon-style LED lights to take home using a 3D printer. • Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. • Free • Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov Cookie Decorating: Christmas Crew Led by Laura Audrey Custom Cookies, the class will teach individuals with all levels of baking experience how to decorate sugar cookies. Participants will decorate four cookies with all materials provided. • Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. • $60 • Make At Rosie, 8711 Burnet Road, Ste. F72, Austin • www.makeatrosie.com Pickleball & Peppermint Party Attendees can celebrate the holiday season with some games of pickleball, a hot cocoa bar, a toy donation drive and ugly sweaters. Every person who brings a toy

November

Ugly Christmas Sweater Pop Up Shop The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop is making its way from Dallas to Austin just in time for community members to score their sweaters for the season. Brand-new and upcycled sweaters will be available for $14.99-$39.99. • Through Dec. 28 • Free (admission) • Punch Bowl Social, 11310 Domain Drive, Ste. 100, Austin • www.punchbowlsocial.com/ ugly-christmas-sweater-pop-up-shop Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign The nonprofit’s red kettle will be located near The Domain’s 40-foot tree at the north entrance of Macy’s. • Nov. 28-Dec. 24 • Free • The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin • www.simon.com/mall/the-domain/news-and-events

for the donation drive will be entered in a raffle for a $300 pickleball prize package. • Dec. 13, 5-7 p.m. • Free (ages 12 and under), $25 (members), $28 (nonmembers) • Austin Pickle Ranch, 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Bldg. B, Austin • https://austinpickleranch.podplay.app This list is not comprehensive. Photos with Santa & Toy Donation for Texas Children’s Hospital Community members can get their professional pictures taken with Santa Claus and drop off toy donations for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital. • Dec. 7, noon-2 p.m. • $15 (photo with Santa Claus) • Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin • www.marriott.com

December

Jingle Bell Jamboree Greater Austin Moms is collaborating with The Domain to host a family-friendly holiday event which will feature activities and entertainment for children including face painting and a custom slime bar. • Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin • Eventbrite: Jingle Bell Jamboree Kids Crafternoon: Perler Bead Holiday Ornaments Children of all ages are invited to make perler bead Christmas ornaments to take home to decorate their tree. • Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

CapMetro evolves as habits shift From the cover

MOPAC

Rethinking the ride

Transit access across Austin

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

CapMetro’s Transit Plan 2035, adopted Oct. 20, marks what CEO Dottie Watkins calls a sweeping “recalibration” to create a more equitable and widely used transit system. The plan coincides with the agency’s partner initiative Project Connect—the multibillion dollar build-out of Austin’s voter-approved light rail, which is set to begin construction within the next few years. In Northwest Austin, there are many instances where bus stops are more than a 10-minute walk from residents’ homes and commercial hubs, while several routes in the area are also underutilized, according to Austin City Council member Krista Laine. CapMetro’s long-term strategy aims to close mobility gaps by bringing access closer to where people live and work. However, providing frequent, fixed-route service in lower-density suburbs such as Northwest Austin remains difficult—especially amid flat sales tax revenue that limits resources, Watkins said. Instead, the agency is leaning on new flexible solutions, such as CapMetro Pickup, an on-demand microtransit service that operates like a shared ride-hail within defined zones.

North Austin

Rapid routes

183

1 High frequency 2 Introductory service

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Regular bus routes

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

290

183

Rail

Rail Rail shuttle 7 Uptown station

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Pickup zones

STATE CAPITOL

Wells Branch

183

Austin

Using smaller vehicles, Pickup helps riders reach bus routes, grocery stores and medical centers, the “last-mile” solution for those that do not live directly near transit stops, agency documents state. Two new zones and one expanded zone have been outlined in future plans for Northwest Austin, extending access to an area where traditional bus service has historically been limited.

MOPAC

183

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SOURCE: CAPMETRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

183

Increased frequency

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

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

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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Items worth mentioning

Managing the impact

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

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

Uptown Station has been designed as a hub for mobility and mixed-use to address equity challenges.

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

Central Texas commuting trends

Keep in mind

2019 trends

2024 trends

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

As the culture shifts away from being car-cen- tric, the demand for high-density development around infrastructure will become prevalent, said Lonny Stern, executive director of Central Texas multimodal transportation planning nonprofit Movability. “We need to allow a little bit more commercial in our neighborhoods. We need to make sure that when we build multifamily, it’s walkable,” Stern said. “... We need to make sure that there’s shade structures and trees ... so that if you’re 8 or 80, you enjoy walking around the neighborhood.”

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

0% 5%

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

Drive alone

Work from home

Public transit

Bike Walk Carpool

SOURCE: MOVABILITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Community Volunteer Guide

2025

homes for low- to moderate-income families. It also operates Restores, which sell donated home goods to fund its mission. • Sample activities: constructing new homes, working on home repair projects, volunteering at a ReStore location or donation center • Donations accepted: gently-used or new building supplies, appliances, furniture, home goods, clothes, electronics • 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin • www.austinhabitat.org Better ATX Thrift House Formerly known as Assistance League of Austin, the nonprofit provides seven programs that serve children, teens and adults in the Greater Austin area. • Sample activities: as a member, volunteers help in the Thrift House, provide school-age children in need with new supplies, work with hospital patients, and perform administrative services • Donations accepted: household items, clothing, decor, toys, monetary donations • 4901 Burnet Road, Austin • www.betteratx.org The Charlie Center The homeless navigation and hospitality center offers navigation services to help individuals move toward permanent housing. • Sample activities: preparing a dish, helping to serve a meal, light set-up and clean-up of navigation center, welcoming homeless clients into the navigation center, helping clients check their mail • Donations accepted: foam bowls, disposable lunch plates, napkins, granulated sugar, coffee creamer, ground coffee, items off Amazon wishlist

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in Austin. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

organization donations, assembling kits, events and campaign support • Donations accepted: monetary donations, diapers, unopened baby wipes, menstrual products, unopened

and unexpired baby formula • 2210 Denton Drive, Austin • www.austindiapers.org

Animal services

New Hope Animal Rescue The nonprofit is an all breed, foster-based dog and cat rescue that saves animals at risk of being killed in shelters. • Sample activities: fostering dogs or cats, shelter transporting, adoption center cattery enrichment and cleaning (PetSmart/Petco locations) • Donations accepted: wet cat and kitten food, dry dog food, cat litter, new dog beds/cat beds, new toys, preventions/medications, gift cards for select stores

CASA of Travis County Volunteers advocate for children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect in Travis County. • Sample activities: serving as a court-appointed special advocate assigned to a child and family

• Donations accepted: monetary donations • 8303 N. Mopac Expy., Ste. A100, Austin • www.casatravis.org

• P.O. Box 40443, Austin • www.nhanimalrescue.org

Hand to Hold The nonprofit offers support and resources to families with an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit. • Sample activities: peer mentorship, online fundraising

Youth services

• Donations accepted: monetary donations • 12325 Hymeadow Dr., Ste. 4-102, Austin • www.handtohold.org

Any Baby Can The nonprofit organization provides support services for children facing a scary diagnosis, first-time moms and parents who need extra support. • Sample activities: at-home projects, hands-on help at seasonal family events and fundraisers, custom volunteer experiences • Donations: monetary donations, in-kind donations accepted on a case-by-case basis • 6207 Sheridan Ave., Austin • www.anybabycan.org Austin Diaper Bank The nonprofit provides babies and caregivers with essential items such as diapers and menstrual products for free. • Sample activities: wrapping, counting and packing diaper and menstrual products, sorting and

Wonders & Worries The nonprofit provides free, professional support to children and teens throughout their parent or caregiver’s illness or injury. • Sample activities: volunteer at events, serve as an outreach ambassador or on the board of directors • Donations accepted: monetary donations • 9101 Burnet Road, Ste. 205, Austin • www.wondersandworries.org

• 12675 Research Blvd., Austin • www.thecharliecenter.org

General services

Knowbility Founded in 1999, the nonprofit offers digital accessibility

Austin Habitat for Humanity The nonprofit is dedicated to building and rehabilitating

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and inclusion for people with disabilities with a mission to eliminate barriers in information technology. • Sample activities: graphic design, email marketing, grant writing, social media, video captions, transcription, attendee registration, room monitoring, sighted guides, setup, breakdown • Donations accepted: financial, program sponsorships, in-kind donations for in-person events, A/V services, photography, live entertainment, videography • www.knowbility.org Ladies Let’s Talk The nonprofit’s mission is to build a community of immigrant and volunteer women from across the U.S. to practice English. • Sample activities: weekly conversation program, English practice partners, or English pronunciation program, all via Zoom • Donations accepted: monetary donations • www.lltaustin.org Mobile Loaves & Fishes The Christian social outreach ministry serves the homeless community through three core programs that provide food, clothing, hygiene products, affordable housing and more. • Samples activities: art projects, food distribution, gardening, home preparation • Donations accepted: monetary donations, Amazon

wishlist items • 9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin • www.mlf.org

General services

Senior services

Drive a Senior Northwest The nonprofit provides senior citizens with free transportation to medical appointments, errands and grocery stores. • Sample activities: driving seniors, helping with a senior day out event, playing games and providing baked goods • Donations accepted: postage stamps and monetary gifts • 11512 Olson Drive, Austin • www.driveaseniornorthwest.org Meals on Wheels Central Texas The organization helps homebound and older adults age in place through home-delivered meals along with other programs. • Sample activities: weekday lunch hour meal delivery, 2nd Saturday grocery delivery, pet to vet transport, office help • Donations accepted: monetary donations • 3227 E. 5th St., Austin • www.mowctx.org

Central Texas Food Bank The organization is a hunger-relief nonprofit whose mission is to provide immediate and equitable access to food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area. • Sample activities: preparing afterschool meals for kids, sorting products, harvesting produce, assisting mobile pantry distributions • Donations accepted: monetary donations and food donations

• 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin • www.centraltexasfoodbank.org

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

WONDERS & WORRIES PROVIDES FREE SUPPORT TO CHILDREN & TEENAGERS WHEN THEIR PARENT IS SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED N

Attend or Sponsor an Event Join an Event Committee

Donate

Volunteer

83 percent of Texans take action after reading Community Impact—and 76% say our ads help them discover new products and services. Refer a Family Find these and more at wondersandworries.org/support-us We will, together.

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Business

BY DACIA GARCIA

5 Northwest Austin toy stores to know With the gift-giving season approaching, shop- pers can consider supporting five locally-owned toy stores for holiday presents. Customers can find a range of products from Star Wars-specific items and retro toys to plushies from the Hello Kitty franchise, vintage LEGO sets, JellyCats, Calico Critters, Monchichi toys and blind boxes. The store locations range from Cedar Park to Central Austin and some toy stores have multiple locations throughout the Austin area. This list is not comprehensive.

MOPAC

Terra Toys 2438 W. Anderson Lane, Austin www.terratoys.com

Toy Joy 5501 Burnet Road, Austin www.toyjoy.com

183

LAKELINE MALL DR.

183

PECAN PARK BLVD.

Holocron Toy Store 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 330, Austin www.holocrontoystore.com

Bricks & Minifigs 14010 N. US 183, Austin www.bricksandminifigs.com/austin-tx

PlushyManiacs 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park Instagram: PlushyManiacs

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

Home sales were up in October across the Northwest Austin area compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

October 2024

October 2025

+11.11%

+18.75%

+68.42%

+43.75%

+21.05%

45 TOLL

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

78729

620

MOPAC

183

Median home sales price

78727

78750

78759

October

2024

2025

78758

360

$498,500 $487,000 $743,000 $472,500 $550,460

$500,000 $430,000 $702,500 $416,000 $560,000

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

Northwest Austin

October 2024

October 2025

+33.33%

-31.67%

+27.42%

+2.27%

October

2024

2025

131

136

New listings

115

Closed sales

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

107

Homes sold by price point in October

Months of inventory

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

- -

$900,000+

6 4 9 2

6 7 9

$700,000-$899,999

Price per square foot

$290 $270

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

390 463

<$299,999

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Austin - North 10225 Research Blvd., #330 | (512) 986-7453

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Must present this original coupon to redeem. Only valid at 13450 Research Blvd. location. Only valid in-store. One-time use. Not valid with other offer. Expires 12/31/25.

POS code: Impact

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13450 Research Blvd. #239a, Austin 78750

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entire menu 20% OFF

Now Open in Your Neighborhood!

2501 W Parmer Ln, Ste 700A

FREE PRETZEL WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY SMOOTHIE (choice of original or cinnamon sugar) Valid in-store, expires 12/31/25 50% OFF ANY SMOOTHIE WITH THE PURCHASE OF A SMOOTHIE OR BOWL Valid in-store, expires 12/31/25

20% off entire menu (excludes alcohol) Dine-in or carry out only. Not valid on Happy Hour Menu or any otherdiscounts. Cash & Credit card payment only. Must present this coupon. Exp 12/31/25 NOW OPEN SUNDAYS Lunch specials are also available Call us for pickup orders or order Delivery

13435 Research Blvd suite 301, Austin, TX 78750 (Located next to Gold’s Gym) www.midorisushiaustin.com | 512-257-1411

Proud to øe Local Proud to øe Local

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

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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

TEL: 512-452-1901 | PINSANDWHEELS.COM 8822 MCANN DR AUSTIN TX 78757

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

The more you feed the blob the bigger it gets, becoming a monster clog causing expensive repairs, foul odors and sanitary sewer overflows! Fat, oil and grease comes from food like cooking oil, meat drippings, butter, sauces, gravy, dairy products, and even salad dressing. Help stop the Grease Blob! 6 Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost if you can 6 Collect cooking oil in a container then toss into the trash 6 Use paper towels or wipes to remove grease. DON’T FLUSH , toss them into the trash

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