North - Northwest Austin Edition | November 2023

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North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 10 NOV. 30DEC. 26, 2023

Startups use Austin Community College’s Bioscience Incubator for various projects.

COURTESY AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Austin sees boom in biological research, health industries

“A lot of the innovation is going to start coming, and I think that Austin ... is really primed well for that,” said Jason Scharf, an investor in the life science space and founder of Austin Next.

a health and technology podcast. To make way for this growth to continue, Austin City Council created a research and life sciences subdistrict within the North Burnet/Gateway development regulating plan Nov. 9.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & GRACE DICKENS

Austin’s biological sciences and research sector has grown nearly 74% since 2019, according to a July 2023 report from medical technology startup launcher Austin Medtech Connect and Austin Next,

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: Several high-end retailers coming to North Austin (Page 6)

Government: Austin facing development hurdles (Page 9)

Community: 21 local opportunities to volunteer (Page 28)

Business: Oil and vinegar store oers quality, tasting bar (Page 32)

For children and women in Austin, everything changes. More comprehensive care for children and women in Austin.

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Impacts

Northwest Austin location in the Arboretum Market on Oct. 26. The store sells contemporary furniture in several modern design styles, such as midcentury, minimalist, Scandinavian, modern farmhouse and more. • Opened Oct. 26 • 9722 Great Hills Trail, Stes. 145 and 150, Austin • www.allmodern.com 4 Little Words Project Hand-crafted bracelet retailer Little Words Project opened a new location in Domain Northside. The bracelets carry uplifting messages, and the company carries zodiac, bridal, men’s, gold plated, and friends and family collections, alongside several others. • Opened Nov. 18 • 3200 Palm Way, Ste. 132, Austin • www.littlewordsproject.com 5 Taco Palenque The restaurant is owned and operated by the granddaughter of the Don Pancho Ochoa family, who opened the original Taco Palenque in Laredo. Located in Lake Creek Shopping Center, it serves Mexican comfort food, such as parrilladas, antojitos, burritos and tacos. • Opened Oct. 12 • 13201 N. RM 620, Ste. S, Austin • www.tacopalenque.com 6 Peri Peri Republic The eatery owned by Ashraf Khan in Lakeline Mall serves Portuguese-style chicken dishes with peri peri sauces. Dishes are available in bowls, burgers, wraps and more. Vegetarian options are also available. • Opened Aug. 15 • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. EU01B, Cedar Park • www.periperirepublic.com 7 Happy Chicks The chicken eatery opened in the former Baby Greens building near US 183, and offers both sweet and savory options with 15 housemade dipping sauces to choose from in addition to vegan “chicken,” sides and desserts. • Opened Sept. 20 • 10611 Research Blvd., Austin • www.happychicks.com

183

183A TOLL

620

183

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

620

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

MOPAC

AMY DONOVAN PLAZA

PALM WAY

DOMAIN DR.

620

183

MOPAC

GREAT HILLS TRL.

2222

RIVER PLACE BLVD.

360

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 The Domain Farmers Market The new year-round market will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to highlight local producers and artisan vendors. The market also plans to hold themed events, cooking demonstrations and health screenings. • Opened Nov. 4

Now open

1 Mutts Canine Cantina The 1.6-acre facility includes a K9 Splash Pad, large and small dog parks, and self-wash dog wash stations. Other amenities include covered patios, fire pits, event areas and private party cabanas. • Opened Nov. 13

• 3220 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin • www.domainfarmersmarket.com

• 9825 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.muttscantina.com/tx-austin

3 AllModern The retail brand of Wayfair, AllModern, opened a

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BY GRACE DICKENS

8 Ike’s Love & Sandwiches A new location of Ike’s Love and Sandwiches opened this fall in The Arboretum. The sandwich shop has a variety of vegan, meat, halal and gluten-free sandwich options, as well as a kids menu. • Opened Oct. 10 • 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 120, Austin • www.ikessandwich.com 9 Dr. Golf Studio Sukjoon “SJ” Yoon opened an indoor golf facility Nov. 27 in Northwest Austin. The studio has six bays with technology such as Trackman and GC Quad. Premium golf lessons are provided by skilled professionals.

• Exact address unavailable, located near Century Oaks Plaza • www.simon.com/mall/the-domain Burberry British luxury clothing brand Burberry will open in The Domain next year. In addition to coats, the brand sells men and women’s clothing, scarves, accessories and children’s clothing. • Opening in March 2024 • Exact address unavailable, located near Century Oaks Plaza • www.simon.com/mall/the-domain Swatch The Swiss watchmaker offers several varieties of watches for men, women and children featuring artistic designs. Some options include the MoonWatch, a line of 11 watches inspired by celestial bodies in the solar system, along with various other automatic, thin, stainless steel or eco-friendly options. The store will be located in Domain Northside. • Opening December • Address unavailable as of press time • www.swatch.com Breitling The store will sell men and women’s watches and straps at its new Domain Northside location on Rock Rose Avenue. In addition to more standard watch offerings, the brand carries watches for aviation, diving or swimming, outdoor activities, and more using sustainably sourced materials. • Opening January • Address unavailable as of press time • www.breitling.com Omega The store will offer several varieties of watches for men and women, with options such as gold watches, dress watches, watches with built-in stopwatches and others. Omega will be located in Domain Northside, across from Flower Child. • Opening January • Address unavailable as of press time • www.omegawatches.com

Coming soon

• Opened Nov. 27, after press time • 13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107-A, Austin • Instagram: Dr.GolfStudio

11 Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar The new Asian smokehouse will open in Domain Northside next year, offering smoked meats, a bar and indoor-outdoor seating. Loro Domain will feature Japanese- and Southeast Asian-inspired flavors mixed with Texas barbecue. The nearly 500,000-square-foot space will have 130 indoor seats and 72 outdoor seats. The bar and patio will

CharterUP Bus rental service CharterUP has expanded its services to include luxury sprinter vans in Austin. The vans are designed for groups of up to 12 passengers. • Opened Oct. 25 • www.charterup.com

offer 60 outdoor seats. • Opening in late 2024 • 11601 Domain Drive, Ste. 200, Austin • www.loroeats.com

Coming soon

10 Lazeez Mediterranean Food A second Lazeez Mediterranean Food restaurant will open on West Parmer Lane. Owned by Bilal AlJalam, the eatery will serve a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, dolma, kibbeh and more. The first location will remain open at 6812 RM 620, Austin. • Opening Dec. 1 • 9215 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.lazeezaustin.com Versace The international Italian fashion brand will open a new location in The Domain. The store will sell luxury bags, men and women’s clothing, children’s attire, home accessories, and more. Versace is one of the latest shops to be added to The Domain’s multimillion dollar renovation lineup. • Opening in February 2024

Closings

12 Shuck Me The seafood restaurant closed its Four Points location after less than two years of being open. • Closed Sept. 10 • 10817 RM 2222, Austin • www.shuckme.net 13 Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom The Colorado-based craft brewery taproom opened in 2016. The brewery sold several types of beer, including Dale’s Pale Ale, Oskar Blues IPA and more. • Closed Nov. 2 • 10420 Metric Blvd., Ste 150, Austin

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Government

BY KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON

City development programs face rollback Four of Austin’s affordable housing develop- ment programs may soon be voided through a pending decision from a Travis County judge. The details Earlier this year, Austinites who successfully sued the city over a proposed rewrite of how con- struction can take place across town filed another challenge to several City Council-approved affordable development programs. Staff with 200th District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum stated on Nov. 8 that she intends to rule in line with the resident plaintiffs’ request on VMU2, residential in commercial and compatibility on corridors. What’s next The final outcome of the proceedings is still to be determined.

Task force formed to tackle road problems Travis County commissioners are creating a task force to identify what substandard roads in the unincorporated areas of the county need fixing. The details Substandard roads are roads that were built along with a development and are often unpaved. Travis County has over 108 miles of these roads, and aren’t the city or county’s responsibility to fix. What’s next Going from Nov. 2023-Feb. 2024, the task force will explore which roads need to be prioritized and what funding options are available to fix them.

ROLLING BACK BONUSES Residents are calling for the cancellation of the following development bonus programs due to insufficient notice or protest opportunities. Affordability Unlocked , one of Austin’s most prolific development bonus programs that has created thousands of income-restricted housing units since its passage in 2019 VMU2 , an expansion of the vertical mixed- use bonus program that produced hundreds of income-restricted units, approved in spring 2022 “ Residential in commercial ,” an incentive program that allows housing development in commercially zoned areas if affordable units are included, approved in 2022

“ Compatibility on corridors ,” a zoning overlay that waives development restrictions, such as height limits, for new construction along specific roadways and transit routes

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin leaders pursue child care property tax relief Austin leaders moved Nov. 9 to cement prop- erty tax relief for child care operators following the passage of Proposition 2, a tax exemption measure Texans approved in the Nov. 7 election. What’s happening Proposition 2’s passage clears the way for Bill 1145 was approved in spring and will go into effect in January 2024, allowing local govern- ments to pursue the tax breaks. Austin’s measure directs city management to come up with a plan to roll out 100% tax

Care center eligibility Proposition 2 allows property tax exemptions for licensed child care operators who:

Participate in Texas Rising Star, a child care quality rating program by the state

exemptions for eligible providers early next year. Council said they are trying to identify similar solutions for home-based providers, which were not included in the state amendment.

Have services for at least 20% of their enrolled children subsidized through the Texas Workforce Commission

eligible child care providers to be exempted from most or all local property tax payments. Senate

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY GRACE DICKENS

For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Results are unofficial until canvassed. Election results breakdown Travis County voters were faced with a number of local and statewide elections on Nov. 7. Here are the results for the Travis County bond elections, the Round Rock ISD tax proposition and the 14 state amendments. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Winner

Proposition 9

Proposition 3

Travis County

84% For: 2,141,913 16% Against: 416,191

68% For: 1,709,653 32% Against: 808,980

Proposition A

76% For: 106,917 24% Against: 34,176

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

83% For: 2,118,086 17% Against: 420,537

55% For: 1,368,072 45% Against: 1,119,878

Proposition B

77% For: 108,995 23% Against: 32,358

Proposition 11

Proposition 5

63% For: 1,524,137 37% Against: 882,008

64% For: 1,619,618 36% Against: 897,405

Round Rock ISD

Proposition 12

Proposition A

Proposition 6

53% For: 1,210,650 47% Against: 1,076,247

73% For: 20,988 23% Against: 7,674

78% For: 1,966,508 22% Against: 566,241

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

State

65% For: 1,641,453 35% Against: 886,991

37% For: 931,115 63% Against: 1,564,688

Proposition 1

79% For: 2,022,396 21% Against: 536,734

Proposition 14

Proposition 8

77% For: 1,925,767 23% Against: 591,128

69% For: 1,747,713 31% Against: 768,928

Proposition 2

65% For: 1,626,303 35% Against: 884,196

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BY KATY MCAFEE

Travis County propositions pass with widespread support

Travis County’s $509 million bond package aimed at improving roads and parks passed with broad support during the November election. The average Travis County homeowner will pay an additional $4.78 in taxes per month as a result of the bonds. “I think Travis County voters understand the pressure we’re under with the rapid growth and we want to do the right thing,” Travis County Com- missioner Ann Howard said. “We want to build smart infrastructure that helps people be safe and healthy, and enjoy the best we have to offer.” The details Proposition A funds $233.06 million to improve and construct a slew of roads throughout the county. Every project includes adding shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The bond funds will allow the county to incor- porate its Safe2 road design on several two-lane county roads without shoulders.

Proposition B totals $276.44 million and will add new trails along Onion Creek and Gilleland Creek, and build new sports fields at Bee Creek Sports Complex and Southeast Metro Park. The biggest chunk of the proposition—$200 million—will go toward acquiring green space and securing conser- vation easements in the following areas: • Cow Creek • Gilleland Creek

For Against Parks and road funds pass

75.78%

Proposition A Parks

• Lake Travis • Onion Creek • Pedernales River • Post Oak Savannah Springs • Wilbarger Creek

77.11%

“We’re going to see in [December] movement to acquire some pretty significant tracts of land as a result of this bond passing ... they’re going to move on quickly,” Commissioner Brigid Shea said.

Proposition B Roads

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

17 17

13 17

+30.77%

78727

78758

Year-over-year home sales, median home prices and the average number of days homes spent on the market were mixed across the North- Northwest Austin market, according to October data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

29 17

19 15

-21.05%

-41.38%

78729

78759

45 TOLL

620

MOPAC

22 21

183

+4.76%

78750

Average / Median home sales price

360

2222

2022

2023

78727

+3.9%

$537,000

$516,750

78727 78758

78729 78759

78750

78729

-8.16%

$450,000

$490,000

78750

+21.17%

$712,500

$588,000

78758

-13.85%

$379,900

$441,000

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

78759

-24.83%

$545,000

$725,000

BY BEN THOMPSON

Proposal upping single-family property density draws crowd

Nearly 300 people signed up to share their stances at the meeting. Those in favor of the HOME plan said it would increase affordability, maintain diversity and give devel- opers more options to reach buyers. Opponents said the plan would threaten suburban lifestyles, exacerbate existing infrastructure problems, and result in high-end multifamily units rather than single-family homes. What’s next Council will discuss amendments to the plan during the Nov. 28 work session, after press time. Residents can provide feedback at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting, after which council members plan to vote on the measure.

Hundreds of Austinites registered to testify Oct. 26 on a city land-use proposal that, if approved, could end up bringing added housing density to neighborhoods across the city. The big picture The main topic at hand Oct. 26 was one half of the Home Options for Middle-income Empowerment initiative drafted by council mem- ber Leslie Pool. The act’s first phase would allow up to three housing units on all single-family property in Austin. Additionally, other city rules related to two-unit projects and regulations governing the number of people allowed to live together could also be changed.

Single-family properties affected by HOME proposal Among the Austin City Council districts in North-Northwest Austin, over 63,000 properties will be impacted if the proposal passes.

District 4 13,373

District 6 12,895

District 7 17,406

District 10 19,435

183A TOLL

45 TOLL

MOPAC

LAKE TRAVIS

130 TOLL

360

290

183

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON & JAMES T. NORMAN

TEA temporarily blocked from issuing new A-F accountability ratings

What changed?

Some of the changes officials take issue within the new TEA A-F ratings are as follows:

The graduation rate component has increased by 2% as they have increased steadily since 2017.

injunction. If the agency appeals, the injunction would stand until a final determination is made, according to court documents. If a district or one of its campuses receives a failing grade for five consecutive years, the state can intervene. Districts can expect to lose revenue if their accountability ratings drop, Reynolds-Perez said, as some parents will withdraw their children and send them to other schools. “This ruling completely disregards the laws of this state and, for the foreseeable future, prevents any A-F performance information from being issued to help millions of parents and educators improve the lives of our students," said TEA spokesperson Jake Kobersky.

A district court temporarily blocked the Texas Education Agency from issuing its new accountability ratings for public schools, siding on Oct. 26 with over 100 school districts who sued the agency calling the ratings “unlawful.” Some schools said updates to the TEA’s A-F accountability system would substantially lower performance ratings despite indications that performance has improved. A few weeks after the case—Kingsville ISD, et. al., v. Morath—was filed in August, the TEA announced Sept. 12 it was delaying the release of the new ratings, which would be based on performance and test scores for the 2022-23 school year. The TEA said it would immediately appeal the

The goal post for College, Career and Military Readiness has increased drastically; the original rating system required districts to hit 60% in order to receive an A, which has now been increased to 88% Ultimately, under the new rating system, 15% of Texas school districts would see a decrease in its ratings. 14% of districts would see an increase but about 70% would see little to no change.

Specifically, 47% of high schools and 26% of K-12 campuses would see a decrease in ratings.

Among the A-F grades, A and B would see the most percentage changes.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The A-F accountability system was established by the 2017 Texas Legislature. Ratings are based on a variety of factors, including:

The framework TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said the agency updated its A-F system to:

What’s next?

Account for students on alternate paths, including those who previously dropped out Increase focus on the “lowest- performing,” or most at-risk, students Align the STAAR test with classroom instruction Better reflect student achievement coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic

The annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

“We look forward to future conversations with [TEA

Commissioner] Mike Morath about how to implement the assessment and accountability system in a manner that is fair and transparent for all school districts in the state of Texas,” the Texas Association of School Administrators said in a statement. The trial on the case will take place at 9 a.m. Feb. 12.

Academic growth

High school graduation rates

Student preparedness for college, a career or the military

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

North Austin traffic-easing project to break ground in 2024 Construction vehicles will access the site from Samsung Boulevard, coming south from Parmer Lane, Harold said. The cost 35 DAWES PL. A

A new project to relieve traffic congestion and add more options for walkers and cyclists in North Austin will break ground in 2024. The East Braker Lane extension project will extend a 0.75-mile portion of East Braker lane from its current endpoint at Dawes Place to Samsung Boulevard, past Pioneer Crossing Elementary School. The new four-lane roadway will connect to an upcoming Travis County project that will extend Braker Lane from Samsung Boulevard to Harris Branch Parkway. Travis County’s project is still in the design phase and is not slated for completion until 2027. The impact Drivers can expect minimal traffic delays as construction will be taking place in undeveloped land along the south edge of the Samsung facility, said Matt Harold, a project manager with Capital Delivery Services.

HARRIS BRANCH PKWY.

SAMSUNG BLVD.

E. BRAKER LN.

The project is estimated to cost $22.5 million. Capital Delivery Services currently has $11.2 million in grant funds secured from Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO. The extension is one of the city’s Safe Routes to School projects, which aim to make traveling to school safer in all 10 council districts. The initia- tive was created as part of the city’s 2016 and 2020 bonds, and will service local schools in the area, including Graham Elementary School and Pioneer Crossing Elementary School. What’s next Construction for the project is expected to last 24 months.

A GRAHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL B

PIONEER CROSSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EAST BRAKER LANE EXTENSION BRAKER LANE NORTH EXTENSION

290

East Braker Lane Project breakdown • A newly constructed four-lane road • Bike lanes in both directions • A pedestrian crosswalk near Pioneer Crossing Elementary School • Center turn lanes for drivers turning left onto Taebaek Drive

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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$ 100 rebate extra dryers on natural gas

If you live, work, or play in Austin, the Austin Transit Partnership wants to see the city from your perspective. Show us how you move, whether you use the bus or train, walk, scoot, or roll, and what you love about your neighborhood. Maybe it’s your favorite park, school, library, restaurant, or shop. Your perspective will shape mobility and neighborhood improvements across the city.

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Transportation

BY APRIL KELLEY

Streak of daily traffic fatalities to reach 23 years in Texas

Nov. 7 will mark 23 years of daily traffic fatalities on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation, if the streak continues. The gist According to TxDOT, Texas has not had one day without a traffic fatality since Nov. 7, 2000. On average, the state sees 10 deaths on Texas road- ways each day. As of Oct. 6, 3,057 fatalities have occurred as a result of 2,757 fatal crashes, according to TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. A total of 4,481 traffic fatalities occurred in 2022 in Texas, down 16 from the 4,497 that occurred in 2021, according TxDOT. Traffic fatalities, however, were higher in 2022 than they were in 2020, which saw 3,896 total traffic fatalities. Background TxDOT launched its #EndTheStreakTX cam- paign Nov. 15, 2016, to raise awareness of daily

5K 4K 3K 2K 1K 0 Traffic fatalities 2003-2023

*AS OF OCT. 6

17.24% increase from 2003-2022.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

traffic fatalities and to encourage safe driving, with the goal of ending the daily streak of deaths. TxDOT asks all Texans to: • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Always obey traffic laws. • Always wear a seat belt.

• Post pictures on social media with a download- able sign using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who died in a crash using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

Perks on Quick Move-In Homes Limited Time Only!

1/0 Buydown on 30-Year Fixed FHA

New Homes $ 2 5 0s - $ 500s+ HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199

© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is an equal opportunity 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 Financial, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 11/1/23 and close by during the limited time frame in which the incentive is offered and finance with CMG Financial. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. Rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If the down payment is less than 20%, mortgage insurance may be required, which could increase the monthly payment and the APR. Estimated monthly payment does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single-family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. 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. *Stated rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If you bought a $599,990 home with a 30 year loan at a fixed rate of 5.5% (6.125% Annual Percentage Rate), with a down payment of 5%, for a loan amount of $579,964.00 you would make 360 monthly payments of $3,293.00. Payment stated does not include taxes and homeowners insurance, which will result in a higher payment. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. 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 interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. **CMG Home Loans will cover all customary lender fees which are processing fee, administrative fee, tax service fee, appraisal fee and credit report fee. In addition CMG Home Loans will also credit the borrower up to $1,000 towards additional third-party fees. This offer does not cover discount points. Credit cannot exceed total fees. Rate Rebound is only valid on future conventional conforming, government, and jumbo loans in our retail channel (future Construction Loans, All in One, HELOCs, Bond or HFA loans are excluded). There may be additional restrictions based on investor. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or credit and is nontransferable. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to any loans. Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions 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. Program will be available on loans disclosed between 11/1/22 – 12/31/23, and closed by 3/29/24. Program is applicable for refinances 6 months after closing up to 5 years from original note date and with a net tangible benefit which includes a rate reduction of 0.5%, going from an ARM to fixed rate, reducing loan term, movement to a more stable product, or a lower principal and interest payment. By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. 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 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Mixed-use, recreational space greenlit for North Burnet/Gateway plan

What’s next

District 7 Council member Leslie Pool has been involved with the regulating plan for years, saying with growth in the area it has been “sorely in need of an overhaul.” Pool also added the plan is being implemented “just in time” as future projects and even existing facilities make the area a “jewel destination.” “Big projects like Uptown ATX and two new [Capital Metro] Red Line commuter rail stations are now coming online. Many more projects are planned, so we need to move swiftly to complete the update.” LESLIE POOL, DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER

Improvements are underway to the North Burnet/Gateway area—Austin’s “second downtown”—after Austin City Council approved amendments to the area’s Regulating Plan on Oct. 19. The plan, which was first adopted in 2009, aims to address growth by redeveloping The Domain and Gateway areas from older, low-density developments to a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood with improved pedestrian, bike and transit access. Amendments to the plan were most recently approved Sept. 12 by the Austin Planning Commission before heading to council, as previously reported by Community Impact .

Changes to the plan

Creation of a commercial mixed-use subdistrict to increase building density

Removal of square foot limitations to allow projects to provide retail space to multiple tenants

Allowing permitting for outdoor recreation for amenities such as golf courses, pools or tennis courts

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

Late payment fees do apply

•Online at www.PayMobilityBill.com •By phone by calling (512) 410-0562 •By mail •In person at one of our convenient locations including the newly opened Ridgepoint location, or at one of several participating stores like HEB or Walmart* •Scanning the QR code on your bill Don’t have an electronic tag? We offer several convenient ways to pay.

Payment options:

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Phone

Online

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

There are payment options everywhere

XX.XX BILL

XX.XX

Mail

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

QR Code

Disclaimer: For more information on where you can pay your bill in person, visit MobilityAuthority.com.

Learn what to do when you sell your car

In-Person

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

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

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Health care ocials discuss access to care, staying healthy and more Ocials from local hospitals discussed health care in the local community during a Round Rock Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Oct. 25. Dr. Matt Homan with the Texas A&M School of Nursing moderated the panel with Dr. Anas Dagh- estani of Austin Regional Clinic, Dr. Erin Koval of Ascension Seton Williamson, Dr. Michael Craun of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center and Dr. Ghassan Salman of Baylor Scott & White. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com. Growth has created a greater need for health care services in the area. How has your organization increased the capacity to help fulll and deliver that care need? Daghestani: One of the things we look at is

trying our best to make sure that our sta and physicians live in that community and are part of that community, because they’ll have a better understanding of what services are needed. Baylor Scott & White has expressed a strategic focus on customer centricity. Can you share exactly what that is and how it impacts health care? Salman: Customer centricity means putting the patient at the center of our attention. ... Our goal is to study the patient’s journey and try to sim- plify these interactions or innovate in bringing new solutions. We have a Level II trauma center at St. David’s Round Rock. Can you share the importance of this facility and what it brings to trauma care? Craun: To be a Level II trauma center takes a lot of nancial resilience, as well as physician buy-in and commitment. ... I have had the same trauma surgeons for the last 13 years. That’s unheard of in my profession. Last year, there were a lot of reports about the “triple-demic” with RSV, COVID and u. I’d like

Dr. Matt Homan, left, moderated the panel with Daghestani, Koval, Craun and Salman.

to invite you to share your perspectives on the upcoming u season and any other health care concerns. Koval: Go see your primary care provider and do what you can to prevent these illnesses. Vaccines are one amazing tool, but … being as healthy as you can at your baseline is going to keep you well … It is really washing your hands, not touching your face, covering your sneezes and coughs, and staying home when you’re sick.

NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Austin sees boom in biological research, health industries From the cover

How we got here

Two-minute impact

There are several indicators that point to whether an area is a good option to pursue life sciences, said Matt Schwab, managing director of Karlin Real Estate. Among those, Austin stands out in the relatively young age of the average working individual at 35.8 as well as its large supply of educational institutions. The abundance of local higher education facilities paves the way for a reliable workforce for life science companies, Schwab said.

State of the industry As of July, Austin’s life sciences industry includes:

The biological science and health care industries, referred to as life sciences, have seen rapid growth in the Austin area since 2019. With hundreds of companies already established and several lab space projects in the pipeline, Austin leaders see incoming startups as the city’s next frontier. “The investment in health sciences benefits the entire community,” said Bryce Bencivengo, director of public relations and media for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. “We have opportunities to capitalize on companies that are here to create unique partnerships, to improve the health and well-being of our Central Austin region.”

Over 18,000 employees

Over 260 companies

74% employment growth since 2019 Nearly

1.6M square feet of lab space

Local schools

SOURCES: AUSTIN MEDTECH CONNECT, AUSTIN NEXT, NEWMARK/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Between the University of Texas, Austin Community College and other local colleges, there are:

About 8,800 science, technology, engineering and math graduates annually About 4,700 health care graduates annually

Austin's employment breakdown

In a nutshell

10% Entertainment

Life sciences is an umbrella term used to describe many biological sciences, from the study of lab specimens to the treatment of patients, according to the report. Some products of the industry include medical devices, such as cochlear implants, and the development of cures for different cancers. At the local scale, life sciences and health ser- vices make up about 11.6% of the local economy, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bencivengo said the industry is one more opportunity for Austin to continue diversi- fying its economy to withstand hardships. Alongside southern Austin, the North and Northwest Austin markets represent a hotspot for this growth, Bencivengo said.

11.5% Community services and education

Area life science job options

Annual average wage

11.6% Life sciences and health care

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians

$56,900

19.1% Office, business and financial operations

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers

$81,980

19.8% Management and sales operations

$86,720

Registered nurses

Health care diagnosis or treating practitioners

$113,530

28% Manufacturing, construction and farm-related jobs

SOURCES: AUSTIN MEDTECH CONNECT, AUSTIN NEXT, U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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