Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | August 2024

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

Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 5 AUG. 27SEPT. 26, 2024

Families showed support for a tax rate election on Aug. 13 at the Travis County Courthouse

HALEY MCLEODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

an additional $77 million annually—an estimated $288 increase to the average homeowner—to fund a multi-pronged approach to reduce these challenges for the community’s vulnerable populations. After an outpouring of support from local child care advocates, Travis County commissioners approved a measure Aug. 13 to ask voters for a tax increase on the November ballot. BY HALEY MCLEOD Travis County tax hike proposed for child care costs CONTINUED ON 28 Property owners across the metro are being asked to support lowering annual child care costs. Currently, the cost for one child to attend daycare in Travis County is comparable with a year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin, ocials said. If approved by voters, the increase would raise

Also in this issue

Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!

Impacts: New Christmas-themed bar opens in South Austin (Page 6)

Education: A guide to Southwest Austin, Dripping Springs private schools (Page 26)

Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here for Westlake and Southwest Austin. Be a h ER o

5245 West US Highway 290 Service Road Austin, TX 78735 Just west of MoPac.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09-ATX-1006867 DT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

AUSTIN IS IN STAGE 2 DROUGHT WATER RESTRICTIONS

Watering one day per week

6 Automatic irrigation and hose-end sprinkler watering is restricted to one day per week. 6 Automatic irrigation watering times are before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m. The runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. 6 Hose-end sprinkler watering times are before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 6 Hand watering or watering with a refillable receptacle such as a bucket is allowed on any day or time.

6 Water waste is prohibited. 6 Restaurants may serve water only upon request. 6 Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing is only allowed while using a bucket. 6 Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight. 6 Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated. 6 New landscape variance required for watering outside of scheduled day

austinwater.org

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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 Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Publisher Travis Baker

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Weston Warner Account Executive wwarner@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers

Proudly printed by

Join CI Patron for exclusive newsletters and swag.

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact swanews@communityimpact.com swaads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HVAC, & ELECTRICAL NEEDS

WHAT THE LOCALS ARE SAYING

MAKE 1ST HOME YOUR 1ST CALL

Drain Cleaning/ Sewer

Electrical

Plumbing

512.309.5939

Heating and Cooling

Maintenance

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Impacts

Southwest Austin

2 Ants Beer Cave The bar, owned by Anthony Capanna, opened at The Yard offering bottled and canned beverages. There are two on-site food trailers—Knuckle Sandwich ATX and The Pizza Den—as well as two pickleball courts. • Opened Aug. 2 • 440 E. St. Elmo Road, Unit E-2, Austin • www.antsbeercave.com 3 54th Street The restaurant and drafthouse serves craft sandwiches, burgers and Southern-inspired comfort food like fried steak, ribs and seafood dishes. • Opened Aug. 26 4 Lala’s South Pole Frances Lala opened Lala’s Little Nugget in North Austin in 1972, and the business has now expanded with a second location in South Austin. The year-round Christmas bar serves beer, wine and specialty cocktails like the ‘Gin-gle n’ Juice,’ ‘South Pole Sour’ and ‘X-Mas in July. • Opened Aug. 13 • 3008 Davis Lane, Ste. 101, Austin • www.lalasaustintexas.com 5 Valor South Austin Students at Valor South Austin started the school year in their new building near the Circle C Ranch neighborhood. It relocated from a temporary campus at 220 Foremost Drive, Austin. • Opened August • 11720 South MoPac Expressway, Austin • www.valoreducation.org • 127 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin • www.54thstreetrestaurants.com 183

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

360

WALLINGWOOD DR.

MOPAC

290

E. ST ELMO RD.

1826

MOPAC

RALPH ABLANEDO DR.

South Austin

Coming soon

6 IMAGE Studios The beauty salon suites are owned by Ray and Pia Arthur. With a South Austin location at 1600 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, IMAGE Studios provides salon suites for beauty professionals including hairstylists, massage therapists, tattoo artists, estheticians, barbers and more.

through 12th grade. Tutors can also help with homework and tests. The location is owned by Aileen Yu. • Opened Aug. 1 • 9900 S. I-35 frontage road, Ste. P250, Austin • www.mathnasium.com

Now open

1 Mathnasium The math tutoring center has opened in Southpark Meadows, offering customized learning plans for first

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT & SARAH HERNANDEZ

• Opening late 2024 • 4403 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.imagestudios360.com

Now open

In the news

7 Parakeet Coffee Owned by Joe Kaulbach, the cafe will offer coffee, tea and pastries from Austin bakery Texas French Bread. Kaulbach has partnered with four coffee roasters for the shop, including Austin-based Wild Gift Coffee. • Opening in September • 12000 Manchaca Road, Austin • Instagram: parakeet_coffee 8 Bricks & Minifigs Locally owned by Becky and Tommy White, the authorized LEGO retailer will open in Sunset Valley Homestead this fall. The retailer buys, sells and trades new and used LEGO items. • Slated to open in November • 5207 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.bricksandminifigs.com/southaustin-tx

11 Spirit Halloween The seasonal store will open in the former Rue 21 at Barton Creek Square. Spirit Halloween sells costumes, makeup, decorations and more Halloween-themed items. • Opened in August • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.stores.spirithalloween.com

14 Satellite ATX The South Austin restaurant and bar has new owners. Ben Hardaway and Kullen Kifer bought the business on July 15. Hardaway said future business changes include renovations to the restaurant’s interior plus branding and menu changes to “celebrate Texas and Texas products.” Hardaway said he and Kifer have lived in the Circle C Ranch area and look forward to getting involved in the neighborhood. • 5900 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 400C, Austin • www.satelliteatx.com and Joseph Butler. The store offers products for making your own beer, wine, cheese, kombucha, cider, mead and other ferments. In 2023, Campbell and Butler reopened in their current space after relocating space from 8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin. • 7601 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 6, Austin • www.socohomebrew.com 15 Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Austin Onion Creek The clinic is now offering urgent care services in addition to primary care since July for patients 6 months and older. The urgent care can treat cold and flu patients, allergies, minor burns and more. • 11209 S. I-35, Austin • www.bswhealth.com/atxurgentcare

Relocations

9 Zen Well The boutique massage studio has moved from its location at 3421 W. William Cannon Drive to a new space located south of Zilker Park, off MoPac Expressway. Owned by massage therapist Brianna Dworsack, Zen Well offers yoga-based reflexology plus Thai, face and chair massages. • Relocated in June • 2525 Wallingwood Drive, Ste. 1501, Austin • www.zenwell.com 10 Family Business Beer Company Two months after announcing the temporary closure of its Dripping Springs location, the brewery has set up a temporary taproom at South Austin Beer Garden. According to a social media post, the Family Business Beer Company owners, actor Jensen Ackles, Danneel Ackles and Gino Graul, will continue searching for a

In the news

12 Ocean Blue Oyster Bar & Seafood Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood in South Austin has changed its name to Ocean Blue Oyster Bar & Seafood. The menu is staying the same, and the business will soon have a new logo and signage, according to new co-owner Quynh Pham. Ocean Blue serves made-to-order shellfish and seafood dishes as well as Cajun and Thai cuisine. • 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. C-1, Austin • www.deckhandoysterbar.com 13 SoCo Homebrew The homebrew supply store will celebrate its 10th anniversary Sept. 6. SoCo Homebrew opened in 2014 and is owned and operated by Austin locals Mike Campbell

permanent location. • Relocated July 23

• 10700 Manchaca Road, Austin • www.familybusinessbeerco.com

Comprehensive Financial Planning | Flat-Fee Fiduciary Advice | Tax Strategy | Investment Management | Personal CFO

512-222-7521 info@realwealthplanning.com realwealthplanning.com Sarah Ponder, CFP®

Where Wealth Meets Wisdom

New Website!

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELLE BENT

Now open

FITZHUGH RD.

HARGRAVES DR.

185

290

BELL SPRINGS RD.

1 Next Level Urgent Care The urgent care, founded by Dr. Juliet Breeze, opened in the new Ledgestone development, oering care for conditions that are not life threatening such as fractures, allergies, cold and u symptoms, and more. • Opened Aug. 1

1826

290

BELTERRA VILLAGE WAY

290

Dripping Springs

164

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 12400 Hwy. 290, Ste. 420, Austin • www.nextlevelurgentcare.com

a full-service Italian restaurant to the space. Cousin Louie’s will oer handmade pastas, Italian-American dishes and a wine menu. • Opening this fall • 165 Hargraves Drive, Ste. T100, Dripping Springs • www.tc4.co 150

• Relocated May 1 • 661 W. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.cityofdrippingsprings.com

Coming soon

162

2 Smoothie King The juice bar will open in the Belterra Village Shopping Center, replacing what was previously SquareRut Kava Bar. The location will be owned by franchisee Liezel Reyes. • Opening in late 2024 or early 2025 • 164 Belterra Village Way, Ste. Y300, Austin • www.smoothieking.com 3 Cousin Louie’s After Central Texas-owned hospitality group Tc4 & Co. announced the closure of Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes in Belterra, the same team promised to bring

In the news

5 Shipley Do-Nuts A new Shipley Do-Nuts is slated to open in Dripping Springs, but a spokesperson for the company was unable to conrm with Community Impact when the shop would open. A permit led with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration shows work on the store may be completed in August. Shipley Do- Nuts oers donuts, kolaches, smoothies and coee.

Relocation

4 Development Services Division The Dripping Springs building and planning departments moved out of city hall and can now be found in their own building. The departments moved due to a lack of space, and the city’s maintenance department will be housed behind the new location next year.

• 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.shipleydonuts.com

Aaachooo! New school year, new germs? No worries! Get fast, year-round urgent care for the whole family — anywhere in Texas.

24/7 VIRTUAL URGENT CARE

NormanMD.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin City Council passed a $5.9 billion budget and increased property tax rate for fiscal year 2024-25. The big picture Council’s Aug. 14 vote on the budget came after weeks of review and adjustments. Austin’s next fiscal year starts in October. The spending plan includes funding for many initiatives supported by council members, includ- ing some aimed at homelessness, public safety, parks maintenance and climate planning. City Manager T.C. Broadnax said the budget balances Austin’s short- and long-term needs with funding for items of council and community interest. City leaders voted 10-1 in favor of the next bud- get and tax rate, with council member Mackenzie Kelly against, citing affordability concerns and a desire to reduce more spending. The overview Beyond Broadnax’s original framework released in July, council members also voted to fund several million dollars’ worth of their items of interest. That included: • Nearly $9 million for homeless shelter, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs • Nearly $2 million to add more staff for parks Austin officials OK $5.9B city budget, tax increase

Breaking down the bills The typical Austin homeowner will pay almost $300 more for taxes and city services over the next year.

$6,000

Clean Community Fee PER SINGLE-FAMILY HOME

$5,443.76

$5,085.58

Drainage Utility Fee RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER WITH 3,100 SQ. FT./37% OF IMPERVIOUS COVER

$5,000

Transportation User Fee PER SINGLE-FAMILY HOME

$4,000

Austin Resource Recovery fees RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER USING 64-GALLON BIN

$3,000

Property taxes PROPERTY TAX IS BASED ON THE MEDIAN HOME VALUE OF $524,082 Austin Energy charges RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER USAGE OF 860 KWH/MONTH Austin Water charges RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER USAGE OF 5,800 GALLONS OF WATER AND 4,000 GALLONS OF WASTEWATER/MONTH

$2,000

$1,000

FY 2023-24

FY 2024-25

City of Austin tax rates The city's fiscal year 2024-25 tax rate will be over 7% higher than the current rate, costing the owner of a median-valued home about $188 more in taxes next year.

$0.6 $0.5 $0.4 $0.3 $0.2 $0.1 0

$0.5335

$0.541

$0.4776

$0.4627

$0.4458

Property tax rate

2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25

2020-21

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some of those items were funded through a reduction in the city’s planned reserve allocations. What residents should know Council approved a tax rate of $0.4776 per $100 of property value for the upcoming fiscal year, a more than 7% increase from the current rate. The owner of a median-valued home in the city—assessed at $524,082—can expect to pay nearly $2,000 in taxes over the next year, accord- ing to city estimates. Additionally, their utility charges and city fees are projected at about $3,500 in total.

maintenance • $1.3 million to continue Austin’s monthly grant program for low-income families • $1.81 million to support an enhanced EMS presence downtown • $100,000 to support Austinites with flood insurance needs. Funding was also directed towards violence intervention programs; support for initiatives in the police, fire and EMS departments; traffic and transportation management; and animal shelter staffing.

SOLID 5 STARS ONGOOGLE Check Out Our

Check out our SOLID 5 STARS ON GOOGLE

FREE ESTIMATES 512-394-9801 FREE ESTIMATES

suttonroofinginc@gmail.com suttonroofinginc.com suttonroofinginc@gmail.com suttonroofinginc.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Travis County leaders OK housing grant plan Travis County commissioners approved a ve-year plan for federal Community Devel- opment Block Grant funding on Aug. 6. By the numbers The county is expected to receive more than $1.6 million in CDBG funding for scal year 2024-25, and $426,704 from local and state aordable housing programs. Based on public feedback, county sta proposed improvement projects using CDBG funding over the next year: • Cardinal Hill Estates road design and construction: $1 million • Northridge Acres wastewater system: $150,000 • General infrastructure: $149,772 • Administration and planning: $324,943

Lisa Davis was conrmed as Austin’s next police chief on Aug. 6 following her appointment by City Manager T.C. Broadnax (left). She’ll succeed interim Police Chief Robin Henderson (right) in September.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Lisa Davis conrmed as new Austin police chief City Council unanimously conrmed Lisa Davis as chief of the Austin Police Department Aug. 6. The overview Davis will ocially succeed interim Police Chief Robin Henderson after the Labor Day holiday in September. She was hired on a $275,000 salary.

Davis most recently served as assistant chief in Cincinnati, and will be the second-ever permanent woman chief in Austin. Zooming in Broadnax said he picked Davis given “resound- ingly positive” feedback he received from city ocials and community members. Davis said her approach will be based on eective, equitable and ethical policing strategies, and that she’ll work to address APD’s stang shortage and ocer morale.

New skatepark opens at Founders Memorial Park

Dorian Zev Kweller Memorial Skatepark

The Dorian Zev Kweller Memorial Skatepark opened July 27 in Dripping Springs, after years of work bringing the park to fruition. The details Construction started in February at a cost of $800,000, funded by the city, local fundraising and Hays County’s 2020 parks bond. The city also contributed an additional $75,000 for amenities

such as trash cans, sidewalks and benches. The city provided 1.5 acres of land for the park, which is about 10,000 square feet, in Founders Memorial Park located at 419B Founders Park Road. The park was named in honor of a Dripping Springs High School student who died in February 2023. Kweller was the son of local musician Ben Kweller.

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL PARK

LONE PEAK WY.

FOUNDERS PARK RD.

290

women’s fashion & gift boutique open daily 10-6 find your new favorite thing

Parkside Village in Circle C near Summer Moon

blue_gardenia_boutique 5701 W. Slaughter Ln, Ste A-150

@maudiestexmex

Maudie’s Tex-Mex

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

As Central Texas continues to grow, the Mobility Authority’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing water quality remains unwavering. From temporary construction measures to permanent best management practices along all our roads, we’re committed to exceeding expectations of water conservation and cleanliness.

Preservation During National Water Quality Month

Here are some things you can do to help maintain water quality in the region: • Dispose of medications, paint, oil, antifreeze, trash, and other chemicals properly. • Clean up after your pets. • Maintain water and wastewater lines at your home. • Use fertilizers without phosphorous.

More than Miles

Visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more. More than Miles

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award- winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.

BelmontVillage.com/Lakeway | 512-253-8507

LAKEWAY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ELLE BENT

Austin undergoes process to fund climate-related projects The projects that would be funded by a potential bond are not yet nalized but may likely include land acquisition, tree planting, water conservation and ood mitigation, according to the resolution. Council would have to approve any potential projects at a later date. The specics “There is a real urgency to this, [and we’re] trying to do this in a collaborative way, consistent with past processes.” MAYOR KIRK WATSON

A resolution passed by City Council on July 18 will enact a formal process of creating a climate-re- lated bond package before Austin voters see a one on a ballot. The overview The resolution, authored by Mayor Kirk Watson, enacts the following: • Directs council to create a bond election advisory task force to consider specic projects to include in a bond package • Directs Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to conduct briengs on the city’s bond ratings and debt status • Directs Broadnax to propose a bond package that includes funds for climate-related projects to be placed on the ballot no later than November 2026 • Directs Broadnax to identify other funding sources for climate projects, such as federal grants or utility fees

Discussion surrounding a bond to fund cli- mate-related projects began in February, when council member Ryan Alter authored a resolution to search for additional funding sources toward already-implemented climate goals, such as the Austin Climate Equity Plan. Alter, alongside other council members, including Vanessa Fuentes, previously expressed a need to place a bond on the ballot this November, noting the eects of climate change “can’t wait.” City nancial sta recommended not to go for another bond until at least 2026, as multiple bond projects are still underway.

City sta often tout Austin as a national leader in climate action, with over 15 years of sta working toward initiatives, such as the goal established in the 2021 Climate Equity Plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This means local greenhouse gas emissions would be removed from the atmosphere through reductions, storage or carbon oset credits. Alter told Community Impact in February his initial resolution addressed the types of investments ocials need to make to reach the already-set goals.

Get back to life, fast.

SPORTS PHYSICAL ONLY $25

CUT & SAVE! Benjamin Moore 8 oz. Color Samples Two FREE Redeem in-store or use code “SWSAMP64” during checkout on clementspaint.com . Only valid at Clement’s Paint. 1 redemption per customer. Coupon is single- use. Cannot be combined with other offers. Terms of and changes to this offer are subject to the sole discretion of Clement’s Paint. Valid until 9/31/24

B12 SHOT ONLY $10

fastaiduc.com | 512-645-1282 136 Drifting Wind Run Suite 117, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Austin’s Local Benjamin Moore Retailer Since 1986!

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Start a fresh new chapter with our Assisted Living or innovative Memory Care. It’s a blast here every day! We meet fascinating people who become our besties, swap stories, share belly laughs while savoring chef-prepared cuisine or lounging in the pool. We enjoy top-notch amenities and services. Exciting events, classes, and cool outings are part of our daily life. Rich with opportunities, Life Is Exhilarating

Request a Quote

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

Any project, big or small Easy and convenient set-up We will find the right size for you Call TDS or scan the QR code to learn more and get a quote! QUICK & EASY ROLL-OFF DUMPSTER RENTALS

possibilities, and amazing adventures, life’s just FUN.

Call 512-354-3479 to schedule a tour.

thrive with us

curious? explore now

9320 Alice Mae Lane • Austin, TX 78748 southparkmeadows.watermarkcommunities.com

ID #106662

2406�ASP�7655A

737-236-7067 | TexasDisposal.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Environment

BY BEN THOMPSON

Over the next several years, one of the two main treatment plants handling Austin’s wastewater will be receiving upgrades. The more than $1 billion in expansion and improvement projects at the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant will be supported in part by an increase in Austin Water utility bills starting later this year. AW ocials say the utility remains equipped to process the tens of millions of gallons that ow through the system daily. The plant expansion is needed to serve a growing customer base. To comply with state environmental mandates for wastewater systems, according to AW ocials. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires expansion plans to begin when facilities reach 75% of their capacity. The plant now processes about 80% of its capacity daily. Austin Water rate increase approved

Facility upgrades

E. MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

Projects totaling over $1 billion will improve systems and expand capacity at one of Austin’s two main wastewater treatment plants. Plant protection: $120M* • New facility to handle high water levels during rainfall: $80M • Flood wall: $40M

JOHNNY MORRIS RD.

Treatment conversion: $220M* • Modernize existing capacity with new treatment processes, including nutrient removal and ultraviolet, or UV, disinfection

Plant renewal: $270M* • Structural rehabilitation: $250M • Water pumping station replacement: $20M

Expansion: $440M* • Increase capacity with modern treatment processes: $380M • New pipelines: $60M

WALNUT CREEK

*ROUNDED ESTIMATES

SOURCE: AUSTIN WATER, CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Expansion explained

The cost

What’s next

The program is headlined by an expansion of the plant’s permitted treatment capacity from 75 to 100 million gallons of water daily, or MGD. It currently handles an average ow of 60 MGD. One million gallons would ll about 25,000 standard bathtubs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Overall, Austin’s two main wastewater facili- ties—Walnut Creek and the South Austin Regional treatment plant—handle between 99-109 MGD.

A large chunk of project funding could come from the Environmental Protection Agency. In July, city ocials advanced Austin’s application for a federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan of up to $446.84 million. AW customers will also be on the hook for some project costs. The utility spent months studying an increase to its water service rates this year, according to AW representatives, partially driven by large infrastructure investments like those coming at Walnut Creek. City Council approved new rates for scal year 2024-25 on Aug. 14 that will increase water bills for the average resident by about 7.31%, or about $6 per month. The changes follow months of public engagement that garnered feedback from hundreds of Austinites, who asked for a rate structure supporting aordability, water conservation, and system resilience and reliability. AW spokesperson Martin Barbosa said the utility’s tiered rate system priori- tizes aordability and stability.

Final completion is expected in 2031. AW ocials said customers won't see service impacts while improvements are made.

Austin Water service area Walnut Creek sewer system area South Austin Regional sewer system area Wastewater facilities Austin wastewater service

AW wastewater capacity

Walnut Creek plant

South Austin Regional plant

45 TOLL

MGD (millions of gallons per day)

125

2031: 100

2005: 75 2005: 75

360

1988: 50

290

100

MOPAC

1990: 60

130 TOLL

2031: 75

183

South Austin Regional plant

45 TOLL

1980 1990

2000

2010

2020

2030

NOTE: AUSTIN WATER ALSO HAS EIGHT SMALLER WASTEWATER PLANTS IN OUTLYING AREAS, MOSTLY ACQUIRED THROUGH ANNEXATION, WITH A COMBINED 4.63 MGD CAPACITY.

SOURCE: AUSTIN WATERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Real estate

The number of homes sold in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs decreased year over year in all but three ZIP codes. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

July 2023

July 2024

-31.3%

-38.46%

-4.17%

-20.83%

+16.28%

+11.76%

-29.55%

+30.43%

360

78735

78736

78737

78739

78745

78748

78749

78620

78749

MOPAC

78735

78620

78736

Median home sales price

78745

July

2023

2024

290

$995,000 $610,000 $861,000 $862,500 $488,750 $475,000 $571,000 $653,500

$915,000 $692,500 $815,000 $875,000 $512,500 $447,000 $599,900 $656,000

78735 78736 78737 78739 78745 78748 78749 78620

78748

78737

78739

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

+163.04% -5.5% Average days on the market

Market

July 2023

July 2024

-27.69%

+21.43%

-17.02%

-38.46%

+12%

-21.21%

July

2023

2024

396 344

New listings

276 274

Closed sales

78735

78736

78737

78739

78745

78748

78749

78620

Homes under contract

277

233

Homes sold by price point in July

Months of inventory

78735 78736 78737 78739 78745 78748 78749 78620

3.8

4.2

$900,000+

Average days on the market

$700,000-$899,999

14 19

$500,000-$699,999

20 35

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

932 1,028

<$299,999

Stay young in mind and spirit at Village on the Pa Onion Creek. A great place to meet new-found friends with likeminded interests who are just as eager as you to continue to broaden their horizons. A place to relax, a place to explore, a place for all ages to Live Life Well®. Your Curated Lifestyle Awaits Cottage Homes | Independent Living | Assisted Living Stay young in mind and spirit at Village on the Park Onion Creek.A great place to meet new-found friends with like minded interests who are just as eager as you to contin- ue to broaden their horizons. A place to relax, a place to explore, a place for all ages to Live Life Well®. Your Curated Lifestyle Awaits Cottage Homes | Independent Living | Assisted Living

CALL OR VISIT TODAY! 11300 Farrah Lane Austin,TX 78748 | (737) 377-6924

11300 Farrah Lane • Austin, TX 78748 www.villageontheparkonioncreek.com VOPONIONCREEK.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Capital Metro halts electric bus plans An underestimation of the logistics in implementing an all-electric bus route has led Capital Metro officials to halt converting the entire fleet to battery-electric buses. In 2021, CapMetro officials approved a $255 million purchase of 197 electric buses. However, the change in plans is a result of shipping delays and infrastructure issues. The largest producer of electric buses, Proterra, went bankrupt, so supply chain problems have led to long wait times to receive a bus. Additionally, there is not enough opera- tional charging station infrastructure and the time it takes to charge puts a bus out of commission. Officials are evaluating alternatives, like hybrids of electric batteries and diesel or hydrogen fuel systems.

Changes coming soon to Hwy. 290, Circle Drive Traffic is one step closer to flowing a little smoother along Hwy. 290 with a new cross-street bridge over the highway at Circle Drive and South View Road open to vehicles as of Aug. 18. What you need to know The new bridge has redefined the traffic pattern for the small area. The temporary traffic signal will remain at Thunderbird Road, allowing drivers access to Cir- cle Drive, and a new traffic light has been installed at Circle Drive and Mowinkle Drive to provide access to South View Road using the new bridge. The westbound frontage road is now closed. The setup The bridge and traffic lane changes are part of a larger project to expand the congested highway up to three lanes nonstop in both directions, with

New bridge

New traffic light

CIRCLE DR.

290

planned frontage roads. The $674 million project is an effort by the Texas Department of Transportation to increase long-term mobility near the Hwy. 290 and Hwy. 71 intersection. Upgrades along the stretch from Circle Drive to MoPac, called the Oak Hill Parkway project, broke ground in 2021. The full build-out includes adding 27 bridges, constructing miles of shared-use paths and widening Hwy. 290 up to 12 lanes.

Nurturing Skin, Nurturing You Medical - Cosmetic - Surgical Locally owned and operated Board-certified Dermatologists

Book Now

8701 State Hwy 71 Ste 101, Austin, TX 78735 Christopher Chu MD, FAAD • Chelsey Straight MD, FAAD

512-766-2610

puredermtx.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

ONE MONTH FREE On Select Floor Plans

Change it out and save Switch out your grass with native garden beds or drought-tolerant landscapes and get 50 cents per square foot, up to $600, back with a NEW WaterSmart rebate. www.WaterSmart.org/rebates Eligibility requirements apply.

CIRCLE C RANCH

62+ ACTIVE ADULT LIVING IN AUSTIN

in our Luxe Suite Reserve a FREE NIGHT’S STAY

Check Out Our Community Or Call Us At (737) 234-8581

Shaker-style 42” Upper Kitchen Cabinets Included

Open concept designs with lots of natural light

Gourmet Kitchen with Built-in Cooktop

Touch-activated Kitchen Faucet

Find Your New Home at Heritage STARTING FROM THE $400’s

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Maps not to scale. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2024 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Elon Musk’s Neuralink to expand office space As Elon Musk’s Austin-area empire continues to grow, a new office expansion is on the horizon for his brain-chip company Neuralink. On July 15, construction began on a new, $14.7 million building in the East Austin suburb Del Valle, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The 112,000-square-foot facility design sits on 37 acres of land owned by Neuralink Corp., near Tesla’s Giga Texas headquarters. The building will include three stories with offices, a machine shop and man- ufacturing areas, according to the filing. Founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink aims to create implantable brain-computer interfaces.

TravCo permitting costs to more than double Starting Sept. 1, the cost of development review fees—paid throughout the development permitting process—will increase 141%, affecting homeowners, business owners and developers. The last time fees were increased was in 2016. Both small- and large-scale projects are subject to these fees, ranging from home renovations to subdivisions. The fee increase comes as staff members from the Travis County Department of Development Services have revamped the county’s website and examined the department’s existing systems and performance. This includes a dashboard, visible to the public, detailing status and queues being reviewed by staff. Full public access is anticipated in six months. Additionally, recent years’ economic climate made it difficult for the development department to hire engineers. Even with the county’s mid-year

“I know that it has been a difficult and rocky road, but I think that

what has been produced will ultimately not only benefit internal staff but will benefit our constituents as well.” JEFF TRAVILLION, TRAVIS COUNTY PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER

funding approval for new full-time employees, the department cannot compete with private sector salaries and outsourcing is costly. Staff identified 32 instances where significant routine work was being performed without any associated fees, including an expedited third- party fee. The increase in fees will help recover an estimated 85% of these costs. The department will also start evaluating fees annually during the budget process to ensure they remain appropriate.

New apartments coming under affordable program Sunset Ridge, a proposed 444-unit apartment complex, is moving closer to construction after securing civic building approvals. However, locals concerned about issues like traffic and impacts on the area’s ecology are contesting the project. lower-income tenants. Developer Manifold RE would make half of the apartments affordable based on the local median family income, which is now $126,000 for a family

Sunset Ridge 8413 Southwest Parkway

222 units available at market rents

101 units for tenants earning up to 50% median family income, or MFI

of four. Sunset Ridge would be one of the few affordable projects in Austin west of MoPac. Formal resident appeals to the project’s July site plan approval will be considered by City Council in late August, after press time.

The eight-building residential project is planned on a 20-acre site off Southwest Parkway under Aus- tin’s Affordability Unlocked. The program relaxes some development rules if housing is reserved for

77 units at 60% MFI

44 units at 80% MFI

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FREE ESTIMATES

We can help your Startup or SMB with all your hiring needs!

Start Your Dream Project

Scan To Get In Touch!

Matt Chamberlain

(512) 888-7045 • Tony@cabinetcentralaustin.net

chamberlainrecruiting.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Events

BY ELLE BENT & SARAH HERNANDEZ

Brews Unleashed The third annual Brews Unleashed is a friendly competition between local breweries who pair a craft beer with a story of an animal at the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. Attendees will vote on their favorite brews. • Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m. • $75 per ticket • Mystic Sky Ranch, 5818 FM 165, Dripping Springs • www.pawsshelter.org Austin Coffee Festival The third annual Coffee Festival will have coffee exhibitors, roasters, and competitions plus food, music and learning sessions. • Sept. 23-29, event times vary • $24+ • Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austincoffeefestival.com American Indian Heritage Day 2024 The Bullock Texas State History Museum will host a free public celebration for American Indian Heritage Day featuring dancing and drumming performances by Great Promise for American Indians. Texas House Bill 174 designates the last Friday in September to recognize the historic, cultural and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to the state. • Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.

• Free (admission) • Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin • www.thestoryoftexas.com Princess Day Pretty Princess Parties will make a stop in Austin and offer princess-themed dance parties, sing-a-longs and meet and greets for one day at the Palmer Events Center. Guests can choose one time slot from three performances throughout the day. Children 12 months and under are allowed entry for free with a paid adult. • Sept. 28, 10 a.m.; noon; 2:30 p.m. • $25-$35 • Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.prettyprincesspartiesusa.com 2024 Great Futures Gala for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area The gala, chaired by Jeanette and Walter Bledsoe, will offer a cocktail hour, dinner, live auction, music and dancing. Sponsorships are available starting at $10,000. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin area is a youth development organization. • Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. • $500 per ticket • JW Marriott Austin, 110 E. Second St., Austin • www.bgcaustin.com/gala

organized Austin Museum Day, offering free admission to museums and cultural institutions in Austin every September. • Sept. 22 • Free • Across Austin • www.austinmuseums.org Goat Couture Fashion Show Costumed goats, competitions and goat corralling will take place at the annual Goat Couture Fashion Show, an event that aims to raise money for the Future Farmers of America chapters in Blanco and Hays counties. • Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs • www.goatcouture.org Rockin’ In The Springs The musical benefit will support the Springs Family YMCA. The event will include food, drinks, and a performance by musician Shelley King, who was the first woman to be appointed Official State Musician of Texas by the Legislature. Sponsorships are also available starting at $500. • Sept. 19, 6-8:30 p.m. • $40+ • Mercer Dance Hall, 23490 Ranch Rd 12, Driftwood • www.austinymca.org/locations/springs-family

September

Bat Fest Every night during spring and summer, Mexican Free-Tail Bats from the largest colony in the world fly out from their home under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge. The 18th annual Bat Fest will celebrate these creatures with live music, food and drink vendors and a kids’ zone. • Sept. 7, 3 p.m. • Tickets from $30; children 10 and under free • Congress Bridge, 100 South Congress Ave., Austin • www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest Austin Zoo Revue & Gala The private, nonprofit rescue zoo in Southwest Austin will host its annual fundraiser that supports the care of the animals. The night will include catering by Gourmet Gals, a cocktail menu by Dripping Springs Distilling and brews from Real Ale Brewing Co. A silent and live auction will take place. • Sept. 7, 6 p.m. • $150+ • Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin • www.austinzoo.org Austin Museum Day Since 1988, nonprofit Austin Museum Partnership has

Zilker Relays Join the Austin Runners Club for this 10-mile race with teams of four runners. Each team member will walk, stroll, jog or run a 2.5-mile loop. There will also be a Kids Dash for children aged 17 years and under. Registration includes a Zilker Relays T-shirt, TacoDeli

dinner plate and beer garden access • Sept. 6, 6 p.m. • $300-$360 (team registration) • Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austinrunners.org/zilker-relays

BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981

SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400 DRIPPING SPRINGS

166 Hargraves (512) 432-0186

Education

BY ELLE BENT

Austin ISD asks voters for tax increase to offset $78M deficit

Austin ISD officials are depending on voters’ approval of a tax rate increase in order to lessen a looming budget deficit of $78 million. At an Aug. 19 meeting, the AISD board of trustees voted 8-1, with board member Kevin Foster voting no, to place the issue on the November ballot. Foster cited that more money would be given to the state due to recapture—when the state takes local property tax dollars from a district to redistribute to other public school districts— and would do little to ease the deficit. Recapture payments would increase with a Voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, by an additional $130 million. Officials predict a VATRE would generate $41 million after recapture in revenue under a tax rate of $0.9505 per $100 valuation. This would be a $34-per-month increase to the average homeowner and is an 8.3% increase from the current tax rate of $0.8595 per $100 valuation. A VATRE would give way to adjust employee pay

Comparing tax rates How the average Austin ISD taxpayer will be affected by a potential tax increase:

FY 2023-24 CURRENT

$0.8595 per $100 valuation

$34 monthly increase

PROPOSED FY 2024-25

$0.9505 per $100 valuation

For the average $553,493 appraised home, the average homeowner would pay $4,310 in Austin ISD taxes. An estimated $821M would be taken by the state due to recapture.

For the average $553,493 appraised home, the average homeowner would pay $3,897 in Austin ISD taxes. An estimated $691M would be taken by the state due to recapture.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

been in support of a pay increase through the VATRE. Additionally, four seats on the board of trustees are up for election in November.

to compare with other districts and a $0.25-per- hour increase for hourly employees. Without the VATRE, the district won’t offer the pay increases. The district's labor union Education Austin has

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Uncertified teacher rates on the rise

Zooming in

The Texas Classroom Teachers Association surveyed 1,460 of its members about certification and student outcomes. Members said the rise of uncertified teachers “is detrimental to student learning, safety and teacher morale,” said Holly Eaton, the association’s director of professional development and advocacy. “You need as much foundational knowledge as you can get before stepping into a classroom,” she said. Panelists also urged lawmakers to ensure parents know when students are taught by uncertified teachers. About one-third of Texas’ 1,207 districts opt out of notifying parents, said Jim Van Overschelde, associate professor of curriculum and instruction at Texas State University.

number that nearly tripled to 15,300 during the 2022-23 school year. “Uncertified teachers have significantly lower retention rates than teachers from other certification [programs],” Kelvey Oeser, the TEA’s deputy commissioner of educator support, told Texas House lawmakers Aug. 13. “After five years, the average retention rate for uncertified teachers is only 39%.” Becoming certified is expensive and time- consuming, panels of educators and researchers said during a House Public Education Committee hearing. They encouraged lawmakers to raise teacher salaries and devote more resources to teacher retention.

Texas school districts are employing more teachers than ever before, Texas Education Agency officials said, as the percentage of educators without a teaching certificate rises. Of the 49,400 teachers hired in Texas during the 2023-24 school year, over 17,000 of them were unlicensed, according to TEA data. Texas teachers can get certified by the State Board of Educator Certification, although experts say there are not strong enough incentives for all teachers to complete certification programs. Meanwhile, many school districts are turning to uncertified teachers to combat staffing shortages and reduce class sizes. School districts hired about 5,500 uncertified teachers during the 2019-20 school year, a

New hires by certification, 2013-2024 The rate of uncertified teachers in public schools has grown significantly in recent years, with districts hiring nearly three times as many uncertified teachers for the 2022-23 school year than the 2019-20 school year.

More details

Uncertified teachers

Total new hires (approximate)

40K

Texas must invest in its teachers, which starts with supporting those who want to enter and remain in the profession, panelists said. “What we’re hearing in terms of why [teachers are] leaving: the key word that’s popping up is ‘overwhelmed,’” said Laura Torres, an education research director at the University of Texas at Austin. “Many of them are just simply overwhelmed with the amount of responsibilities that are being put on them.”

30K

20K

10K

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Caring for in every phase of life you ARC Ob/Gyn is here to support you by providing care for your reproductive health.

• Prenatal • Delivery

• Postpartum • Annual exams

• Birth control • And more!

ARCobgyn.com

Find an ob/gyn near you: ARC South Ob/Gyn

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

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

communityimpact.com