VOLUME XX, ISSUE XX  XXXXXXXXXX, 2022 SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION 2022

City ocials hope to bring more aordable housing along Austin’s busiest streets while easing some standards for new development.

Many vertical mixed-use, or VMU, projects such as Lamar Union were aected by height limits imposed by nearby homes and could now build taller under a new city program.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Austin continues to add more hous- ing than any other major U.S. city, but new residents are still pouring into town faster than builders can keep up along busy corridors where the city is poised to grow even more. City ocials said they hope to ensure new development creates denser Austin opts for larger, denser construction to help oset housing crisis BY BEN THOMPSON CONTINUED ON 28 while the cost of living in town grows monthly, according to real estate data. New city development policies for- warded in June could generate big- ger and more aordable construction

Speed limits are lowered around Austin as trac deaths rise BY KATY MCAFEE

• Belmont Village Senior Living SPONSORED BY

happened in Austin this year as of late June, according to city data. Speeding causes one out of every three trac fatalities in Texas, per state data. "Nobody wants to die on the road," Lewis Le, Vision Zero’s lead trac safety ocer said. "Nobody should die on the road. It's completely unac- ceptable that from this point forward, it's pretty likely that we'll have over 50 more people dying on the streets this year."

While area leaders and trac experts acknowledge Austin does not have enough police to enforce speed limits, they are banking on lowering those limits to save lives. On June 16, Austin City Council approved reducing the speed limit of almost 50 roads in the city as speeding is the No. 1 contributing factor of fatal car crashes in Austin, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. More than 50 fatal accidents have

1 in 3 trac deaths are speed-related 48 Austin roads see speed limits lowered SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price

1441 Bearkat Canyon Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Mike Del Castillo | 512-944-5999

195 Ranch Ridge Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Kim Fodor | 512-809-3844

3928 Sendero Dr, Austin, TX 78735 Cristina Valdés | 512-843-3572

24 Carriage House Ln, Austin, TX 78737 Susan Galyean | 512-784-6850

598 Naples Ln, Austin, TX 78737 Johnny Ronca | 512-797-0965

157 Saltgrass Cv, Austin, TX 78737 Sharon Burd | 512-518-3914

452 Dario Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Sherry Hendrickson | 512-771-1624

38 Laurel Hl, Austin, TX 78737 Kristen Rummel | 512-413-4680

7734 Aria Loop, Austin, TX 78736 Adam Walker | 512-554-5516

6909 Twilight Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78737 Beverly Williams | 512-773-6056

7600 Roaring Springs Dr, Austin, TX 78736 Jennifer Henry | 512-217-1887

400 Aspen Dr, Austin, TX 78737 Alexia Dauterive | 512-636-4006

Are We at the Top of the Housing Market?

You’re probably hearing a lot about Austin’s shifting housing market. Historically low interest rates drove housing markets across the nation into hyperdrive over the last year. As the market softens, we’ll likely see fewer

offers on homes, fewer bidding wars, an increase in inventory, and more. Scan the QR code to see what experts have to say.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2022

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 22-23 SCHOOL YEAR. enroll@austinwaldorf.org www.austinwaldorf.org (512) 288-5942 The Austin Waldorf School serves students from 3 ½ years old through 12th grade. The campus is nestled on 33 acres in the beautiful Hill Country of Southwest Austin. Enlightening the journey toward a more humane, just and sustainable future.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.

FROM DEEDA: Driving around my neighborhood, I see a few more “For sale” signs than normal. However, aordability is still a major issue as demand outpaces supply. This edition includes our annual Real Estate Guide starting inside (see Page 16). In our front-page story, we share the city’s plans to increase the housing supply, particularly along our major corridors. We’ve all heard, “If you build it, they will come.” Well, they are here, and they’re knocking down doors for housing. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER dlovett@communityimpact.com

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROM ANDREA: A good public education system benets everyone. As school districts across the state struggle to retain teachers, Austin ISD is no dierent. In June, district trustees approved pay incentives for the upcoming school year with hopes teachers will stay on. Inside, we talk more about moves to keep educators (see Page 14). Andrea Anderson , EDITOR aanderson@communityimpact.com

Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.

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CORRECTION: Volume 15, Issue 3 On Page 50, the shopping center in which Carve American Grille is located is called Lantana Place.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN  DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2022

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

KATY MCAFEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

emergency care, oral surgery, implants and more. 512-607-6880. www.austintopdentist.com 4 Nail Bar opened a second location at 7826 Hwy. 290, Unit 106, Austin, in May. Nail Bar Oak Hill owner Sam Trinh opened the original Nail Bar location off West Slaughter Lane in 2016 with his family after growing up in the community. The spa provides manicures, pedicures and waxing services, specializing in nail art and design. Nail Bar also serves compli- mentary wine, champagne and mimosas. Appointments can be made by phone or text, and walk-ins are welcome. 512-745- 9004. www.nailbaroakhill.com 5 Former Dough Boys co-founder Tony Curet and Max Tilka opened a new pizza truck, Side Eye Pie , at Meanwhile Brewery at 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin, starting July 8. Side Eye offers wood-fired oven-baked pizzas. Pie choic- es include the Hippie, which features Italian sausage, kale, cipollini onions, fontina, white sauce and spicy Calabrian peppers. There is also a vegan cheese op- tion, bready appetizers and smaller pizza servings for kids. www.sideeyepie.com 6 Big Game Air Guns held a grand open- ing celebration June 25 for its new location at 9518 W. Hwy. 290, Austin. The shop and indoor shooting range offers tactical air guns, rifles, scopes and suppressors as well as ammo, apparel and accessories, accord- ing to the company. 737-337-4867. https://biggameairguns.com COMING SOON 7 The opening of a Western and lifestyle clothing store in Barton Creek 183

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decorated interior. 512-893 3389. www.smdessert.com

gummy bears, peach rings and popsicles, plus nonalcoholic drink options and cater- ing. Drinks are half price during happy hour Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m, and each month features a new daiquiri flavor. www.drinksipit.com 3 Austin Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry opened April 1 at 13341 Hwy. 290, Unit 1-107, Austin. The practice offers cosmetic implants, cosmetic dentistry, preventive care, dental crowns, fillings, cleanings,

2 Sip-it Daiquiris To-Go , a drive-thru daiquiri bar franchise from San Antonio, opened a new location at 9300 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. E, Austin, on June 11. The Austin location operates out of a 1936 vintage passenger train car selling to-go daiquiris with natural flavoring and real fruit purees, Austin co-owner Josh Lewis said. The shop also offers Jello shots and alcohol-infused

1 Sweet Memes opened its first loca- tion in Austin at 3801 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 109, in July. Sweet Memes is a des- sert and tea shop with unique items like banana sticky rice, matcha tiramisu and Vietnamese panna cotta on the menu. Is also has a selection of boba tea, coffee and smoothies as well as a photo-friendly

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Square Mall has been delayed. Knockout Wear was to open in April. A new opening date for the shop, to be located at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, has not been announced. www.kowear.com 8 Mercedes-Benz of South Austin is moving forward with plans to build a dealership at I-35 and FM 1626. Mer- cedes-Benz is planning to build nearly 75,000 square feet of new space at 10900 S. I-35, Austin, according to city documents. Construction has been held up by environmental issues, and an open- ing date has not been announced. 9 Nasha will open a new location in Austin in August, management said. The South Austin eatery will be located at 8900 S. Congress Ave. The menu fea- tures Indian, Indian-Chinese and Tex-Mex cuisines. Nasha has a location at 614 E. Seventh St. www.nashaindia.com 10 A new Pollo Campero is coming to Southwest Austin. Work is expected to begin in January and be completed in June 2023. The Guatemalan-based chick- en chain filed plans with the city June 30 to build a new restaurant at 3201 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 142, Austin. Construc-

Cypress Grill aims to reopen at the end of August after a renovation.

FEATURED IMPACT RENOVATIONS Cypress Grill is updating its restau- rant with a new kitchen, renovated bathrooms and a new covered outdoor seating area with lighting, sun shades, fans and planters, owner John Haug said. The restaurant, located at 4404 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, opened in South Austin in 2002. It will celebrate 20 years in September. Popular dishes include its crawfish etouffee, a variety of po’boy sand- wiches—which can come with shrimp, ANNIVERSARIES 14 Matt’s El Rancho celebrated 70 years in business July 6 for its location at 2613 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The Mexican restaurant was started in 1952 by Matt and Janie Martinez with seating for 40 and has grown to hold 500 seats. The menu includes made-from-scratch corn tortillas, chips, breakfast tacos, nachos and margaritas. 512-462-9333. www.mattselrancho.com 15 Children’s book company Literati is celebrating five years. The subscrip- tion-based book club was founded in

crawfish, catfish, oysters, pot roast or chicken—and New Orleans-style gumbo. The restaurant closed for renovations June 27 but aims to reopen at the end of August. 512-358-7474 | www.cypressgrill.net

DEEDA LOVETT/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

EXPANSIONS 12 Tesla filed papers with Travis County for expansion of its operations east of Austin June 29. The electric vehicle maker, which opened its factory in 2021, filed for a permit on a new 500,000-square-foot space to grow its General Assembly 2 and General Assembly 3 operations. The permit was approved by the county July 1. Current- ly, Tesla produces Model Y vehicles at its 2,500-acre site along SH 130 near Hwy. 71. www.tesla.com 13 Synopsys began plans to expand its offices, located at 1301 S. MoPac, Stes. 200 and 300, Austin, on July 1. The dig- ital device product maker will combine two suites into one office and upgrade electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and alarm systems. Construction is estimated to cost $500,000 and is expected to be completed at the end of October. www.synopsys.com

2017 and sends curated selections to members through monthly mailings. The company has books for both children and adults. Literati’s South Austin warehouse is located at 4509 Freidrich Lane, Bldg. 4, Ste. 402. https://literati.com RENOVATIONS 16 NXP Smart Home Innovation Lab began renovations on June 27. Updates to the smart home device maker’s location at 6501 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, are projected to be completed at the end of October. www.nxp.com

tion will cost $2.1 million. https://us.campero.com RELOCATIONS

11 Huckleberry’s will mark its South Austin debut July 23 from 6-8 p.m. The food truck serves classic seafood dishes, corn tortillas and more. Its new location is at Still Austin Whiskey, 440 E. St. Elmo Road, Unit F. The food truck launched in 2020 and was previously located at 8504

S. Congress Ave. in Austin. www.huckleberrytx.com

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2022

As lake levels continue to drop in the face of drought this summer, it’s important that we all help conserve our precious resource. The new My ATX Water Program provides the tools to help you save water and money. Your new City of Austin water meter, along with the My ATX Water Customer Portal , will give you access to near-real-time water use data so you can maximize the savings. Benefits of My ATX Water 6 Continuous usage and leak notifications 6 Personalized alerts 6 Water budgeting features 6 Customized water-saving tips and rebate information Don’t have your new meter yet? Don’t worry! You can still join the My ATX Water Customer Portal now to access monthly water use data and other benefits at myatxwater.org .

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon

COMPILED BY ANDREA ANDERSON & CHLOE YOUNG

and Hwy. 290, 165 Hargraves Drive. The center offers cryotherapy, IV drips, infrared sauna, red-light therapy and more. Restore has eight locations in the Austin area, including Arbor Trails, South Lamar Boulevard, West Lake Hills, Mueller, Gateway, Bee Cave, Cedar Park and Round Rock. The Austin-based wellness service announced July 6 it was expanding to Southern California www.restore.com 4 Ledge Stone Dental Care will open at 12680 Hwy. 290, Ste. 120, Austin, on July 29. The new practice offers dental ser- vices to patients including teeth cleaning and whitening, corrective braces, treat- ment of gum disease and more. Appoint- ments can be made at 737-205-2119. www.ledgestonedentalcare.com. RELOCATIONS 5 Hangry’s Streatery moved in June to Acopon Brewing at 211 Mercer St., Dripping Springs. The food truck is open Thursday through Sunday, owner Bobby Purser said. The food truck serves smashburgers, wings, homemade whoop- ie pies and more. The food truck was previously located at 23633 Ranch Rd 12. 432-363-4342. Instagram: hangrysstreatery NEW OWNERSHIP 6 AMM Dripping Springs , an auto body

P. Terry’s Burger Stand

COURTESY P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND

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2 P. Terry’s Burger Stand announced the opening of a drive-thru-only location in Belterra Village. The new restaurant is expected to open this fall. The Austin burger chain serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night service. Menu offerings include burgers, chicken, fries, milkshakes and other desserts. It will be located at 12680 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 200, Austin. www.pterrys.com 3 Restore Hyper Wellness will open a location in 2023 in the Belterra Village Shopping Center at Nutty Brown Road

WESTON WARNER/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

repair shop that has been in Dripping Springs 2003, came under new ownership as Classic Collision in October. Classic Collision has 175 shops in 15 states. The shop provides automotive collision and suspension repair. General Manager Les Kubena said the shop has much of the same staff. 3990 Hwy. 290, Dripping

1 Courtyard by Marriott will open a new location this fall. The Courtyard Austin Dripping Springs will feature a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool and a whirlpool. The hotel is set to open in September at 1002 Rob Shelton Blvd. 512-894-2897. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ausdi- courtyard-austin-dripping-springs

Springs. 512-894-3888. www.classiccollision.net

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WORTH THE TRIP AUG. 27 DANCE, DANCE, DANCE Buda Ampitheater will host Budaholic’s Margarita Salsa Festival. Shows by Pat Green, Mike and the Moonpies and Shaker Hymns. 5 p.m. Free. 204 San Antonio St., Buda. 512- 523-1081. www.budampitheater.com

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS RED RIVER CULTURAL DISTRICT

MOVIES IN THE PARK WATERLOO GREENWAY

The Red River Cultural District will host Hot Summer Nights, a four-day event featuring free live music. Nearly a dozen venues in the area will oer concerts, including Stubb’s, Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies and Empire. The event will also include food from local vendors. Free. Locations and times vary. www.redriverculturaldistrict.org

Austin Parks Foundation and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will host a screening of “Selena” at the Waterloo Greenway. The event will include audience contests, live music and family-friendly activities. 7:30 p.m. Free. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 500 E. 12th St., Austin. www.waterloogreenway.org/summer-programs-2022

JULY 27 EAT LOCALLY GROWN Savory Farmers Market will kick o with 30 vendors including Biarte Coee, No Label Mushrooms and Savory Alaska. 3 p.m. Free. Goodnight Ranch, 6000 Baythorne Drive, Austin. 512-922-3748. www. savoryfarmersmarket.com 30 EXPERIENCE GIRL POWER Dreamland in Dripping Springs will feature a night of all-female musicians from Girl Guitar, a women’s guitar, songwriting, and rock ‘n’ roll school based in South Austin. Bands include the F Bombs, Squeezebox, Mother Rukkus, Tight and Dirty Blues Band and the Rhinestone Renegades. Free. 6-10 p.m. 2770 W. Hwy. 290, Austin. 512-827-1279. www.dreamland.us AUGUST 07 SEE CRASH TEST DUMMIES Three decades after their rst album was released, Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies is celebrating that milestone with a North American and European tour that will stop in Austin.

food and a bat costume contest plus a chance to see the world’s largest urban bat colony—1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—take over the sky. 4 p.m.-midnight. Free (kids under 8), $25. 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest 27 THROUGH 28 SEE SOME TRAINS Over 25,000 square feet of model railroading will be constructed at the Palmer Events Center during the annual Austin Train Show. The family-friendly event will feature Lego and operational model trains, a Kiddie Express ride, concessions and multiple vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Aug. 27 and 28). $8 (covers both days), 12 and younger free with adult. 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintrainshow.org 30 THROUGH SEPT. 05 SUPPORT BLACKOWNED BUSINESSES The Austin Justice Coalition will host the annual ATX Black Food week. The event will feature nine local Black-owned restaurants and food trucks, showcasing dierent eateries over two weeks. Locations and cost vary. www.austinjustice.org/black-food-week

to class after summer break. The full academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year is available on the district’s website. www.austinisd.org 13 THROUGH 14 BRING THE KIDS Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will take over the Moody Center for two days with a family-friendly event. The event features full-size versions of popular Hot Wheels cars, including the Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark and V8 Bomber. The show will be kid-focused. 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Aug. 13), 2:30 p.m. (Aug. 14). $39. Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.moodycenteratx.com/ event/hot-wheels-monster-trucks-live-3 27 CATCH A CONCERT Singer and songwriter Dylan Tanner will play the Sidecar Tasting Room on Aug. 27. 6 p.m. Free. Bell Spring Winery and Brewery, 501 Old Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. 512-607-4544. www.bellspringswinery.com 27 CELEBRATE BATS Austin holds its 17th annual Bat Fest on the South Congress Avenue bridge featuring live music from the Toadies and several other bands,

Founding members Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts and Mitch Dorge will be joined by Stuart Cameron and Marc Arnould. The band’s most popular songs include “Superman’s Song” and “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.” 7:30 p.m. (doors). 8:30 p.m. (show). $42.00 (advance). $45 (at the door). 3TEN ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Ste. 1A, Austin. 877-435-9849. Pulitzer-winning play “Anna in the Tropics” will come to Ground Floor Theatre. The play tells the story of a Cuban-American family in the cigar business set in Florida in 1929 and a man who sets change in motion at the factory by reading Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina.” The play is written by Nilo Cruz, and the cast includes David Segura as Santiago, Ranferi Salguero as Cheché and Toni Knight as Ofelia. Times vary. $25 (general admission) or Pay What You Can tickets available. Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 122, Austin. www.groundoortheatre.org/anna 15 HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL Austin ISD students will head back www.3tenaustin.com 12 THROUGH 27 SEE A PLAY

Find more or submit Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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City crews begin annual street repairs

William Cannon intersection improvement Crews began construction on the intersection at William Cannon Drive and Sunstrip Drive/Lunar Drive in July. The corridor program oce is adding high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and a new smart trac signal at the intersection. The work will start at the north side of the intersection rst, and access to and from Sunstrip may be closed. Timeline: July-fall 2022 Cost: $580,000 Funding source: 2016 mobility bond

On June 22, Austin Public Works began a months-long process of improving damaged streets through- out the city. Residents along aected roadways will receive an orange slip of paper on their door 30 days before Austin Public Works plans on repairing their street and will be provided with alternative parking options, accord- ing to Janae Spence, division man- ager of Pavement and Infrastructure Operations. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 to get the exact date of the repair, as weather conditions may impact the schedule. “It’s important to know we’re investing in our streets, and we want to have a great network of streets

An Austin Public Works crew applies a thin coat of adhesive to Valley Oak Drive during the sealcoat process. (Katy McAfee/Community Impact Newspaper) WORK ON THE ROAD The public works department will work on repairing the roads during the summer when the weather is hot and dry, which is best for the work. $27M

10% of city streets will be repaired

45% of road repair is done with sealcoating

is Austin Public Works’ budget for road repair

SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

here,” Spence said. With a budget of just over $27 million, Austin Public Works aims to repair 10% of the city’s streets this year. Austin Public Works uses a vehi- cle with laser technology that can assess the conditions of each street and determine if it needs a sealcoat,

crack seal, mill and overlay, or other repair option. Sealcoating, a process of protecting asphalt with a coat of adhesive and aggregate, accounts for 45% of street repairs this year, according to Spence. Sealcoating ensures roads have enough friction to be safe to drive on.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 5. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN  DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2022

News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD During the Austin ISD bond program meeting July 12, AISD confirmed it will ask for a bond to be placed on the ballot in the November election. There were two potential bond proposals suggested: a $1.55 billion with no tax rate increase and a $2.18 billion option with a $0.01 tax rate increase. Both proposals include partial or complete campus modernizations, district wide technology upgrades and secure entry points. The larger of the two bonds would expand the number of schools modernized from 14 to 21. AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Staff will propose a 5%-15% raise for ACC employees and an $18 minimum wage to the board of trustees at its 2022-2023 budget meeting Aug. 1.

Austin ISD school board approves $1.9B budget, raises teacher pay

DISTRICT SALARY INCENTIVES On June 23, the district approved an increase in pay for staff for the 2022-23 school year. annual pay bump for teachers $1,000 for a 2% raise for teachers based on midpoint salaries $6.3M

will pay a $2,000 retention stipend to full-time educators and $1,000 to those who work part time. A $500 stipend will be awarded to teachers who have been with the district for more than five years. Meanwhile, $8 million will go to raise the district’s minimum hourly wage to $16, from $13.50, and another $1 million will go to increas- ing the minimum hourly pay for bus drivers to $21 from $17. Of the entire budget, a portion will go toward an $846 million recapture payment, the highest in the state, district officials said. The funding plan was started by the state Legislature in 1993 and reroutes money from property-wealthy school districts to those that have less. The 74,000-plus student school district’s new budget is about $33 million less than last year, according to district officials.

AUSTIN ISD The district will boost salaries next school year in a move to keep educators from leaving Austin ISD. School district trustees approved June 23 a nearly $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming school year, which results in a $1,000 annual pay bump for teachers and raises wages for other staff. The budget plan sets aside $6.3 million for a 2% raise for teachers based on midpoint salaries, accord- ing to district officials. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t lose ground with teacher pay and we were competitive,” said Edu- ardo Ramos, AISD’s chief financial officer, during the board’s budget meeting. That figure includes financial incentives so teachers will stay. Starting next school year, the district

one-time retention stipend to full-time educators $2,000 one-time retention stipend to part-time educators $1,000

one-time stipends for teachers who have been with AISD five years $500 to raise AISD’s minimum hourly wage to $16, from $13.50 $8M to increase the minimum hourly pay for bus drivers to $21 from $17 $1M SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Austin ISD Meets Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.

4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org Dripping Springs ISD Meets Aug. 22, 6 p.m. 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.dsisdtx.us

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News from Austin and Travis County

CITY HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN On June 24, the Texas Supreme Court announced it will not consider a lawsuit from Austin residents requesting that all City Council seats be included in this November’s election. The decision ended a challenge that could have forced five incumbents into midterm races. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs alleged that Austin’s redistricting process of 2021 “disenfranchised” thousands of voters by shifting residents into a district where they had not voted for their own representative. Austin City Council elections are held on a staggered basis every two years, meaning people who were moved into certain districts in 2021 do not have the opportunity to vote for their council member until 2024. AUSTIN Local cases of monkeypox can no longer be traced to travel, Austin Public Health said July 13; instead the virus is moving through the community. As of July 14, nine cases have been confirmed in Travis County, while eight more are presumptive. Monkeypox is spread by contact with bodily fluids touching skin lesions or touching surfaces that have come in contact with the virus, such as bed linens, according to APH.

AUSTIN PROPERTY TAX RATE The proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23 includes a tax rate decrease. The average homeowner will pay about $10 more a month due to higher fees. $0.4448 $0.4403 $0.4431 $0.5335 $0.541 $0.4519

AUSTIN On July 15, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk proposed a $5 billion budget for Austin’s fiscal year 2022-23. While the tax rate would decrease for property owners, the city would raise about $20.29 million more than last year. Cronk said a top focus of his bud- get planning was addressing staffing vacancies. During his announcement of the budget, Cronk said he hoped to cor- rect the trend of Austin heading “in the direction of a crisis” related to its workforce as the city continues to

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

face high vacancies and an increased cost of living. “The simple truth of the matter is that we do not currently have the staff that we need to deliver the services that we must,” Cronk said. The budget includes an increased minimum wage for employees from $15 to $18 and a one-time stipend of $1,500 for full-time employees with at least one year of service with the city.

The new tax rate would provide homeowners some protection from drastically increased property values. Austin’s tax rate would dip from the current $0.541 per $100 of property valuation to $0.4519 per $100, a more than 16% drop. Cronk said the typical resident can expect to pay around $10 more per month due to increased service costs and fees.

City leaders seek to limit local effects of abortion laws AUSTIN City Council could vote to reduce the local effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s rollback of abortion rights by limiting the city’s role in related enforcement. BY BEN THOMPSON AUSTIN TAKES ACTION ON ABORTION June 16, 2021 Sept. 1, 2021 June 24, 2022 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs abortion law to ban the procedure July 21 Austin to consider abortion measures.

Austin City Council Will meet July 26 10 a.m. and July 28 at 9:30 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/ austin-citycouncil

Law banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected goes into effect.

Supreme Court decision overturns Roe v. Wade. Council members announce plan to limit abortion enforcement.

The Texas abortion ban goes in place. SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS LEGISLATURE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

The Supreme Court issued its 6-3 opinion overturning Roe v. Wade on June 24, paving the way for Texas to move forward with its near-total ban on abortion. On July 21, council will hold a special meeting requested to consider several measures related to reproduc- tive health. One item would update city policy to deprioritize investigations and enforcement related to abortion in

Travis County Commissioners Court Will meet July 26 and Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissionerscourt Dripping Springs City Council Will meet July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.cityofdrippingsprings.com

if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

Austin, as well as block the use of city resources for information sharing or surveillance tied to reproductive health decisions. Council will also consider measures

ensuring access to birth control including vasectomies through city health insurance, and exploring options for benefits supporting travel for reproductive health services.

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COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE REAL ESTATE DATA

Data on the real estate market in Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs

2021-22 Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs real estate market at a glance Much like the rest of Central Texas, the residential real estate markets in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs have seen a sharp increase in home prices over the last year. All ZIP codes in the area saw nearly a 15% increase in home price, with 78620 seeing a nearly 45% increase and 78747 seeing an almost 41% hike. SOURCE: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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Local businesses oer home improvement tips

As many people juggle returning to the oce or hybrid work, Community Impact Newspaper asked an interior designer how to decorate your space. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR AN HOME OFFICE?

COMPILED BY KAITLYN WILKES & CHLOE YOUNG

Colors are very big indicators for us of happiness and help us get to a certain feeling. I like to incorporate parts of those colors in folders, could be a vase on my desk, could be a lamp. The other one I would say is to make sure you have good lighting, either natural light, or even lamps tend to work in the evening. WHAT CAN RENTERS DO? [Removable wallpapers] come in so many styles and so many colors [and are] a way to inuence your rental without making any major changes. Command Strips are great. You can’t change the ooring; you’re not really going to be able to change backsplash or countertops; but you can use the walls kind of as your creative outlet. So removable wallpaper, art hung with command strips, rugs, and then you can also nd some really great fun throw pillows to add more color and texture.

ASK A HOME MAINTENANCE EXPERT

You denitely want to nd a place in the home that can be your work area, so when you go to it, you kind of go into that mindset of it’s time to work. I would recommend something that has the most natural light. Our brain sees that kind of as cues on how to be productive. ... The other thing most people don’t think about is where you want to place your desk and your chair. Our subconscious does not like there being a door behind us and not being able to see it. That never allows us to fully relax. So pointing your chair toward the door or an easy angle to see the door will help you relax more. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR RETURNING TO THE OFFICE? Choose colors that make you happy.

For Central Texas residents who already own a home, this hot real estate market may keep them in their residence longer. As homes age, Dylan Rooney with Papasan Home Services explained how to maintain them.

exterior shell, that would be the easy answer there. WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON ISSUE THAT YOU SEE WITH OLDER HOMES? One big one would be insulation. Insulation is the real big ones. Foundation issues could be one just because of settling, but they’re usually not issues. It’s just natural. I think home eciency would probably be the biggest one, so the insulation, newer, tighter windows and doors.

WHAT IS THE NO. 1 MAINTENANCE TIP YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE WITH AN AGING HOME? Starting top down, the roof is a huge one. I would say the exterior shell of the home would be the biggest one because we keep the weather out, the inside stays way better there—then you’re keeping insects and bugs out as well. It could be the roof; it can be the paint, could be the ceiling or the sealant. It could also be vegetation around the home and not having a habitat for critters around the house too. Just the

Dylan Rooney Director of operations and sales Papasan Home Services 1801 S. MoPac, Ste. 100, Austin 512-535-5839 www.papasanhomes.com

Lynae Wood Owner Redene Designs Co. 512-200-4255 www.redenedesignsco.com

TIPS FROM A POOL SELLER

John Luebbe, Tri-County Pools co-owner, shares his advice for potential pool owners. Luebbe serves Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties. ON SPACE NEEDED FOR A POOL:

ON INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE COST: Everything’s gone up. With that said, right now you’re looking at a pool between $73,000 and $80,000 for a pool only. Then we can add another $2,330 for a spa, [and for] decking, $3,000. Again, there’s a lot of variables in regard to it. I tell people between $35 and $50 a month is a good average, if you will, [for] chemicals, water, and so forth. In the winter months, it’s considerably down. In the summer months like this last month, roughly record- breaking 100-degree weather for June, the pool gets a lot more use, so the chemical demand is a little higher.

OTHER ADVICE: The city of Austin has required now third-party inspections, and it’s not an option. It needs to be done, and there are people building right now without those third-party inspections. It might have dire consequences, and they might have to take the pool out.

It’s about what you’re going to use the pool for, so it’s designed accordingly. With that said there is, in the city of Austin anyhow, impervious cover issues. While the pool does not count as impervious cover, the decking does, the slab the equipment sits on does. So some people are limited as far as how much pool they can put in because of the impervious cover. Sometimes people want to put this pool right next to their house, then you start talking about getting an engineer involved ... They should start with a wish list as far as what they want to accomplish, and then, in an initial meeting, we evaluate these things.

John Luebbe Co-owner Tri-County Pools 512-990-9252 www.tricountypoolsinc.com

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