A new swimming school is coming to Cedar Park this fall. SafeSplash Swim School will offer instruction for children of all ages as well as adults.

The details: The business will offer swimming and water safety lessons year-round and feature heated indoor pools, co-owner Arpit Shah said. Shah noted certified experts would lead the lessons, which are open to students of all ages.

“We’re just getting started,” Shah wrote to Community Impact. “We expect to publish our class schedule and lesson times around mid-August, and that’s when we’ll officially open enrollment.”
SafeSwim has multiple locations in the Austin area, including Round Rock and another one coming to Leander.

• 410 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 302, Cedar Park

Round Rock ISD will hold a summer enrollment pop-up event to provide prospective families with face-to-face assistance this month. 

In a nutshell: The event is open to new students as well as returning students in kindergarten and grades 1-12, according to the district, as well as families living in- and out-of-district. 

District representatives will be available to answer questions about RRISD programs and opportunities as well as general questions about the enrollment process. 

RRISD is hosting the event July 25, 9:30 a.m.-noon at PFC Robert P. Hernandez Middle School, 1901 Sunrise Road, Round Rock. 

Austin leaders are reviewing the city's proposed $6.63 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, a nearly 5% larger spending plan that would raise the typical household's costs about $350.

The overview: City Manager T.C. Broadnax framed the budget, which includes millions of dollars in cuts to Austin's social services grants, as maintaining long-term fiscal stability while withstanding local revenue challenges.

The draft FY 2026-27 budget is about $301 million larger than the current $6.32 billion spending plan. It includes a $1.54 billion general fund largely backed by tax collections that supports many community services, from parks and libraries to public safety and social programs.

What else? The proposed tax rate is the maximum allowed under state law, a more than 10% increase. That change would add $174 to the typical annual property tax bill, based on Austin's projected median homestead value of $484,907 next year—down $10,000 from this year's median of $494,803. The next in a series of public meetings covering budget details will be held July 22.

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area July 13-16. 

1. New Austin-area professional arena football team set to kick off in 2027

2. Check out 3 stories coming out of Hays County school districts

3. Round Rock Burger King to get $300K remodel

4. New $2.2B Cedar Creek data center project, abatements under review

5. Pharmaceutical venture announces $500M expansion in Northwest Austin

6. New Braunfels City Council appoints new acting city attorney

Music, auctions and a mission to support medically fragile children will come together when Abbey Lights Up COTA returns for its eighth year.

What’s happening: The fundraising gala will feature auctions, drinks, food, music, raffles and more.

“The Daytripper” creator and host Chet Garner will serve as emcee.

Where funds go: Proceeds will support the Abigail E. Keller Foundation’s financial assistance, hospice care baskets, birthday celebrations and more.

Funds will also advance plans for Abbey House—a proposed pediatric respite and hospice facility in Central Texas.

Why it matters: Abbey House would provide temporary overnight care outside a hospital, giving caregivers time to rest or tend to other family needs.

What they’re saying: “The vision for Abbey House is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face those challenges alone,” foundation President and CEO Melissa Keller said.

• Aug. 22, 5-10 p.m.
• $350 (admission); $500 (VIP)
• Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin