Hutto officials approved a $1.56 million design contract with PBK Architecture, moving the city’s long-planned Justice Center from programming into full architectural design.

What’s happening?: During the discussion, council members sought clarity on how PBK was selected and whether the firm could deliver the project at a significantly lower cost than previous proposals.

The move comes after council members previously raised concerns that postponing design work until after a bond election could drive up construction costs.

PBK Architecture is expected to begin work immediately, with a project kickoff meeting scheduled for next week.

Design milestones are planned throughout 2026, with construction documents targeted to be completed ahead of the city’s proposed November bond election.

Hutto City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 5 setting costs and scheduling a public hearing for a proposed assessment tied to Improvement Area No. 2 of the Prairie Winds Public Improvement District, advancing a financing plan for infrastructure needed for the next phase of the development.

The details: Improvement Area No. 2 spans about 62 acres and is planned for 192 single-family homes, according to the city’s amended and restated service and assessment plan. The neighborhood includes a mix of 45-, 50- and 60-foot lots.

Planned public improvements include neighborhood streets and sidewalks, water and wastewater lines, drainage infrastructure, and a proportional share of improvements that benefit the broader Prairie Winds district.

City Finance Director Alberta Barrett said the resolution allows the city to publish required notices and hold a public hearing before any assessments are officially levied.

Integral Care is preparing to launch its third mobile van to bring behavioral health care services closer to Travis County residents.

The update: At a Feb. 3 meeting, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved $337,497 in funding to cover startup costs for the new van, which is expected to begin operating in June.

The big picture: Integral Care’s mobile behavioral health vans allow the Travis County mental health authority to improve access to care for people who may be least likely to reach traditional clinics, an Integral Care spokesperson said. This includes people experiencing homelessness or those recently discharged from jail, shelters, hospitals or crisis facilities.

Patients may be referred to the program through first responders, emergency departments, Travis County jail personnel and The Sobering Center—a safe space for people to recover from intoxication instead of going to jail or the emergency room. Additionally, the new mobile clinic will help Integral Care respond to disaster situations.

Staff working in the van will go directly to people who cannot access Integral Care clinics.

Check out some of the top trending news stories from the Austin area, Feb. 2-5.

1. Williamson County breaks ground on $132M Hero Way, RM 2243 expansion

2. Ridge Crossing retail project now under construction

3. New hotel, Big Air trampoline park to open off Hero Way

4. Georgetown Sleep Center closes permanently

5. PopStroke eyes spring opening for new Cedar Park venture

6. Major grocery chain to build convenience store in San Marcos