The San Marcos City Council approved allocations of over $770,000 in Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, funding to multiple local groups with public service programs and projects on July 7.

Selected organizations offer programs that benefit citizens with low and moderate incomes or aim to “eliminate slums or blight,” according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The overview: City staff presented final recommendations to council for the amount of CDBG funding each organization that applied for the grants should receive. From a requested total of $1.54 million, the city had $774,306 to allocate, according to agenda documents.

What happened: After discussion, the council approved an amendment to staff’s recommendation, reallocating $5,000 originally recommended for Hays County Mental Health Court to HOME Center. The reallocation brought HOME Center’s funding up from an original $8,295.

Looking forward: City staff will submit the approved funding allocations to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by Aug. 14.

In 2021, the Price Center and Garden opened a part-time resale shop to help fund its operations and support local vendors. Shop 1893 will celebrate its fifth anniversary all of July with a month-long sale.

The two-minute impact: Shop 1893 offers shoppers decor, jewelry, household goods, clothing and more from over 40 small and local vendors. The shop is located in a 133-year-old two-story chapel, built in 1893, according to the Price Center’s website.

The store was opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with mostly donated items. While the shop still sells donated items, it also offers a mix of vintage items, original creations and collectibles.

"The Shop has grown into one of the main attractions at the center," said Executive Director Clay DeStefano in a news release

The details: Throughout the month of July, Shop 1893 will feature a 25% off sale on all Price Center-marked merchandise, according to the website. Many store vendors will be holding similar discount sales.

• 222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos

Looking to get away this summer without going too far? Check out some places to plan a staycation throughout the Austin area. 

Bastrop
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: The ranch-style resort offers dining, golf, a water park, spa and event spaces.

Dripping Springs
The Yurtopian: The Hill Country resort offers glamping in Mongolian-inspired yurts with upscale amenities and scenic views.

Georgetown
San Gabriel House: The historic bed-and-breakfast showcases its 20th-century charm with the original pine floors and leaded-glass front door.

Liberty Hill
River Ranch Inn: The self-proclaimed “undecidedly and beautifully offbeat” boutique hotel in Liberty Hill offers guests swimming, kayaking, fishing and stargazing.

North Central Austin
Commodore Perry Estate: The venue features European-style architecture and decor, a pool, restaurant, on-site entertainment and event spaces.

Round Rock
The Ruby Hotel & Bar: The hotel offers a pool, scenic views and private event spaces near the historic downtown, which features an abundance of shopping and dining,