ATX-SWA: Impact 9/29/2025

Dripping Springs officials passed a $30.34 million operating budget with a tax rate of $0.2267 per $100 valuation.

The gist: The new budget will raise approximately $1.2 million more from property taxes, which is a 32.4% increase from FY 2024-25, city officials said.

The average homestead homeowner will pay approximately $1,266 per year in property taxes—a monthly payment of $106. This is a roughly $269 increase annually compared to the previous year.

"This increase supports continued city services and infrastructure investments,” the Dripping Springs taxpayer impact statement reads.

From new spaces to catch a sports game to coffee shops offering specialty flavors and baked goods to enjoy while working remotely or catching up with friends. This list is not comprehensive.

Peaches Coffee
As locals to the area, the business’ owners were inspired to open a location in a West Austin neighborhood, co-owner Molly Gaffney said. The business currently offers a range of coffee drinks and small bites including breakfast tacos and gluten free pastries provided by Maaribu.

• Opened Aug. 13
• 16614 Hamilton Pool Road, Bldg. 3, Austin
• www.peachescoffee.com

• Opened June 13
• 6218 Brodie Lane, Austin
• www.TrinketsATX.com

• 3901 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 420, Austin
• www.nantzorthodontics.com

Austin officials and transit advocates are encouraging residents to experience life without a car during the annual Week Without Driving campaign, running Sept. 29-Oct. 5. The initiative highlights the challenges faced by people who rely on walking, biking or public transit every day, whether by choice or circumstance.

The why: Council member Paige Ellis, who issued a proclamation for the campaign, said mobility is a fundamental part of health, safety, and community connection. By participating last year, she said she gained a new appreciation for the daily logistical and safety barriers nondrivers face.

Roughly one-third of Americans don’t drive, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. In Austin, 27% of households identify as “car-lite,” and the rising costs of car ownership—estimated at $12,000 annually—place added strain on families.

Get involved: Local residents can take part by walking, biking, or riding transit and sharing their experiences on social media with the hashtags #WeekWithoutDriving and #WeekWithoutDrivingATX.

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 22-Sept 26.

1. Plans to transform Austin’s iconic Sixth Street take shape with three design options

2. Check out these 20 new nonstop destinations from Austin’s airport

3. Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle announces unexpected end to term

4. Contract approved for Phase 1 of Lake Travis ISD High School No. 2

5. Future of Austin ISD dual language campuses uncertain amid school consolidation process

6. Texas Roadhouse coming to Georgetown

The Nov. 4 election is coming up, and so is the deadline to register to vote. Eligible Texans must register by Oct. 6 to cast votes in various local races and weigh in on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.

What to know: Texans who need to register to vote must submit a paper application. The application is available here and must be printed, signed and mailed to the election office in the voter’s county of residence.

Texas does not allow online voter registration, unless residents are updating, renewing or replacing a Texas driver’s license or ID card.

Zooming in: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Reside in the county they apply to vote in
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court