A total of $295 million in bond propositions for Austin parks and libraries will be on the ballot this November. They include the $260 million Proposition A for a slate of Austin Parks and Recreation initiatives, and the $35 million Proposition B for two Austin Public Library branches.

The details: Every $100 million of new debt is now estimated to cost the typical Austin homeowner just over $14 in annual taxes. If approved, both propositions would add about $42 to property tax bills starting next year.

The two bond propositions will appear on the ballot alongside eight proposed amendments to Austin's city charter. Five council districts will also be electing their representatives to City Hall this fall, four of which feature incumbent candidates seeking to hold their seats.

Austin ISD students outperformed most state averages on both fifth and eighth grade STAAR science exams this spring, per Texas Education Agency results released July 31.

In fifth grade, AISD led the state at every performance tier, with the gap widening toward the top. Eighth grade showed a similar pattern at the top, though AISD fell just short of the state on base passing rate. Both grades improved year over year.

Why now: Science was the only subject held back from the June 16 statewide release. TEA delayed these scores to allow "standard setting" tied to 2021 science curriculum standards, fully implemented into STAAR for the first time this year.

Zooming out: These scores are the last piece of this year's grades 3-8 STAAR data. AISD outperformed the state average in five of 13 exams released in June, and with these two science exams added, outperformed the state on 7 of 15 total exams for the 2026 spring testing cycle.

New data from Austin Transportation and Public Works shows that there have been fewer crashes, fewer injuries and less speeding along Cameron Road/Dessau Road after safety improvements were completed earlier this year as part of an ongoing safety project. 

Breaking it down: The project's largest safety improvements involved adjusting the lane configuration for 5.5 miles between US 290 and Parmer Lane, which was completed in January. According to Austin TPW, along this section there has been:

• A 27% decrease in the number of crashes per year, and crashes with serious injuries or deaths down 16%
• A 46% reduction in traffic incidents and 46% reduction in people seriously injured or killed
• A drop from 20% to 2% in drivers going 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit

The historic Bergen-Todd House on South Congress will relaunch next year as Connie’s, an Austin restaurant equipped with a seasonal menu and outdoor patio, according to co-owner Dustin Minium. 

Minium, owner and founder of Red Tail Construction, is partnering with Matthew Moreno, a local real estate developer to bring the restaurant to life. 

“We want this to be South Congress' backyard—a place that feels familiar, yet inspires,” Minium said. “A place you're excited to share with your friends.”

The backstory: The City of Austin landmark is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1877, according to a 2022 presentation from Preservation Austin.

On the menu: The menu at Connie’s will be inspired by seasonal and regional flavors, according to Minium. Patrons can expect rotating items that match Austin’s weather. The new restaurant will also feature an outdoor brunch and signature drinks. 

The details: The restaurant will maintain the original floor plan, allowing the 2,244-square-foot space to still feel like a home, Minium explained. 

• 1403 S. Congress Ave., Austin