Austin’s light rail project, known as Project Connect, has hit a major federal milestone that positions the multibillion-dollar initiative for on-time construction. The Federal Transit Administration awarded the project a “Medium-High” rating in its FY 2026-27 funding recommendations—the highest given in this year’s large-project review. ATP CEO Greg Canally said the rating is a “key step,” signaling strong viability as the project seeks $4.1 billion in federal funding, or roughly half its total cost.

A closer look: The federal ranking criteria include an assessment of the project’s plans for land use and economic development. ATP has partnered with the city to advance land use policies that support transit-oriented development. Recent local changes, including eliminating parking minimums and creating new TOD zoning overlays, are helping shape mixed-use, walkable districts along the future line.

Of note: ATP and the city are also overhauling the permitting process to reduce delays, aiming to cut review times from years to months. Utility agreements, risk planning and preconstruction work are underway as ATP targets a 2027 construction start and 2033 opening.

Smashed N’ Sauced, a new burger joint in far Northwest Austin, held its soft opening Nov. 7.

The details: The restaurant sells smashburgers made from premium-grade beef and covered in one of the business’s signature sauces. The restaurant also serves Nashville hot chicken and hot dogs, as well as fries and other sides.

• 12129 N. FM 620, Ste. 448, Austin

Central Texas Table of Grace, a Round Rock-based nonprofit, opened a new facility to serve local youth in November.

About the project: The facility, Lowe's Hometown Garage, helps teens and young adults supported by CTTG prepare for independent life by learning about automotive maintenance and business skills.

Renovation to the facility was funded by a Lowe's Hometown grant.

About the organization: CTTG was founded in 2014 by Stacy Johnson to support children in foster care and youth who have aged out of the foster care system. The CTTG Shelter serves children ages 5-17, and the Supervised Independent Living program, Grace365, serves ages 18-21.

Nine new medical cannabis dispensaries could soon open in Texas, the Department of Public Safety announced Dec. 1.

The overview: The nine companies were preliminarily approved to join three existing dispensaries that provide medical-grade, low-THC products to eligible patients through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. The program's expansion comes after state lawmakers passed House Bill 46 this spring.

Lawmakers also allowed dispensaries to store products in multiple locations, which advocates said would cut costs, and added more qualifying conditions to the program.

Zooming in: The nine providers given conditional licenses Dec. 1 are:

• Verano Texas LLC in West Texas
• Trulieve TX Inc. in the Panhandle
• Texas Patient Access LLC in North Texas
• Lonestar Compassionate Care Group LLC in North Texas
• Lone Star Bioscience Inc. in South Central Texas
• PC TX OPCO LLC, dba PharmaCann, in Southeast Texas
• Texa OP, dba TexaRx, in the Rio Grande Valley
• Story of Texas LLC in Southeast Texas
• Dilatso LLC in North Texas