ATX-LTW: Impact 10/29/2025

A new location of Sweetgreen has plans to open in Westlake this November, according to a news release.

The details: The restaurant will celebrate its Nov. 11 opening with an event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., where the first 150 customers can get Sweetgreen merchandise, items from Little Lucy’s Donut Truck, Happy Organics’ fall candle drop and more seasonal items while supplies last.

Those interested can also RSVP for a sneak peek of the new restaurant featuring a complimentary meal Nov. 7-8.

A closer look: The restaurant serves salads, bowls, protein plates and sides. A new Late Fall Menu is also available, with dishes such as the Garlic Parm Cauli Bowl and the Chicken Cauli Plate.

Located in The Village at Westlake, the 2,490-square-foot location will be open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. It is located near Twin Liquors, in what was formerly an AT&T store.

• 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. A-050, Austin

Several areas across the Lake Travis-Westlake area saw an increase in home sales this September compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data.

The details: The largest increase among Community Impact’s eight-ZIP-code coverage area was in Spicewood, ZIP code 78669, which experienced a 66.7% increase in home sales year over year in September.

The Westlake area experienced the second-largest increase in ZIP code 78746 at 50%, followed by the Bee Cave area in ZIP code 78738 at 46.3%.

Diving in deeper: Homes in Westlake spent on average 44.7% fewer days on the market, while the average number of days on the market in the Bee Cave area decreased 32.5%.

The median home sales price increased 31.9% for the Lakeway area in ZIP code 78734 in September, compared to the previous year. The largest decrease in median home sales price was seen in the Steiner Ranch area in ZIP code 78732, with a 19% decrease.

Leander ISD's annual demographic report is now available through Population and Survey Analysts, showing LISD's stabilized enrollment, new single-family and multi-family housing construction, and more.

Major takeaways: LISD is past its high-growth phase and is approaching a stabilization phase, PASA officials said. Between 2019 and 2024, the population of people living within LISD boundaries has increased by about 12%, but the proportion of school aged children has gotten smaller, from 21% to 18%.

Another detail: Over the next ten years there are 15 single-family subdivisions located in the north or north-central part of the district that could add thousands of units. Still, LISD's declining student ratios is due to alternative educational opportunities, such as an increase in charter school opportunities. 

Something to note: Some community members have suggested that their neighborhoods are regenerating due to homes being sold in their neighborhood and seeing babies or new families moving in. However, regeneration drives enrollment stabilization, not growth, PASA officials said. 

Texas homeowners could see larger property tax breaks on this year’s bills if voters approve two state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: Proposition 13 would raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. Proposition 11 would give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption.

The exemptions would apply only to taxes charged by public schools.

The impact: Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who authored the legislation, estimated in June that the average Texas homeowner would see about $484 in annual savings if the tax cuts are approved by voters, with roughly $950 in savings for seniors and people with disabilities. These estimates do not account for potential tax rate increases by local governments.

If voters approve the two ballot measures, the cuts will take effect for the current tax year and appear on homeowners’ upcoming tax bills, according to the Texas House Research Organization.

The overview: As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, has relaunched as the InCIder.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

Event details: As part of the relaunch, Community Impact will host its first-ever InCIder Hour, a new event aimed at celebrating and engaging the company’s supporters.

The event, open to InCIders only, will take place Nov. 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Community Impact Headquarters, 16225 Impact Way, Pflugerville.

Guests will have the opportunity to network with fellow InCIders, meet Community Impact staff and attend a featured conversation with legislative reporter Hannah Norton, moderated by Garrett.

“Our first event needed to start where all the hard work is put together,” Garrett said. “People are blown away when they see our operation. To be able to sit and chat with the best legislative reporter in Texas, Hannah Norton, makes it an event our InCIder friends deserve and hopefully will enjoy.”