Hays CISD broke ground on an exclusive neighborhood Sept. 1.

The framework: Upward Communities is working with multiple Central Texas school districts to create affordable housing communities for employees. Hays CISD is building a 362-home subdivision called Live Oak Commons near Uhland Elementary School to retain and recruit staff. With more than 600 employees on the waitlist, HCISD is developing a system to make selections. Options will range from one- to four-bedroom homes.

The cost: Rent prices will be offered below market value.

The project will come at no cost to taxpayers or the district, as HCISD owns the land. Upward Communities received funding from Public Private Development Corp., a nonprofit organization, to construct and develop the project.

What's next: SMCISD is considering a partnership with Upward Communities to develop a housing community. Roberts met with the board of trustees in June to begin conversations.

LongHorn Steakhouse has set its sights on Kyle, with plans to open a new location along the I-35 corridor.

On the menu: The nationwide restaurant chain serves seafood, chicken, pork and beef dishes alongside salads, burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers desserts, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

The details: According to a project filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Kyle's 5,780-square-foot LongHorn Steakhouse has an estimated construction timeline of Dec. 14-June 21, 2027 and an overall cost of $3.5 million.

• 19889 I-35, Kyle

Check out six trending stories in the Austin area from Sept. 21-24.

1. Event center slated for site of old pharmacy at Parmer and Whitestone

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen showcases slow-cooked family recipes near Round Rock, Hutto border

3. Texas Roadhouse to open in November in Georgetown

4. Tacodeli plans new Dripping Springs location

5. ARA Diagnostic Imaging opens Leander location

6. Fritz Park holds grand opening in Hutto

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation recently announced a 10-year transportation plan that will invest almost $140 billion in roadway improvements across the state. 

The framework: The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program at an August meeting. The funding includes $95 billion for projects across the state and $43 billion for development and routine maintenance. The investment is expected to improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the supply chain.

Quote of note: “This 10-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas’ transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a news release. “It is focused on practical outcomes—improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods.”

The big picture: The 2027 UTP includes over $1.5 billion for Austin-area projects, including improvements to I-35 in Travis County and SH 71 in Bastrop County.