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Demolition of Austin Convention Center nearly complete; new building to open in 2029
Demolition of the former Austin Convention Center is nearly complete, project leaders told Community Impact on Sept. 12.
The overview: The center closed in April and construction crews began demolishing the 365,000-square-foot building in May. They are scheduled to finish tearing down the existing building in late October and construct a 620,000-square-foot convention center in its place, which is expected to open in early 2029.
After crews finish tearing down the existing center in late October, they will begin excavating the site, digging 55 feet into the ground before placing foundations for the new building early next year.
The outlook: The new convention center is designed to bring larger events to Austin while increasing walkability downtown and making the center more welcoming for residents, ACC Acting Deputy Director Katy Zamesnik told reporters.
“This is the beginning of delivering on a promise that we've made to the community. … We want this to be a building that locals love just as much as our visitors do,” Zamesnik said Sept. 12.
Hill Country Alliance celebrates 20 years with performance by Robert Earl Keen
Hill Country Alliance is marking its 20th anniversary with a special event highlighting its journey protecting the Texas Hill Country.
The specifics: The nonprofit organization will host a performance by Texas musician Rober Earl Keen in addition to sets from Will & The Wilderness and Katie Shore of Asleep at the Wheel.
The event will showcase over 400 community leaders, conservation advocates and Hill Country enthusiasts who will come together for an evening of music and connection.
Get involved: All tickets for the event include a barbecue dinner, nonalcoholic beverages and access to the limited open bar.
Ticket prices are as follows, according to the event website:
Free - children 2 and under
$50 - children between 3 and 12
$100 - adult ticket for ages 13 and up
Knibbe Ranch, 9836 Spring Branch Road, Spring Branch
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
Q&A: CollegePros consultant Kate Trent offers Central Texas students college application expertise
CollegePros co-owners Kate Trent and Kim Heffernan assist dozens of Central Texas high school students in determining their next steps after graduation each school year.
The overview: Trent and Heffernan, who were formerly educators in the Austin area, started CollegePros in 2023 to provide a range of supportive services for students in selecting a career path, successfully finding and applying to colleges as well as receiving financial aid.
Why it matters: The Central Texas-based business helps alleviate pressure for families who may not have the time or resources to navigate the increasingly complicated college application process, Trent said.
Learn more: Community Impact spoke with Trent about what students need to know as they prepare for graduation and beyond.
