Read about some of the top transportation stories that came out of Hays County this year, and learn what road projects to look out for going into 2026.

1. 8 road updates for Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Buda: Multiple projects are being funded by certificates of obligation amounting to $240 million.

2. Check out the latest on 6 Hays County transportation projects: Hays County drivers can track progress on six transportation projects—ranging from new deceleration lanes and neighborhood street upgrades to multimillion-dollar widening and extension work.

3. Hays County moves forward with $240M road projects plan: The county found alternative funding for most of the 2024 road bond projects, addressing enhancements across all four precincts.

4. Buda City Council reviews FM 1626/RM 967 design concepts: The city contracted Tetra Tech to conduct a study of the FM 1626/RM 967 intersection and present possible solutions.

5. Kyle receives updates on 12 planned roundabouts: The city is enhancing safety and functionality at its intersections,

As Hays County grows and ages, local leaders are expanding home repair help, planning age-friendly communities and building new gathering spaces so older residents can stay active and connected.

San Marcos: Assistance with home repairs
A new CDBG-funded program offers up to $25,000 in forgivable grants and $75,000 in deferred, zero-interest loans for major home repairs, prioritizing households with older adults or residents with disabilities and limited incomes.

Buda: Age-friendly plan and services
Buda’s Age-Friendly Action Plan focuses on housing, outdoor spaces and services for older adults, backed by free STAR transportation and a resource list maintained with the Buda Commission on Aging and local nonprofits.

Kyle: New community hub for seniors
Kyle is building a $4.5 million community center with daytime priority for Kyle Area Senior Zone, giving its 1,500-plus members more room for classes, social events and activities as the city’s senior population grows.

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Dec. 22-25.

1. Tunnels complete for Lake Travis deep-water intake project

2. Check out these 9 Austin-area restaurants open on Christmas Day

3. Check out these new and coming soon Georgetown-area businesses

4. Billboard on Bee Caves Road set for January court case

5. Cinemark Stone Hill Town Center upgrade coming soon

6. Austin sees 46% drop in pedestrian crashes after left-turn safety pilot

2026 is a big election year in Texas. Voters will see 18 statewide races, all congressional seats, most state legislative seats and a variety of local positions on the ballot.

The overview: The Republican and Democratic primary elections will be held March 3, and the midterm election is set for Nov. 3.

Texas holds primaries for all partisan elected positions, such as state officials; state and federal lawmakers; and county judges, commissioners and justices of the peace. Third-party candidates, including independents, Libertarian Party candidates and Green Party candidates, have separate election processes will not be listed on the primary ballots in March. Eligible candidates representing various parties will appear on the November ballot.

Looking back: All statewide offices on the ballot are currently held by Republicans, although some are not running for reelection. No Democrat or third-party candidate has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, election records show.

Check out the full article for more details on election processes and an overview of state-level races.