ATX-SCA: Impact 10/22/2025

A state-led homeless encampment clearing operation in Austin has seen dozens of people relocated or arrested, Gov. Greg Abbott said, while city officials pushed back on Texas' "show of force" and a lack of local coordination.

The details: The state initiative is taking place under both local and state law that bans camping in public and has involved the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas State Guard and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

While state leaders promoted the results of their efforts so far, city leaders said the operation expanded without warning this week. They criticized a lack of notice from the state, said the response ended up duplicating Austin's own encampment management work, and worried it won't result in more residents permanently moving off the streets.

The Texas operation was announced as the city advances its own, separate, encampment and resource program ahead of the winter season and anticipated severe weather.

People’s Community Clinic is aiming to serve more uninsured and underserved women through a new health care center in Central Austin.

The federally qualified health center opened an expanded clinic for its Center for Women’s Health in September. People’s Community Clinic leaders said the expansion is helping fill gaps amid a growing need for women's health care in Central Texas.

The big picture: The new People’s Center for Women’s Health, located at St. David’s Medical Center off 32nd Street, features additional exam rooms, a dedicated area to provide group care and health education, and more space to grow future programs.

The center now offers cardiology care and is planning to eventually launch menopause and perimenopause services, women’s mental health support and pelvic floor care.

Why it matters: Some women travel over an hour to visit the clinic due to an inability to receive care where they live, People’s Community Clinic CEO Matt Balthazar said. The limited number of OB-GYN providers has not kept pace with population growth in the area, he said.

Local advocates and city leaders promoted the launch of Amplify Home, a new initiative to support Austin's thousands of homeless children and families this fall.

The details: The I Live Here I Give Here campaign marked Oct. 21 as a day of action against family homelessness with local events, volunteer opportunities and a fundraising push. Officials said renewed focus on the issue is needed given that, within Austin ISD alone, an estimated 2,500 children across more than 1,100 families are currently growing up without a home.

"It is a humanitarian crisis when we have that many children not being able to be children because they’re living unhoused," Mayor Kirk Watson said.

More information about the campaign is available online.

Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall has officially opened in South Austin with 7,000 square feet filled with food and beverages accompanied by Bavarian tradition and Texas hospitality.

The details: The business’s dining options include wings, mozzarella sticks, whitefish dip, Bavarian pretzel, Belgian-style fries and more. For those looking for an alcoholic beverage, the drink program at the space includes draft beer, frozen cocktails, specialty cocktails, canned drinks and wine.

The impact: The beer hall is the company’s only solo location. Apart from the flagship, individuals can find the business at stadiums, arenas and concert venues across the world.

• 3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin

Travis County approved a new deal ensuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Oct. 16 which will now continue at Circuit of the Americas through 2034.

The big picture: The adrenaline-fueled event draws more than 430,000 fans annually—nearly 70% from out of state—and generates over $1 billion in economic activity across Travis County each October, according to county documents.

By endorsing the race, the county allows organizers to apply for state funding through the governor’s major events program, which helps cover event costs but does not include any property tax breaks for COTA. Since debuting in Austin in 2012, Formula 1 has generated more than $10 billion regionally.