ATX-NCA: Impact 9/29/2025

Austin is planning to install dozens of interactive advertising kiosks around the downtown area as part of a new public messaging and revenue-generating program.

The digital stands, which could be installed by late next year, are coming after City Council recently requested more public information and wayfinding features. Fifty kiosks will be placed in select areas with guidelines for the type of content that can be displayed, and with restrictions on locating the features near places like schools, parks, medical facilities and religious institutions.

Public review of city code changes needed to allow the advertising are planned for this fall ahead of final approval by council. The city will also seek public input about the placement of the kiosks before installation.

Austin Creative Reuse will celebrate a decade of shaping a space for Austin’s creatives to find affordable supplies and community.

The backstory: The local nonprofit opened its brick-and-mortar location in 2015 where community members can donate gently used creative materials which are then collected, processed and resold.

Since its opening, the nonprofit has diverted over three million pounds of creative materials from landfills, according to a news release shared with Community Impact. The nonprofit has also hosted hundreds of workshops and community events including collaborations with Austin Pets Alive to craft dog toys.

What to know: Families and individuals are invited to celebrate the occasion by visiting the center on Sept. 26 and participating in a scavenger hunt with ACR gift prizes and a free origami craft session from noon-3 p.m.

2005 Wheless Lane, Austin

Austin officials and transit advocates are encouraging residents to experience life without a car during the annual Week Without Driving campaign, running Sept. 29-Oct. 5. The initiative highlights the challenges faced by people who rely on walking, biking or public transit every day, whether by choice or circumstance.

The why: Council member Paige Ellis, who issued a proclamation for the campaign, said mobility is a fundamental part of health, safety, and community connection. By participating last year, she said she gained a new appreciation for the daily logistical and safety barriers nondrivers face.

Roughly one-third of Americans don’t drive, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. In Austin, 27% of households identify as “car-lite,” and the rising costs of car ownership—estimated at $12,000 annually—place added strain on families.

Get involved: Local residents can take part by walking, biking, or riding transit and sharing their experiences on social media with the hashtags #WeekWithoutDriving and #WeekWithoutDrivingATX.

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 22-Sept 26.

1. Plans to transform Austin’s iconic Sixth Street take shape with three design options

2. Check out these 20 new nonstop destinations from Austin’s airport

3. Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle announces unexpected end to term

4. Contract approved for Phase 1 of Lake Travis ISD High School No. 2

5. Future of Austin ISD dual language campuses uncertain amid school consolidation process

6. Texas Roadhouse coming to Georgetown

Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton and the Goo Goo Dolls are among the top-billed artists for the 2026 Two Step Inn festival slated to take place in Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park from April 18-19.

The details: The Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation organization alongside festival promoter C3 Presents released the full event lineup Sept. 24.

What you need to know: This comes days after early-access tickets went on sale for Georgetown residents Sept. 22. 

One-day and two-day ticket options are available. Non-Georgetown residents can sign up online for a one-hour presale at noon Sept. 26.

General admission pricing starts at $169 for one day and $299 for two days.

What else: Earlier this week, the festival announced a handful of changes coming for the 2026 festival, including:

• More restrooms
• More entry lanes
• Fewer overall tickets and guests
• No outside chairs permitted

The Nov. 4 election is coming up, and so is the deadline to register to vote. Eligible Texans must register by Oct. 6 to cast votes in various local races and weigh in on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.

What to know: Texans who need to register to vote must submit a paper application. The application is available here and must be printed, signed and mailed to the election office in the voter’s county of residence.

Texas does not allow online voter registration, unless residents are updating, renewing or replacing a Texas driver’s license or ID card.

Zooming in: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Reside in the county they apply to vote in
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court