A new Mexican kitchen is open near the intersection of Hero Way and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Leander. The Abuelos Kitchen, owned by Maria Camarena and Rudy Cordero, opened in July.

What they offer: The kitchen serves a variety of Mexican dishes, including quesabirria, flautas and breakfast tacos. The menu also includes quesadillas, hamburgers and burritos. Beer and wine are also available on tap. Camarena also operates Maria’s Kitchen in Georgetown.

• 17680 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander

As the chillier weather rolls in, Leander continues to attract new ventures. Here are some key business updates for the Leander area.

Liberty Bells: The recently opened strength-and-conditioning gym specializes exclusively in functional kettlebell training. The gym offers instruction through classes of about 15 clients at a time and a space for children to wait as their caregivers train.

• 401 S. Chitalpa St., Unit 720, Leander

Impact Family Wellness: The Liberty Hill location of Impact Family Wellness has moved just west into Leander. The Leander clinic provides a wide range of offerings, including primary care services, urgent care, chronic disease management, sports physicals and well-woman exams.

• 135 Mourning Dove Lane, Ste. 401, Leander 

The Abuelos Kitchen: Quesabirria, flautas, breakfast tacos and more are now available at this Mexican kitchen, which also has beer and wine on tap.

• 17680 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander

The Williamson County Facilities Department is working on several projects to upgrade parks and infrastructure across the county. Facilities Manager Dale Butler gave an update on the projects at an Oct. 6 Commissioners Court meeting.

1. Parks

Work has begun on Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander, Butler said. Lonestar Soccer Club is sponsoring the improvements to upgrade four fields to artificial turf, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Construction will conclude in spring 2027, Butler said.

2. Facilities

Construction on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter includes new multistory adoption and clinic facilities. It is expected to be completed in fall 2027, Butler said.

3. Historic preservation and upgrades

For the historic courthouse in downtown Georgetown, the county is working to restore the terrazzo flooring, upgrade lighting, recondition HVAC and remodel the building.

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."