ATX-SWA: Impact 4/2/2026

Good Morning, Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs!

Top Story

Council clears way for scores of digital ad kiosks across Austin

A plan to install dozens of digital advertising kiosks in public places around Austin advanced this spring. As framed by the city, the new kiosk are meant to help residents and visitors get around and access local businesses, as well as to promote civic messaging and transit information.

The details: While locations aren't yet finalized, most of downtown and parts of South, East and North Austin are now under consideration. Kiosks will be placed through a multiyear phased process with community outreach and notification of nearby stakeholders, according to Austin Economic Development. The scores of new kiosks are also expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city.

The background: The wayfinding kiosk program was first requested in 2024 by Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, who supported the code change by highlighting his view that the kiosks will provide a benefit to transit users around Austin. Other officials and residents expressed reservations about the plan's impact on public spaces.

Read the full story.

coming soon

Zen Nail Lounge slated for spring opening in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs residents will soon have another option for nail care as Zen Nail Lounge prepares to open in Ledgestone.

The big picture: Zen Nail Lounge will be locally owned and operated by Danny Nguyen.

Nguyen said the salon will offer:

30+ pedicure chairs
20+ nail stations
Non-toxic, odor-free services

What they’re saying: “Zen Nail Lounge is a modern, luxury nail salon designed to bring a clean, relaxing and high-end experience to the Dripping Springs community,” Nguyen said in an email to Community Impact.

Opening in April
12680 Hwy. 290, Ste. 100, Austin

See more details.

In Your Community

5 years of stories: Book Drive for Kids grows literacy in Austin

Book Drive for Kids is celebrating half a decade of operation in the Austin area this spring, said Brooke Terry, director of the Austin chapter.

How it works: The nonprofit expanded to Austin in April 2021, hosting free book fairs at Title I and low-income elementary schools. April 15 marks the organization's fifth anniversary since its inaugural distribution event.

Book fairs through the nonprofit are free for all students and schools.

Why it matters: Terry founded the organization to promote literacy by providing access to books for children enrolled in low-income schools. In half a decade, Book Drive for Kids has distributed over 50,000 books to homes and classrooms in the Austin area. During the 2024-2025 school year, the nonprofit organization helped nearly 6,500 children, including Title I students, foster care children and at-risk youth. Currently, nearly 7,000 students are on a waitlist for a free book fair, Terry said.