ATX-SCA: Impact 10/7/2025

Austin Transit Partnership board members approved a $203 million budget Sept. 17 for fiscal year 2025-26, marking another major step toward launching the Austin Light Rail project. The budget outlines funding for key contracts expected to be awarded over the next year to design and build tracks, stations, maintenance facilities and vehicles. ATP officials said a design and engineering firm is expected to be selected by early 2026.

Of note: The budget also continues a focus on community impacts, setting aside $20 million for anti-displacement initiatives, which are administered by the city of Austin. These funds will support affordable housing, land acquisition and other programs to help vulnerable residents and businesses stay near future transit lines.

Looking ahead: As part of upcoming project work, the city has authorized ATP to begin preparing for property acquisitions needed for the rail route, which could affect roughly 63 business properties along the alignment. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 following federal approvals.

With Grá Mór’s recent launch, community members exploring downtown can get a taste of Irish treats and drinks.

The specifics: From the team behind The Dead Rabbit, the cafe has replaced Neighbourhood Cafe, a Belfast-based coffee shop which launched in August 2024. An Instagram post by the business states the name means “big love” in Irish.

On the menu: The cafe serves small plates, large plates, grab and go options and pastries. Menu items include Chilaquiles, a Classic Burger, scones, croissants and Challah French Toast. Customers can pair their menu item of choice with coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, cocktails, wine, beer and bottled drinks.

• 204 E. Sixth St., Austin

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.