Growth in Leander and Liberty Hill continues to drive development with several new projects and initiatives.

5 recent development stories to watch:

• Leander officials approved a phasing plan on Oct. 15 for the 337-acre Oakwood Hills neighborhood, allowing developers to build the first 183 homes across three phases.

• CenTex Sports is planning a 40-acre sports complex with a soft opening for its first phase expected in early 2029.

• The 13-acre, 155,000-square-foot Leander Union mixed-use development celebrated its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 21.

• Williamson County commissioners approved an almost $500,000 contract on Oct. 20 with Freese and Nichols to create a countywide water infrastructure plan.

• Samsung Austin Semiconductor announced $22.8 million on Oct. 15 to fund local partners and programs, including a new community engagement program called Spark!

Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods opened its first Leander location.

What they offer: Spec's offers a variety of alcohol, snacks and other items. Among its beverage options are beer, wine, liquor, seltzers and cocktail ingredients.

The Houston-based brand has more than 100 locations across Texas, including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville.

• 1481 Hero Way, Leander

St. David’s HealthCare CEO David Huffstutler will retire in March 2027, the health system announced Oct. 15.

What we know: Huffstutler has led the system, the fourth-largest private employer in the Austin area, since February 2011. The system grew from 60 sites of care to more than 200 in Central Texas during his tenure, per the announcement. It now has nine hospitals. He will stay on as president and CEO through March and is also president of HCA Healthcare’s Central and West Texas Division.

What’s next: HCA Healthcare, the system’s hospital operating partner, is searching nationwide for his successor and expects to announce a choice in the next few months.

Austinites can now fly directly to Anchorage, Alaska. The new nonstop destination from Alaska Airlines will begin service from Austin to Anchorage on June 12 and will operate once weekly on Saturdays through Aug. 7.

The details: This is the latest domestic expansion for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, announced on Oct. 27. The new destination is also the only nonstop connection between Central Texas and the state of Alaska.

Zooming in: Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a gateway to the Kenai Peninsula, offering travelers access to Alaska’s state and national parks, outdoor adventures and Denali, according to a news release.