City leaders are continuing to increase messaging and enforcement surrounding electronic motorcycles and mini-bikes, or e-motos, which have drawn safety and regulatory concerns as they've grown in popularity.

The overview: E-motos are self-propelled vehicles that can reach top speeds well over 30 miles per hour. Devices falling under the e-moto umbrella can be illegal to operate on public streets, but difficult to distinguish from motorcycles, pocket bikes, mopeds and e-bikes—all of which have various definitions and regulations.

What they're saying: Ellis, who sponsored the e-moto resolution earlier this year, noted Austin has frequently served as a "guinea pig" for mobility advancements like electric scooters and autonomous vehicles. And as with AVs or other transportation options, the city may not be able to put its own rules into place given the state's dedicated authority over those topics.

One more thing: As part of council's directive from earlier this year, the city is also exploring the creation of a dedicated e-moto recreation area where the devices could be legally driven.

MML Hospitality announced in February that it launched a partnership with the owners of Bartlett’s to launch a second location in south Austin. The new restaurant will be located in the former Threadgill’s space, which shuttered in 2020. 

Construction on the new Bartlett’s is estimated to cost $4 million, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

Learn more: The announcement came just months before Bartlett’s celebrated its 40th anniversary, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The restaurant is known for its hand-cut fish and steaks, fresh-ground burgers, and other scratch-made items.

MML Hospitality, the group behind Clark’s Oyster Bar, Neighborhood Sushi and Jeffery’s, will oversee service and culinary operations, according to a social media post. 

Next steps: Olson Kundig is designing the 9,000-square-foot space, according to MML, which is expected to feature green space, outdoor seating and booths. 

A recent Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project filing shows that construction on the new Bartlett’s is estimated to begin in early 2027, wrapping up in late September. 

• 301 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

Austin ISD's budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year landed at $105 million, and the district's financial rating dropped to a B for the first time since at least 2017, Superintendent Matias Segura and Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery told the board Aug. 27.

By the numbers: The shortfall grew throughout the year, per district data: $19 million at adoption, $121 million after a mid-year amendment and $105 million in the final unaudited number, $86 million higher than first approved. That drop pulled the district's fund balance down to 8.8% for 2025-26, well below the 15.21% target set at adoption, per district data.

What's next: AISD officials plan to borrow $140 million this fall to bridge cash flow until property taxes arrive, up sharply from last year's $19 million note, which cost about $250,000 in fees.

This year's borrowing cost wasn't finalized as of the meeting. A second reduction of $60 million tied to property-sale proceeds is penciled in for FY 2027-28, though it hasn't gone to the board yet.

1 Hotel Austin officially opened on Sept. 3 along Waterloo Greenway’s The Confluence in downtown. The hotel brings 252 guest rooms, restaurants, a wellness spa and additional amenities, according to a news release.

In a nutshell: Included in the hotel’s 252 guest rooms are 60 luxury suites. Rooms feature views of Lady Bird Lake, Waller Creek and the downtown Austin skyline, according to the release. In-room amenities include robes, slippers, yoga mats and a mini bar stocked with local light bites and beverages.

Main course: The hotel houses several food and beverage destinations including Alteño Austin, watr and Neighbors Café and Wine Bar. 

What to expect: For wellness offerings, guests can head to Bamford Wellness Spa, founded by Carole Bamford. Available spa treatments include facials, massages and sugar scrub. 

The hotel also has a gym with one-on-one training, group classes and yoga. All guests receive a first-time day pass to Monroe, a private members club with personal training, physical therapy, a sauna, steam room and cold plunge. 

• 96 Red River St., Austin

Check out stories trending in the Austin area Aug. 31-Sept. 3. 

1. Georgetown to reduce speed limit on Ronald Reagan Boulevard

2. Rooftop padel club planned at downtown Austin Convention Center garage

3. New East Austin supportive housing offers exit from homelessness

4. Round Rock residents to see higher water, wastewater, sewer bills

5. Bee Cave rejects permit for VVater research lab

6. Hays County secures over $39 million for railroad overpass at Centerpoint Road