ATX-LTW: Impact 10/14/2025

Officials from the city of West Lake Hills and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization are considering options for a potential new trail along Eanes Creek.

The overview: At an Oct. 8 West Lake Hills City Council meeting, an interlocal agreement between the city and CAMPO was approved to begin a new Eanes Creek Trail study. The trail would be intended to provide a safer and more comfortable route parallel to Bee Cave Road, according to city documents.

The details: The total cost of the project is $520,000, with CAMPO covering $416,000, or 80%, and the city of West Lake Hills covering $104,000, or 20%.

A new convenience store and gas station has opened in Lakeway.

The overview: QuikTrip is located on the corner of RM 620 and Debba Drive. At the new location, customers can purchase gasoline and diesel fuel as well as a variety of food and drinks, including made-to-order options from QT Kitchens.

The business is headquartered in Oklahoma and has over 1,000 locations in 17 states. 

What else: The store is open 24 hours, according to QuikTrip’s website. 

• Opened Oct. 9
• 1307 N. RM 620, Lakeway

Leander ISD's Early College High School is set to be lead by a new principal.

District officials announced Oct. 10 that current Danielson Middle School principal Erika Cruz will take over as ECHS principal.

What you need to know: Danielson MS families will receive a survey to provide feedback on what qualities and characteristics the community hopes to see in its next principal, Cruz said in an email.

"I will work with our incredible assistant principals to ensure there is no disruption to your child's educational experience as I will support both campuses during this transitional phase," she said.

Something to note: The ECHS opened for the 2022-23 school year at Austin Community College's San Gabriel campus. Upon graduation, students receive both a high school diploma and either an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours.

Students were moved from the campus into district-funded portables for the 2024-25 school year after San Gabriel reached capacity. In May, the LISD board of trustees received a design progress update on the ECHS' permanent campus. 

Opening a small business like a cafe or coffee truck within Austin neighborhoods could soon be made easier under reforms requested by City Council this fall.

The details: A measure from council member Ryan Alter approved Oct. 10 calls to "minimize barriers to and encourage accessibility of" launching community-oriented coffee shops in residential areas. Alter cited the lack of such walkable places around Austin today as a reason he hopes to promote more businesses closer to residents' homes.

Officials' October vote is just the first step in the process and kicks off a review by city planners that could last up to a year. Alter's approved resolution calls for any regulatory changes or other updates to be made by early December 2026.

Quote of note: "I’ve visited a number of cities where you just walk out and have the ability to, let’s say, go to a little cafe or something. And that’s a positive experience," he said.