ATX-PFH: Impact 8/25/2025

Cava, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant, plans to open in Stone Hill Town Center in Pflugerville, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The gist: The restaurant serves customizable bowls and pita wraps with various protein options, including steak, lamb, falafel and chicken. Toppings patrons can choose from include a variety of greens, rice, lentils, roasted vegetables, corn, pickled onions, avocado and more. 

Per the filing, Cava will begin work on the news space in March 2026 and finish construction in late June 2026.

Williamson County commissioners discussed possible additions to the county's proposed $671.1 million budget during workshops Aug. 12 and Aug. 19.

The additions are focused on new staff and compensation for county employees, including cost of living adjustments, as well as road improvements and future planning for water.

What’s new: Commissioners approved new positions including a preparedness and mitigation specialist in the Office of Emergency Management, an additional Precinct 1 constable and deputy constable, a part-time community development block grant assistant community development administrator, an information technology analyst, and an elections/ballot by mail coordinator.

What else?: In addition to new positions, commissioners also approved another 2% cost of living adjustment for civilian employees in addition to a 2% merit increase.

Other considerations included additional funding for the Long-Range Transportation Plan, and considering solutions for the need for water infrastructure. 

What’s next: Commissioners approved rescheduling the tax rate and budget public hearings to Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.

Austin-area colleges and universities offer various education opportunities for a range of students, from recent high school graduates to working parents. Check out the information below for important terms to know, deadlines, testing requirements and more.

Note, some institutions have specific application requirements and deadlines based on major. 

For more information visit the respective college website or discuss questions with an academic or college counselor.

Terms to know: Read below for definitions of common terms you may encounter during application season, defined by College Board and Apply Texas.

Early action: nonbinding application sent in before regular deadline; applicant will receive admission decision earlier in the admission cycle; can apply to other colleges

Early decision: binding application; sent in early to first-choice college; receive admission decision in advance; must attend the college if accepted

The breakdown: Colleges vary in their admissions requirements and deadlines. For example, The University of Texas at Austin requires standardized testing scores, while other schools such as Concordia University Texas do not require tests for admission. 

Travis County is moving forward on a permanent mental health diversion center to offer alternatives to jail for adults with mental illness or substance use disorders who commit nonviolent offenses. Spearheaded by Judge Andy Brown, the county has earmarked $86 million in the 2025-26 budget for future diversion and central booking facilities.

The details: The design team is evaluating downtown Austin and Del Valle sites while gathering input from community members, mental health providers and officials to shape the center’s services. Pre-design work will take about a year, followed by formal design and construction over the next three to five years.

The center builds on a 2023 pilot and Integral Care’s 24/7 Psychiatric Emergency Services, providing therapy, medication management, peer support, housing help and case management.

Potential locations include Austin State Hospital and space near Central Booking. Leaders aim to streamline law enforcement drop-offs, reduce recidivism and improve mental health outcomes.

What they're saying: "We're about ready to get into the meat and potatoes of the programming," project lead Charlie Goodman said.