The city of Round Rock will use over half a million dollars in federal grant funds to support local nonprofits and its home repair program. 

What you need to know: Round Rock City Council approved its 2026-27 action plan for Community Development Block Grant funds July 9, setting aside appropriations for community organizations and the city's home repair program. 

The details: Community and Neighborhood Services Director Joe Brehm said the city received $641,705 in its CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 2026-27 financial year.

He presented appropriations for program management, which is 20% of total funds; public services, about 15% of total funds; and the city's home repair program, about 65% of total funds. Typically, 65% of funds are reserved for city projects, but as no departments submitted any, the monies will be used for the city's home repair program to assist low-to-moderate income residents with major repairs, such as air conditioning and heating unit replacements, capped at $25,000 per home. 

Texan restaurant chain Cotton Patch Cafe announced that it has been acquired by Local Favorite Restaurants.

The overview: The chain announced June 29 that Local Favorite Restaurants had acquired Cotton Patch Cafe from Altamont Capital Partners.

Local Favorite Restaurants currently owns and operates other Texas restaurants, such as El Fenix Mexican Restaurant, Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar, Twisted Root Burger Company and Meso Maya.

Looking back: Cotton Patch Cafe originally opened in Nacogdoches, Texas, in 1989. Since then, Cotton Patch Cafe has served up Southern-style cooking at 46 locations across Texas and New Mexico. Despite becoming a chain, Cotton Patch Cafe has kept its original scratch-made recipes as well as its $9.99 Texas Value Meals.

Music, auctions and a mission to support medically fragile children will come together when Abbey Lights Up COTA returns for its eighth year.

What’s happening: The fundraising gala will feature auctions, drinks, food, music, raffles and more.

“The Daytripper” creator and host Chet Garner will serve as emcee.

Where funds go: Proceeds will support the Abigail E. Keller Foundation’s financial assistance, hospice care baskets, birthday celebrations and more.

Funds will also advance plans for Abbey House—a proposed pediatric respite and hospice facility in Central Texas.

Why it matters: Abbey House would provide temporary overnight care outside a hospital, giving caregivers time to rest or tend to other family needs.

What they’re saying: “The vision for Abbey House is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face those challenges alone,” foundation President and CEO Melissa Keller said.

• Aug. 22, 5-10 p.m.

• $350 (admission); $500 (VIP)

• Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin

The Austin Community College district board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27, keeping the district's tuition and mandatory fees unchanged for the 13th consecutive year and continuing to fund the college’s free tuition program.

The details: Under this budget, local students will continue to pay $67 per credit hour—or $85 including mandatory fees—while the out-of-district price is held at $201 per credit hour.

The budget also includes a 2% annual raise and a $1,700 one-time lump sum for full-time employees in addition to retaining the district's $23/hour minimum wage.

What they’re saying: The budget for FY 2026-27—which begins Sept. 1—is funded through state appropriations, property tax revenue, and tuition and fees, of which the first two are currently seeing shifts.

A storage facility and additions to Dessau Middle School in Austin, along with Costco renovations in Pflugerville, are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Tri-Supply Austin ($13.5 million): This project involves new construction for a warehouse and office spaces.

2. Driftwood Storage ($5.5 million): This project involves expanding an existing self-storage facility by adding seven single-story buildings.

3. Minimax and Max Express ($4 million): This project involves the construction of a new convenience store and car wash with related site work.

4. Dessau Middle School additions ($2.5 million): This project involves a multipurpose room addition with locker rooms and an office, connected to the existing campus.

5. Costco Renovations ($320,000): Improvements to the Pflugerville Costco food court will begin in September. The project includes the removal and replacement of fixtures and finishes.