Nagoya Steak and Sushi has closed its doors, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant’s owners. The final day of operation was Nov. 22.

In the post, the owners cited challenges finding a skilled teppanyaki chef to take over the kitchen as one of the major contributing factors to the business closing, and thanked the community for its support over the years.

What they offered: The restaurant served authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi and hibachi-grilled meats, as well as a variety of steaks and sides.

The location will be the future site of an authentic Sichuan Chinese restaurant, according to the Facebook post.

• Closed Nov. 22
• 11630 N. FM 620, Austin

Austin leaders voted to extend a housing financing tool into several neighborhoods home to higher shares of lower-income residents, with the aim of bringing more affordable homes and apartments to those areas.

Under state law, cities can designate Homestead Preservation Districts, or HPDs, in targeted areas with higher rates of poverty and lower median incomes. After a district is established, financing tools like tax increment financing or land banking can be used to support local affordable housing development.

After recent City Council action, officials voted this fall to double the share of tax revenue set aside under Austin's original HPD on the east side, which supported several housing complexes. They also designated three new districts in North Central and Southeast Austin as well as in the West Campus area for future low-income housing. Financing tools in those neighborhoods could be set up next year.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery has officially reopened in its new home, bringing the outdoor art park and creative campus back to Austin.

The background: In March 2010, HOPE Outdoor Gallery was launched off Baylor Street, nearby 24 Diner. The concept became known as the only art park of its kind in the United States, according to a news release.

The original location officially closed in January 2019 to make way for its future home. Opening was delayed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and permitting process, as previously reported by Community Impact.

What's happening: The new home for the gallery, near the Austin airport, is complete with outdoor park space, mural walls and a 6,000-square-foot gallery event space. It also features a coffee bar, gift shop and art supply store.

HOPE is free, open to the public and serves as an all ages experience.

• 741 Dalton Lane, Austin

Central Texas residents can support their favorite local nonprofits on Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2.

How it works: Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is focused on showing radical generosity. People are encouraged to engage with, volunteer or donate to a local cause they care about. 

Get involved: For the ninth consecutive year, I Live Here I Give Here will accept donations on Giving Tuesday for various nonprofits in the Central Texas area through its Amplify ATX website. The online platform allows Central Texans to explore giving opportunities, learn about their impact and donate to organizations where they live.

Funds may be directed to a specific nonprofit or donated to the Amplify Fund, which helps support all participating nonprofits in Austin and Central Texas, according to I Live Here I Give Here.

The background: Giving Tuesday was started by a New York-area nonprofit in 2012 and has since spread to over 150 countries, with 34 million people participating globally last year.