HealthFest, a community event focusing on mental health, is postponed to May 1 from its original Oct. 3 date due to concerns surrounding heavy rain and flash flooding.

The overview: HealthFest is a community event from the Engage and Heal Foundation providing access to resources, connections and conversations surrounding mental health awareness.

The event will include wellness activities, movement sessions, healthy living tips and resources, guest speakers and support.

What else: Beyond the scheduled activities, the event will also include food trucks, book signings and family-friendly activities.

A collection of entrepreneurship programs to support area small businesses advanced in September.

The breakdown: More than $2 million from the city will go toward:

• A small business interest loan buydown pilot program

• Matching revolving funds for crowdfunded small business loans

• A contract with The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business to develop a new small business pitch competition

In total, the programs are expected to assist scores of Austin small businesses over several years.

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation recently announced a 10-year transportation plan that will invest almost $140 billion in roadway improvements across the state. 

The framework: The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program at an August meeting. The funding includes $95 billion for projects across the state and $43 billion for development and routine maintenance. The investment is expected to improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the supply chain.

Quote of note: “This 10-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas’ transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a news release. “It is focused on practical outcomes—improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods.”

The big picture: The 2027 UTP includes over $1.5 billion for Austin-area projects, including improvements to I-35 in Travis County and SH 71 in Bastrop County.