Bastrop-Cedar Creek home sales increased in August as median prices fell and homes spent more days on the market, according to Unlock MLS data.

Zooming in: Median sales prices fell in both ZIP codes—declining about 5% to $376,990 in 78602 and about 14% to $346,490 in 78612.

By the numbers: Across both ZIP codes, year-over-year market changes in August included:

• Closed sales increased about 8%

• New listings declined about 13%

• Homes under contract fell about 5%

• The median sales price decreased about 7%

• Average days on market increased from 65 to 79.

Bastrop could gain a Target store in the 75-acre Sendero development, which has welcomed a host of dining, health, and other businesses already this year.

What we know: City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino hinted at a Target store during the Sept. 14 State of the City address.

“I’ll just say that there’s a bullseye in that big area right in the middle," she said, pointing to an aerial of Sendero. "And that’s all I will say about that."

What they offer: The Minnesota-based retailer offers clothing, groceries, home goods, electronics and other household essentials.

What's next: An incentive agreement for the proposed store is expected to go before Bastrop City Council on Sept. 22, with additional details to follow once the agreement is finalized.

Community Impact reached out to representatives with Target and Sendero but had not received responses as of press time.

• Opening TBD

• Sendero, SH 71 and FM 969, Bastrop

A Kia dealership in Austin, a Walmart in Liberty Hill and an Olive Garden in Kyle are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Kia of Central Austin ($36 million): A new 206,601-square-foot Kia dealership is set to begin construction in Austin next spring.

2. Walmart ($12.2 million): A new Walmart Supercenter is coming to Liberty Hill with construction set to begin in October.

3. Hill Country Bible Georgetown ($6.2 million): This project involves the construction of new admin and student ministry buildings at the Hill Country Bible Church in Georgetown.

4. Olive Garden ($4.1 million): A new Olive Garden restaurant is coming to Kyle, with construction set to wrap up late next year.

5. 3rd Wave Climbing Gym ($2.3 million): This project involves the renovation and change of occupancy of an existing warehouse building into an indoor climbing gym facility.

Airbnb is launching a $250 million fund to support housing development nationwide. It's part of the rental company's newly announced housing accelerator initiative, including:

• The $250 million for housing project financing

• "Pro-housing" policy advocacy like zoning and permitting reform

• A $5 million housing innovation award program

• A public database ranking cities' housing policies and their affordability impacts

The details: The accelerator's first U.S. investment will direct $6.4 million to the Austin Housing Authority and Greystar's redevelopment of the city-owned St. John Site off I-35.

The long-awaited project will bring more than 500 apartments, including more than 200 affordable units, alongside commercial space and a new public park.

This November, four candidates are running to lead the Texas Comptroller's Office and serve as the state's chief financial officer.

The overview: Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, Democrat Sarah Eckhardt, Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi and Republican Don Huffines are running for comptroller. Huffines, whom Gov. Greg Abbott appointed to the office in July, is considered the incumbent in this race.

How it works: The comptroller oversees government spending and administers the state's $1 billion education savings account program, which launched ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30 in the midterm election, and Election Day is Nov. 3.