Developers presented conceptual plans during the Leander City Council’s Aug. 20 meeting to build 2,250 single-family units on two tracts spanning 833 acres near CR 280. Genteos Developments LLC proposed developing the 524.5-acre Friou Tract and 308.5-acre Sullivan Tract while adding infrastructure by municipal utility districts, also known as MUDs.

The framework: Developers are proposing to build 1,400 single-family homes on 50 to 80 lots in the larger Friou tract while the Sullivan tract would see construction of 850 units on 50- to 70-foot lots. The majority of both tracts are currently zoned for single-family rural purposes.

The MUD property tax rate for each tract could range from $0.50000 to $0.78000 per $100 valuation.

What they’re saying: Since the presentation was intended to gauge whether the Leander City Council was interested in the project, no action was taken to approve any permits or other agreements. Along with a more detailed analysis of water infrastructure, City Manager Todd Parton said the city would consider transportation elements of the project during the next step in this process.

United Heritage Credit Union leaders broke ground Aug. 25 on a new branch coming to the intersection of US 183 and Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.

The details: UHCU chose to expand in Liberty Hill due to the "phenomenal" growth in the area, Vice President of Marketing Tuck Ross said. The new branch, which is located next to the future Target, will feature a sleek, modern design, Ross said.
UHCU anticipates opening the branch in early 2027, Ross said.

Quote of note: “You think about Seward Junction, what it was like back in, say, the early 80s. This was the middle of nowhere. There was nothing here but cattle and ranches—and now look at it,” UHCU CEO Michael Ver Schuur said. “Liberty Hill is really growing, and we’re glad to be part of it and grow with it.”

Williamson County commissioners voted Aug. 18 to formally support the expansion of I-35 through the county, a project led by the Texas Department of Transportation.

About the project: Commissioners requested that the expansion include a minimum of two additional non-tolled lanes in each direction, two managed lanes in each direction, and collector or distributor roads through Round Rock, according to county documents.

The project will support the region’s population growth, which increased by 23.6% from April 2020 to July 2025, and is projected to reach over a million residents by 2045, documents state.

This population growth is expected to increase average daily traffic in the Austin-area from 244,450 vehicles on I-35 in 2018 to around 367,900 vehicles by 2050, according to county documents.

What else? The deadline to submit formal comments regarding the project is Aug. 28, Precinct 2 commissioner Cynthia Long said. Residents can submit comments via email at [email protected].
 

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

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