ATX-NCA: Impact 10/8/2025

Austin Transit Partnership board members approved a $203 million budget Sept. 17 for fiscal year 2025-26, marking another major step toward launching the Austin Light Rail project. The budget outlines funding for key contracts expected to be awarded over the next year to design and build tracks, stations, maintenance facilities and vehicles. ATP officials said a design and engineering firm is expected to be selected by early 2026.

Of note: The budget also continues a focus on community impacts, setting aside $20 million for anti-displacement initiatives, which are administered by the city of Austin. These funds will support affordable housing, land acquisition and other programs to help vulnerable residents and businesses stay near future transit lines.

Looking ahead: As part of upcoming project work, the city has authorized ATP to begin preparing for property acquisitions needed for the rail route, which could affect roughly 63 business properties along the alignment. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 following federal approvals.

Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vasquez have announced their latest project, La Mezca, which brings Mexican mezcals and seasonal cocktails to the Mueller area.

The details: The duo behind Veracruz All Natural and Veracruz Fonda & Bar has launched its first mezcalería, La Mezca. Located next to Veracruz Fonda & Bar in Mueller, the business honors small-batch agave spirits and the generations of mezcaleros who create them.

Diners will be able to try more than 20 artisanal mezcals and ancestral agave spirits from family producers in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango and San Luis Potosí. The bar team is led by Sebastian Cajas who will teach patrons about differences between mezcal and tequila, share details about the diverse agave varieties and more.

Alongside its drink options the mezcalería offers street-style tacos and botanas made with house-made nixtamalized corn tortillas crafted by chef Reyna Vasquez. Customers can enjoy tacos in orders of three with fillings including carnitas, fish and barbacoa topped with cilantro, onions and various salsas.

• 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 125-B, Austin

The Calhoun House, a home of pioneering Black educators and civic leaders, was recommended to be designated as a landmark at the Historic Landmark Commission’s Oct. 1 meeting.

What to know: Preservation Austin announced the residence’s nomination and stated that the homeowner and daughter of Thelma and Theodore Calhoun, Patricia Calhoun, has worked alongside the organization throughout the process.

“The history preserved in places like the Calhoun House is essential for future generations of Black Austinites to understand where they come from, the sacrifices made on their behalf and the legacy of strength they inherit,” Preservation Austin president Miriam Conner said. “This is not just history to preserve—it’s a foundation for identity, pride and continued community building.”

What’s else?: According to data gathered by Preservation Austin, 47 of 629 Austin landmarks honored Austin’s Black heritage. The Planning Commission and City Council will hear the case and vote on finalizing the historic landmark designation later this year, a news release states.

• 2401 Givens Ave., Austin

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.