Travis County leaders declined to take action on a financing plan in the Dog's Head that could use more than a half billion dollars of county tax revenue to support public infrastructure in the 4-square-mile area.

What's happening: County Judge Andy Brown said officials need more time, information and assurances around plans there before a final vote. Austin City Council is now scheduled to review the tax financing proposal July 23.

The details: The tax financing would support new public infrastructure that'll be needed as new residential, commercial and industrial development takes place in the Dog's Head. Austin and Travis County stand to generate billions of dollars in new taxes with that growth, a portion of which would be used to cover some public infrastructure costs.
 

A new Honest Mary’s location opened downtown on July 14, celebrating with bowls, prizes and donations.

The details: Honest Mary’s kicked off the grand opening celebration with an event on July 14 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. featuring free bowls for visitors. 

The first 100 guests could also draw for a chance to win free Honest Mary’s for a year. Additionally, Honest Mary’s donated $1 per bowl to Mobile Loaves & Fishes July 14-19. 

On the menu: The menu is stocked with signature and customizable bowls, sipping broths and snacks. Signature bowls include the Aloha Poke, prepared with hand-line caught poke, rice, vegetables and a sesame vinaigrette. For a build-your-own bowl, patrons can choose from a protein base, two market sides, two toppings and a sauce. 

• 222 West Ave., Ste. 120, Austin

The Austin healthcare landscape is shifting to increase specialized care for pediatric patients as community needs grow.

Previously, children and families had to travel outside of the region to seek treatment in the '80s and '90s, said Deb Brown, chief operating officer at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Similarly, patients within the Texas Children’s Hospital network had to travel to Houston before its North Austin campus opened in 2024.

Now, leaders at Austin’s pediatric medical facilities are sharing the importance and unique aspects of pediatric care.

What’s different? Facilities specializing in pediatric medical care are intentionally designed to help ease patient anxiety and provide specialized training for medical professionals, said Dr. Edward Buchanan, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Austin Campus.

The Austin Public Library is marking its 100th anniversary with yearlong Centennial Celebrations running through Dec. 23, per the library website.

The background: Austin's first public library opened Feb. 16, 1926, at 819 Congress Ave. with just 500 donated books in a rented space. Later that year, the first permanent building opened Dec. 23 at West Ninth and Guadalupe streets, according to the Austin History Center.

Today, the system includes the Central Library and 20 neighborhood branches.

The details: Centennial programming at library locations across the city includes Roaring '20s-themed events, history and genealogy programs, branch birthday celebrations, a community History Harvest collecting residents' memories and photos for the Austin History Center, and a passport-style Adventure Book with activities and prizes, the library said.

Austinites can also vote through July 31 on designs in the Centennial Library Card Art Contest, with winning cards debuting in September.

Yearlong Centennial Celebrations run through Dec. 23, capped by a free, all-ages event at the Central Library on Oct. 17.

A storage facility and additions to Dessau Middle School in Austin, along with Costco renovations in Pflugerville, are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Tri-Supply Austin ($13.5 million): This project involves new construction for a warehouse and office spaces.

2. Driftwood Storage ($5.5 million): This project involves expanding an existing self-storage facility by adding seven single-story buildings.

3. Minimax and Max Express ($4 million): This project involves the construction of a new convenience store and car wash with related site work.

4. Dessau Middle School additions ($2.5 million): This project involves a multipurpose room addition with locker rooms and an office, connected to the existing campus.

5. Costco Renovations ($320,000): Improvements to the Pflugerville Costco food court will begin in September. The project includes the removal and replacement of fixtures and finishes.