With summer in full swing, Leander and Liberty Hill residents can expect an event for everyone in the family. Here’s what to keep an eye out for this July and August.

The Market LHTX: Summer Nights Market
The Market LHTX will come out as the sun sets this month. Instead of the usual morning markets at Noble Elementary, families can enjoy a sunset at District 29 with live music, local vendors, food trucks, dancing and activities for children.

• July 25, 6-10 p.m.
• $10 (admission)
• The Vinew Shoppe Boutique, 209 CR 214, Unit 100, Liberty Hill

• July 29, 10:30 a.m.
• Free
• 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander

Officials with the city, Williamson County and state discussed current economic development trends and the shift toward advanced manufacturing at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Luncheon on June 25. 

The discussion: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Williamson County and the city of Georgetown have experienced a market shift from office jobs to advanced manufacturing positions amid an extended period of population growth, Williamson County Economic Development Coordinator Dave Porter said.

“There's not a market more on fire right now in terms of economic development than Georgetown and Williamson County,” he said.

This change is largely driven by corporations such as Samsung Electronics and Tesla, which have made Williamson County a home base for their manufacturing operations. Other large projects, including Pegatron and Compal, are in the works, as well.

Something to note: In addition to bringing new companies to the area, officials highlighted the career paths that already exist locally.

Porter said there are over 15,000 businesses in Williamson County, and 75%-80% of job opportunities come from existing businesses.

Tex-Mex restaurant On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina permanently closed all company-owned restaurants in mid-June, according to an emailed statement from OTB Hospitality.

The overview: The company made the decision through an “evaluation of the business,” according to the statement.

“On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has made the difficult decision to move forward with a significant transition in its restaurant operations, which [included] the closing of company-owned locations by end of day Friday, June 12, 2026,” the statement read. “This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the business and was not made lightly.”

The statement added that the franchised locations will remain open.

Some background: A news release from Houston-based Pappas Restaurants, the parent company of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappasito’s Cantina, stated that the organization purchased On the Border May 1.

The restaurant offered nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos, according to its menu.

• Company-owned locations closed June 12

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area June 22-25. 

1. Last Austin-area Hooters location closes

2. Developer of The Domain partners with legacy family on 1,200-acres

3. Universal Music partner joins White Rocks project to build hotel and private residences

4. Hays County denies agreement with 340-acre development over Edwards Aquifer recharge zone

5. Liberty Hill ISD students outperform state average on majority of 2026 STAAR exams

6. Georgetown veterans to have VA health care closer to home

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.