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Austin leaders are moving to adopt new policies for the use of surveillance technologies in response to concerns about such systems, including a proposed $2 million parks security contract.

The new contract to rent 10 mobile surveillance trailers from LiveView Technologies was proposed after a city pilot program that recently placed similar equipment at targeted parks. Those locations generally saw declining criminal activity after cameras were implemented, according to the parks department.

Residents and officials have said improved safety at city parks is critical, but many have also expressed opposition to programs like the LVT cameras given their collection methods and worries about outside parties accessing residents' data. City Council will consider a new contract for parks security trailers Feb. 5 alongside a measure from Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela seeking to lay out citywide surveillance technology standards, including advance public notice of how those systems will be used.

"We have to minimize any privacy concerns and put safeguards and protections in whenever we do turn to these kinds of technologies," he said.

With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, many studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine.

While these devices have transformed how people communicate, work and relax, their widespread use has prompted growing discussions about excessive use, technology dependence and the benefits of disconnecting.

What's happening: According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and, in a survey, 31% of American adults say they’re online “almost constantly.”

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of technology addiction known as “gaming disorder,” which is on its official disease classification list. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that problematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

As these issues gain more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits.

From new worship spaces to a car wash and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week. 

1. St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Parishioners can soon worship at a new site, as St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church will build a two-story, 22,000-square-foot space. It will feature a seating area, a sanctuary with an altar, restrooms, a choir loft and sacristies—also called preparation rooms.

• Location: 230 Post Oak Drive, Dripping Springs
• Estimated timeline: July 1-Jan. 31, 2028
• Estimated cost: $17 million 

• Location: 800 Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville 
• Estimated timeline: March 1-June 30, 2027
• Estimated cost: $5.5 million 

• Location: 3375 S. Interstate 35, San Marcos
• Estimated timeline: July 20-Feb. 26, 2027
• Estimated cost: $4 million

Individuals flying out and into Austin now have an additional store to browse while they await their flight with Austin-based lifestyle brand Kendra Scott is now selling products out of its first airport location.

What to know: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has partnered with Kendra Scott and Paradies Lagardère to open the first Kendra Scott store in an airport in January.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kendra Scott to AUS, bringing one of Austin’s most celebrated brands directly to our passengers,” AUS chief executive officer Ghizlane Badawi stated in the news release. “This opening reflects our commitment to elevating the travel experience with more local offerings that showcase the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Austin. We’re grateful to be the home of the very first Kendra Scott airport store.”

The airport location offers its Color Bar experience in addition to its jewelry options.

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin