Over the course of 2025, multiple initiatives and governmental approvals have helped the progression of the Great Springs Project, which aims to connect 100 miles of trails lining four of Texas’ great springs between Austin and San Antonio.

The details: The goal is to have the trail connections completed by 2036, establishing the Texas Bicentennial Trail, promoting Texas' rich historical and cultural heritage and enhancing economic development and outdoor recreation, according to the Great Springs Project plan updated in September.

What’s happening? Through collaboration with our many partners, the Great Springs Project unifies and supports existing local efforts and catalyzes new efforts to address the most critical water, land, wildlife, and public health and equity challenges facing the Central Texas region.

Utilizing urban and rural paths, the connections will run through Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs, creating a trail network from the Alamo to the State Capitol.

Though 2026 is just getting started, hundreds of millions of dollars in construction projects are underway across Buda, Kyle and San Marcos.

The details: Voter-approved Hays CISD bond projects include a future fourth high school in Buda and major renovations at Lehman High School in Kyle.

Private development is also ramping up, with a $65 million expansion at US Foods in Buda and two large multifamily projects planned in Kyle and San Marcos.

In San Marcos, Texas State University is also moving forward with a major housing expansion as part of its long-term campus growth plan.

Texas charter system Harmony Public Schools launched a new virtual learning platform on Jan. 5 that allows students across the state to take high school courses online.

The overview: The Harmony Online Learning program includes dozens of courses aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, all of which are self-paced, according to a news release.

More details: Students can choose from dozens of courses in core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement and Career and Technical Education, according to the program’s website. The offerings aim to help students complete credit recovery, get ahead with their requirements and access courses not available at their home campus. Credit earned through Harmony may be applied toward high school graduation requirements depending on local district policies, per the release.

One more thing: Interested families can enroll online, and spring courses begin Jan. 12, per the release. The cost of tuition per course is $325, a spokesperson from Harmony Public Schools told Community Impact.

While some individuals are interested in working on personal goals and mental health in a traditional talk therapy environment, there are additional options for those looking for a different way to work on intrapersonal goals. This list is not comprehensive.

Community Art Therapy
Type of therapies offered: Art therapy, trauma-informed therapy, somatic and expressive arts approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, play-based interventions and art therapy process groups
11402 Joy St., Austin; 12741 Research Blvd., Ste. 402, Austin; 8700 Menchaca Road, Ste. 202, Austin

Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center
Type of therapy offered: adaptive horseback riding, horse powered reading, H.A.P.Y. (“Hug A Pony”) mobile program, bringing mini horses to autism, memory care and hospice centers
5300 CR 279, Leander

Sound for Stress
Type of therapy offered: sound healing experiences
Classes vary in locations across Round Rock and Austin