A group of Hutto business and community leaders launched a petition drive in an effort to put a local alcohol election before voters.

The big picture: In 2006, Hutto voters approved making the city limits “wet,” meaning liquor sales are allowed under state and local law. When a city annexes new land, the newly added areas do not receive the same alcohol status, according to Texas law.

Establishments on land annexed after 2006 are only allowed to sell beer and wine, Hutto officials have previously said.

The petition comes as restaurants offering cocktails, including Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, are slated to open in Hutto’s newer areas.

What happens next: If supporters gather enough signatures, Hutto voters would be asked in May whether to expand liquor sales regulations across the city’s current boundaries.

To place the measure before voters, organizers must collect roughly 2,880 valid signatures, city officials said.

Holiday-themed events are underway in Pflugerville and Hutto.

Hutto 150th Celebration

The city will celebrate its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, with festivities and a fireworks show.

• Nov. 14, 3-8 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Adam Orgain Park, 1001 CR 137, Hutto 

Pfeathered Pfun Run

The event, which consists of a 5K, a 10K and a Little Trotters Kids’ K, supports local food pantries. Participants can donate canned goods, nonperishable food items and monetary gifts. Registration is required.

• Nov. 26, 8-8:35 a.m. (race begins)

• $30-$65 

• Lake Pflugerville, 18216 Weiss Lane, Pflugerville

Pfestival of Lights & Parade

The holiday tradition includes family-friendly activities, a parade and Santa's arrival. Santa will light the Christmas tree and stick around for pictures. 

• Dec. 5, 4-7:30 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Downtown Pflugerville, 100 E. Main St., Pflugerville

In its inaugural year, The Center for Nonprofit Success has begun providing professional development, resources and tools for a couple dozen nonprofit organizations throughout Central Texas.

Called a capacity-building organization because it aims to give back time to local nonprofit leaders, the initiative is a partnership between the Georgetown Health Foundation and the Central Texas Community Foundation.

The overview: While The Center for Nonprofit Success officially launched in June, the team has been working for the last two years to build its platform, said Andy Davis, vice president of education and capacity building at the Georgetown Health Foundation.

At its core, the organization offers an online portal that members can access 24/7, Executive Director Melinda Brasher said.

Quote of note: “What we have tried to build is a resource center that allows [nonprofits] to be efficient at their job by providing answers to questions in a very timely manner and giving them access to others in their community that they can lean on for peer support,” Davis said.

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

Kohlers Crossing water line project

Project: Crews will install a 24-inch water transmission line in Kyle from the FM 1626 tanks on the north side of the bridge over the train tracks to the water well at the corner of Benner Road and Kohlers Crossing.

Update: The right lane of westbound traffic on Kohlers Crossing between FM 1626 and Benner Road was closed on Sept. 21. The lane closure is expected to last through December.

• Timeline: August 2026-April 2027

• Cost: $6.4 million-$7 million

• Funding source: 2025 Certificates of Obligation Bonds

Wyoming Springs Drive extension

Project: The project includes construction of a four-lane divided roadway in Round Rock with shared-use paths, extending over Brushy Creek from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard.

Update: The roadway opened to traffic Oct. 22.

• Timeline: November 2024-October 2026

• Cost: $29.7 million

• Funding sources: city of Round Rock, Williamson County

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.