Despite continuing to see an increase in students, Georgetown ISD’s enrollment growth is expected to slow over the next decade.

The overview: As of November, the district is projected to have 17,364 students by the 2034-35 school year—a decrease of around 2,500 students from the district’s last demographic update in August. A slowing of the housing market alongside an increase in students attending microschools and private schools could impact GISD’s enrollment growth, Zonda Demographics Vice President Bob Templeton said at a Nov. 17 board meeting.

What they're saying: “The outlook is still good,” Templeton said. “It’s just right now, we have some headwinds with the high costs [and] higher interest rates, and consumer confidence is low.”

A closer look: Zonda Demographics provided the district with potential low, mid and high enrollment scenarios to prepare for the next 10 years. The district is projected to experience conservative growth next year, Templeton said. GISD will likely see a couple years of low enrollment growth that could eventually approach the mid growth projections, he said.

The Georgetown business community continues to grow, gaining a mental health provider, a restaurant, a fitness center and a liquor store this fall. 

Additionally, a Birds Barbershop and a new volleyball training facility, among others, are coming to the area. 

Read the latest business updates as seen in Community Impact's November print edition. 

Serenada Mental Health
The practice is led by Tabitha Ross, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She specializes in treating adults with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Opened Oct. 1
• 2951 FM 1460, Ste. 1602, Georgetown

• Opening in August
• 1310 W. University Ave., Georgetown

Check out these Austin-area holiday events in November and December, featuring an array of activities for the whole family. Community members can shop from local businesses at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, decorate holiday cookies, sit in on festive storytimes, watch various light shows and more. 

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change. 

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The show based on the “Peanuts” special will feature a pay-what-you-wish weekend, markets and an ASL night.

• Nov. 7-Dec. 28, showtimes vary by date
• $21-$31
• 1421 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

This year, voters in communities across Texas were skeptical of local property tax hikes and supportive of larger tax breaks for homeowners and businesses, results from the Nov. 4 election show.

The overview: Voters in Community Impact’s coverage areas approved just over half of the local bond propositions and tax rate elections on the November ballot, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Statewide, 40% of tax rate elections and 45.9% of bond propositions passed, according to Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and property tax policy writer.

Zooming in: Cities, counties, school districts and other local government entities use funding from tax hikes to build new schools and facilities; hire educators and first responders; and maintain local infrastructure. However, amid high inflation nationwide, more Texas residents are tightening their belts and asking local officials to do the same, fiscal policy experts told Community Impact.

Local governments whose tax hikes were shot down are now grappling with how to make cuts while maintaining essential services, Community Impact reporting shows.