ATX-NCA: Impact 10/6/2025

With Austin's ability to add new parkland to keep pace with population growth greatly limited under a new state law, local parks leaders are now eyeing millions of dollars in new land acquisition to ensure adequate access to green space around town.

The approach: Priority areas for parks additions, including a new recreation center for Southeast Austin, have already been identified and could guide future bond investments. According to Heymans, every $100 million of new acquisition funds would serve up to 10% more of the city's population by adding:

• 60 acres of destination parks
• 60 acres of pocket or neighborhood parks
• More than 200 acres of greenbelts

Rainey Street’s dining scene has expanded with Veracruz All Natural’s recent food trailer launch.

On the menu: Whether diners are in the area for breakfast or lunch, the business showcases options for all taste buds. Customers can find bites such as a Barbacoa Taco, a Shrimp Macha Taco, a Migas Taco and salads and tortas, which are currently exclusively available at the newest location.

How we got her: The Austin-based taco eatery was launched in 2008 by sisters Reyna and Maritza Vasquez with its first truck in East Austin. Today the business operates eight locations across East Austin, South Austin, Downtown Austin and Round Rock.

• 75 Rainey St., Austin

Here are the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

1. New restaurant Grey Orchard to open in Round Rock

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen now serving comfort food in Round Rock

3. Jet's Pizza opens Round Rock shop near Old Settlers Boulevard

4. Texas Roadhouse to open in Leander this November

5. Austin ISD adopts lower tax rate for 2025-26, homeowners could see savings

6. Q&A: Meet 4 candidates for Pflugerville mayor

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key