Cedar Park Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved ordinance changes May 19 to align city rules for food trucks with a new Texas law that shifts permitting authority from local governments to the state.

The background: Under House Bill 2844, beginning July 1, mobile food establishments will no longer need separate city or county permits and instead will operate under a single statewide licensing system designed to standardize regulations. Officials said the updates remove conflicting local provisions while preserving authority over zoning, fire codes, and site-specific requirements.

Zooming in: The Cedar Park amendments set new rules on where food trucks may operate, including restrictions on major roadways, setbacks and parking areas, and also prohibit drive-thru service. Trucks must display state licenses and fire inspection documentation.

Officials estimate Cedar Park has 20 permitted food trucks, generating roughly $4,000 annually in fees that be eliminated under the new system. The proposal moves to Council for final consideration June 11 and June 25 meeting.

Check out three recent development stories affecting the Cedar Park area.

New 10-acre Ridgeline Park open to the public in Austin, Cedar Park: Work is complete on Ridgeline Neighborhood Park, a new park located right on the Austin-Cedar Park line near Lakeline Mall, a spokesperson for Austin Parks and Recreation said. The park is now open to the public, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 3 by Austin Parks and Recreation.

New state law curtails Cedar Park’s authority over local food trucks: The Cedar Park Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously at its May 19 meeting to advance changes to the city's ordinances regulating food trucks that city staff said are necessary in order to comply with a new state law. The city currently oversees around 20 food trucks operating within the city.

WilCo commissioners approve land purchase, funding for proposed justice center: Williamson County Commissioners formally authorized a land purchase and funding mechanism May 19 for a 255-acre tract in southwest Georgetown intended for the county's justice center.

Learn more about candidates Milah Flores and Casey Shepard, who advanced to the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House of Representatives District 17.

What's new: Following the March 3 election, Flores suspended her campaign and endorsed Shepard, according to posts on her Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 18-21. 

1. The Pulao Company set to open this summer in Leander

2. City moving toward 2.6K-acre annexation to support decades of mixed-use development in East Austin

3. $250M Amazon warehouse, distribution center near CR 172 in Round Rock now operational

4. H-E-B plus! expansion, new fitness gym and more Kyle business news this spring

5. Berry Creek Drive in Georgetown closed due to storm damage

6. Pflugerville ISD teachers, nurses, psychologists to see pay bump in 2026-27

Dozens of federal, state and local primary campaigns will come to a close May 26 as Texas voters cast ballots in the Republican and Democratic runoff elections.

How it works: Texas held its primary elections in March, with some races advancing to an overtime round, known as a runoff, after no single candidate picked up more than half of the vote.

On May 26, voters may see statewide offices, state legislative seats, redrawn congressional districts, the State Board of Education and county-level positions on their ballots. The winner of each runoff race will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

At the polls: Polling places across Texas will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26. Voters in the following counties in Community Impact’s coverage areas can vote at any polling location within their county of residence: Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Collin, Comal, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.

Registered voters in other counties are required to visit a polling place specific to their voting precinct.