The Hutto City Council held a public hearing and approved a Residence Inn Hotel Planned Unit Development at their meeting June 4.

More details: The Planning and Zoning Commission considered a request on May 5, 2026 to establish the Hutto Residential/Residence Inn PUD on a 2.914-acre tract at 328 Ed Schmidt Boulevard, seeking a height increase to 55 feet, reduced parking at 0.9 spaces per guest room, and allowance for a blank north façade.

The Commission recommended approval (3-1) with these modifications, with an amendment requesting an update from the applicant on parking negotiations at the June 4 Council meeting.

Howard Koontz, Director of Development Services, spoke at the meeting and provided updates on the request to reduce the required parking standard and height of the hotel.

Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

In other news: Interim City Engineer Patricia Davis provided an update on Capital Improvement Projects, including the new justice center. The preliminary site layout is completed, and construction is expected to begin in Q2 of 2027. Completion is expected in Q2 of 2028.

The Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce held an executive leadership forum June 2, focused on navigating industry changes and scaling organizations within the Texas economic landscape.

The discussion: Panelists included Jana Spruce, a strategic advisor for space companies; Andrew Bennett, regional chief operating officer at Baylor Scott & White; Gordon Kellerman, executive VP at SkyBox Data Centers; and Mike Reeser, chancellor at Texas State Technical College. Moderated by Community Impact, the panelists spoke about challenges and opportunities in their industries.

“What I like to tell people, especially the early career folks, is you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work in a rocket company,” Spruce said. “We hire welders. We hire people who sew. It's almost like arts and crafts, right? You might be really good at laying up composites.”

Reeser said 40% of recent bachelor’s degree graduates are working jobs that do not require a college credential.

South Korea-based Soulbrain, a chemical and materials manufacturer in the semiconductor industry, was awarded an $11.6 million grant through the Texas Semiconductor Innovation fund in June. 

What you need to know: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's office announced the award June 4, citing the company's recent move to open a manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters in Taylor, near the future Samsung plant that is expected to come online later this year. 

The facility is expected to bring 20 "high-skilled" jobs to the region, as well as $120 million in capital investment. 

What they're saying: “We are grateful to Governor Abbott and the State of Texas for supporting Soulbrain through the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund,” Soulbrain President Jon Park said. “With this partnership, we will expand advanced materials capabilities in Texas, strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem, and create high-value manufacturing and engineering opportunities for Texans.”

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area June 1-4. 

1. The Peach Cobbler Factory now open in Round Rock

2. Liberty Hill annexes property on Hwy. 29 to become commercial development

3. Mountain Mike's opens first Williamson County location

4. Georgetown officials remove local alcohol permit fee

5. Austin raises senior, disabled homeowner property tax exemption by $12K

6. Bastrop's Texas Roadhouse sets late July opening