Pflugerville City Council approved the use of eminent domain for two infrastructure projects after failed negotiations with landowners.

What it means: The proceedings will allow the city to move forward with two projects:
The widening of East Pflugerville Parkway between Colorado Sand Drive and Weiss Lane, and the expansion of a sewer line as part of the Gilleland Creek wastewater interceptor.

The Williamson County Homeless Coalition will conduct its annual point-in-time count, which occurs over the course of a single day in late January, to get a snapshot of the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the county.

How it works: The PIT count covers all of Williamson County and takes place in two parts—a daytime count and an evening count—both on the same day.

During the day, volunteers go to locations where unhoused people might gather, such as food pantries, to count and speak with them in one-on-one interviews. In the evening, volunteers go out in groups, asking a specific set of questions to determine if individuals are unhoused.

Volunteers may also distribute items, such as blankets, socks or food donations. 

Get involved: The operation requires a large number of volunteers, typically around 50-100, though more volunteers can help cover wider areas.

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 10-14.

1. Johnson Development planning 1,900-home community in Liberty Hill

2. Georgie’s restaurant in Georgetown serves up fresh seafood and cocktails

3. CI Foodie: Coffee, barbecue and more dining updates in Austin and nearby

4. Georgetown scraps Berry Creek Trail project due to resident feedback

5. Three Round Rock businesses slated for southwest corner of A.W. Grimes, E. Palm Valley boulevards

6. Proposed Skybox data center moves forward in Round Rock

A 36-mile trail project along the Capital Metro Red Line could transform neighborhoods across Austin, linking communities from Downtown to Leander. The Red Line Parkway Initiative, first envisioned over 20 years ago, is set to become the largest trail system north of Lady Bird Lake, connecting major trails in a unique way, said Tom Wald, executive director of the initiative.

The big picture: Following a transit-oriented development model, the trail will weave along Red Line rail stations, linking neighborhoods where daily needs are accessible without a car. Completed segments are already popular, with some seeing 1,500 users per day, according to Wald.

The project draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Beltline, which combined public and private funding to create a $10 billion economic hub supporting businesses, jobs and thousands of residential units.

The outlook: In Austin, the Red Line Parkway Initiative is now fundraising and planning public engagement to finalize trail routes and uses. Redeveloping industrial areas, like North Austin, are seen as prime locations for integrating transit and community amenities.