New revenues have added over $4 million in funding toward Leander ISD's 2025-26 budget shortfall, bringing the total down to $15.8 million from over $20 million.

The gist: According to Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape, the district received $4.2 million in new state revenues following increases to the homestead exemption and over-65 hold harmless provision. There was also a $200,000 decrease in recapture payments.

Pape said district officials expect to have more accurate estimates of the exemption and provision's impacts in December. The Texas Comptroller will then certify these values in January, and the Texas Education Agency will rerun these numbers to recalculate funding in February.

Remember this?: LISD is still lacking $10.5 million in other state funding. The bill changed funding formulas for a hold harmless provision that protected the district from revenue losses caused by prior state-mandated reductions to the tax rate. While the updated shortfall does not include any additional revenue from this, officials are continuing to advocate for a resolution.

Restaurant owner Tasha Miller, who is also behind Pelons Tex Mex, Bar 508 Mezcalerita and 508 Coffee Shop, plans to open Blue Agave Tex Mex next week in far Northwest Austin. 

More details: Blue Agave staff is planning to host an invite-only soft opening for the restaurant on Nov. 24 and 25 for residents to see the space, according to Miller. The official opening is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. 

On the menu: Menu items at the new tex mex spot will include carnitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and more, as well as monthly and drink specials.

Quote of note: “I really look forward to getting involved with the community and getting to know everyone in this area and really just building something that I would want to do if I lived here,” Miller previously told Community Impact.

• Soft opening Nov. 24-25
• 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd., B100, Austin

Cynthia Long has served as a Williamson County commissioner for almost 20 years. Before her time on Commissioners Court, Long was elected to Cedar Park City Council twice.

Long will not seek re-election next year as her fifth term as Precinct 2 Commissioner comes to an end in November 2026. She spoke with Community Impact about her decision, her accomplishments as a commissioner and her hopes for the future of Williamson County.

What factored into your decision to not seek re-election?
I really feel good about a lot of the things that we've been able to accomplish, and certainly there's always more things to do, but [we’re] at a good spot that a lot of things that I've worked on over the years we've made some really good progress on. So, it feels like the right time.

What is the role of a commissioner, in your opinion?
Serving with compassion, but also being a fiscally responsible person because we have to make sure you can continue to afford to live here.

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 17-20.

1. Officials break ground on 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex in Georgetown

2. New Chipotle planned for Georgetown

3. J. Alexander’s to open first Cedar Park location next year

4. Texans again receiving full SNAP benefits, state health department says

5. Russo’s Italian Kitchen closes in Pflugerville months after reopening

6. Bastrop ranchers launch glamping stay with ATV tours, fishing and more

Airport operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport have returned to normal following this month’s brief government shutdown, but officials expect heavy traffic as holiday travel ramps up after a record year.

What you should know: Travelers are encouraged to arrive early—2 1/2 hours before domestic flights and three hours for international—and to build in extra time if checking bags, returning rental cars or parking. Individuals can check real-time parking availability or reserve spots in the Blue Garage, Red Garage or Economy lots, though shuttles may see delays.

What else? Allegiant and Frontier passengers should remember that both airlines operate from the separate South Terminal. Flyers can speed up check-in by using mobile boarding passes, kiosks or curbside options. All three TSA checkpoints open at 3 a.m., with PreCheck, Clear and military lanes at Checkpoint 2 West.

On last thing: Travelers can access ADA shuttles, wheelchair assistance through airlines and TSA Cares. Construction tied to the Journey With AUS expansion continues, and an online map helps visitors navigate restaurants, gates and amenities.