A new coffee spot is now open in Round Rock, near the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and East Old Settlers Boulevard.
About the owners: Owned by Michelle and Ryan Bell, the shop sells coffee, cold brew, matcha and avocado toasts. The coffee shop’s first location is in Cedar Park.
Round Rock Art Classes now offering lessons in central Round Rock
Art instructor Jessica Padgett opened her art studio, Round Rock Art Classes, near the banks of Brushy Creek in early September.
Her business relocated to the Creekside Plaza retail center from its former location in Cedar Park.
About the owner: Padgett said she invites potential students with all levels of skill to her studio for art classes.
"I know people are always nervous to start," Padgett said. "People say, 'I can only draw a stick figure.' That is absolutely fine. I love that. The beginning is the best place to start."
Opportunity Austin partners with Workforce Solutions Capital, Rural Capital Area to support regional industry growth
A new information partnership between Opportunity Austin and both Workforce Solutions Capital and Rural Capital Area will provide data insights into a variety of growing industries in the Austin metro area.
What you need to know: Called the Workforce Industry Insights partnership, the initiative will provide employers with timely workforce data, per a news release shared Sept. 17.
About the program: Using white papers, which are formal data-driven reports, case studies and other opportunities to analyze local data, the partnership will help employers in several industries with insights on hiring trends, workforce needs and strategies, as well as showcasing the connections between community organizations, educational institutions and economic development in fostering regional growth.
Plans to transform Austin’s iconic Sixth Street take shape with three design options
Sixth Street, long known as Austin’s nightlife hub, is in the middle of big changes.
What's happened? For years, the stretch was closed to cars on busy weekends, letting crowds spill into the roadway. But since late 2024, the city has been testing a safety pilot that reopened the street to vehicles while moving pedestrians to wider sidewalks. Temporary fencing gave way to sturdier concrete barriers this summer, marking the start of a more permanent initiative.
The update: Now, city leaders are asking residents to help shape Sixth Street’s future. As part of the city’s Great Streets program, officials are considering three design alternatives for the nine-block stretch west of I-35. Each option would keep traffic one-way westbound while expanding pedestrian space, adding trees and upgrading sidewalks. The main differences involve whether bike and scooter lanes are included and how curb access is managed for drop-offs, deliveries and parking.
A public survey is open, with final design work expected to begin in 2026 and construction as early as 2027.
