Pushing to sustain local growth in a "new fiscal and competitive reality," City Council voted to craft economic development policies aimed at recruiting new investment and major projects, attracting more international attention and supporting local businesses.

The details: Officials passed a resolution from Mayor Kirk Watson on May 7 that kicks off the creation of what he called an "active, progressive" civic economic development playbook. The council directive was based on an overview of Austin's current situation and proposals for future economic opportunities, including public benefits.

The May vote launches a monthslong process to draft the city's new policies. They'll feature an inventory of Austin's existing economic tools, analysis of recruitment priorities, a small business development program, a focus on international partnerships and more.

The plan drew support from Austin's business community, and concerns from dozens of residents who opposed civic support for certain types of businesses tied to the military or artificial intelligence. References to those sectors were removed from council's approved resolution.

From new eateries to anniversaries, read about six business updates for the Dripping Springs area.

Now open: Golden Chick
Austin local Tariq Khan owns the Dripping Springs location, along with two locations in the Austin area. Golden Chick’s menu features a variety of chicken dishes such as wings, tenders, fried and roasted chicken and chicken sandwiches.

• Opened April 28

• 104 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

Relocations: Home Grown Farm & Ranch
The Home Grown team is holding a grand re-opening celebration at its new location on May 13. The new space is triple the size of the old location, which was at 167 Hargraves Drive, Austin, according to a blog post by the business. Home Grown offers raw milk, eggs, specialty cheeses, meat, poultry, cosmetics, apparel and more.

• Relocated May 6

• The Tiger Center, 2001 Hwy. 290, Ste. 105, Dripping Springs

In the news: The Zone Recording Studio
The team is celebrating its 30th anniversary this spring. The Zone offers studio time, mixing, mastering and production services.

• PO Box 803, Dripping Springs

Check out some of the most read stories from the Austin area May 4-7. 

1. Road to relief: Drivers navigate construction along SH 71 as TxDOT continues $293M updates

2. Cedar Park unveils plan for major expansion of Lakeline Park

3. Thomas Ranch near Spicewood continues to progress on construction

4. Second HTeaO location opens in Georgetown

5. New playground, tennis, pickleball courts now open in Round Rock

6. Royal Blue Grocery moves closer to Mueller opening

Following pressure from summer camp operators, lawmakers and legislative leaders, Texas is suspending a requirement that all camps install “end-to-end” fiber-optic internet infrastructure before opening this summer.

The background: After catastrophic flooding in Central Texas killed more than 130 people—including 28 deaths at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp—last July, state lawmakers passed a pair of laws designed to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness requirements for all Texas summer camps. One provision of the laws requires that camps install two types of broadband internet, including a fiber-optic system.

Nineteen camp operators sued the state over the fiber-optic rule in April, citing million-dollar installation fees and limited access to fiber-optic services in rural parts of Texas.

What's happening: The Department of State Health Services, which licenses youth camps, said it reached an agreement with the camp operators May 7. Under the agreement, Texas camps that maintain “redundant” broadband internet services—such as cellular, microwave or satellite technology—will not have their license revoked or denied as long as they meet all other safety requirements.