City Council backed a long-term tax financing plan for infrastructure in the Dog's Head, with added environmental standards and other requirements tied to development in the area.

The details: The creation of a tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, sets up decades of mixed-use development across the more than 2,600-acre Dog's Head. Council's vote for the TIRZ plan July 23 came two months after they annexed the area into city limits and backed the 45-year agreement with landowner Endeavor Real Estate Group.

The district's value is expected to grow by billions of dollars in the years ahead, adding significant tax revenue for the city and potentially Travis County as construction takes place. Under the TIRZ, a share of those collections would be used to reimburse new infrastructure project costs.

The plans were opposed by scores of Austinites at City Hall, with a range of criticisms levels at proposed projects and Endeavor's approach. Officials committed to improved transparency and public outreach as they voted to advance the Dog's Head items July 23.

NAYA is now shaking up craft cocktails and serving small plates in downtown Austin. The Mediterranean and Asian fusion tapas lounge opened on July 9, said Matthew Pawlak, general manager.

On the menu: The food menu features sushi rolls and raw fish, as well as hummus-based dishes, salad and more. Patrons can dine on tuna tartare, yellowtail crudo, spicy salmon crispy rice or a tempura mushroom roll made with daikon radish, carrot, cucumber, eel sauce and sriracha. 

Looking for a libation? At the top of the menu there is a paragraph that incorporates each cocktail’s name. Pawlak invites guests to read the paragraph and let their intuition pick their drink by choosing whichever cocktail name jumps out at them first. 

The Silk Road drink features Another Hendricks, Kanada Yuzu Liqueur, Grapefruit Liqueur, Mediterranean Tonic and Kota Pandan Mist.

What’s next: The NAYA team is looking to expand into an outdoor space with a built-in bar, hookah and dedicated DJ space.

• 506 West Ave., Austin

Want to find something fun to wind down the summer? Explore these citywide events happening between July 28 and Aug. 27.

Full Moon Swim
Enjoy a swim under the full moon at the historic Austin Motel, accompanied by the music of DJ Sunset Canyon.

• July 29 and Aug. 27, 5-10 p.m.
• Free, registration required
• 1220 S. Congress Ave., Austin

• July 30- Aug. 2
• $63
• 6259 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin

• July 31, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• $19.32 before event, $25.09 at event
• 2403 E. 16th St., Austin

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area July 20-23. 

1. New bridge over Onion Creek opens in Buda, increasing city access

2. Liberty Hill approves $1.5M for preliminary planning of downtown project

3. Sunbird Ranch neighborhood to offer land-lease model for homebuyers 55-plus in Georgetown

4. New Braunfels to conduct full analysis of police headquarters due to structural issues

5. iScream Gelato coming to east Round Rock

6. Lost dogs and e-bikes: 5 stories to know in Bastrop-Cedar Creek