ATX-SWA: Impact 10/3/2025

Austin is updating its incentive program for local film, television and other media projects in the wake of Texas' significant boost in state funding for production incentives.

The details: The city's Creative Content Incentive Program established in 2014 has been used to support a movie, video game and seasons of several TV shows over the past decade, with "Yellowstone" spinoff "1923" being the most recent. The program has resulted in thousands of jobs for local employees who were paid tens of millions of dollars total for their work, alongside city incentives totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

While the CCIP has drawn interest so far, city representatives expect a program update approved Sept. 25 can further stimulate the local creative economy. Austin is rolling out the changes soon after Texas lawmakers voted to expand funding for a separate incentive program with hundreds of millions of dollars reserved for new productions around the state.

From showcases highlighting Hispanic Latino Heritage Month to over 70 live music performances, there’s a mix of events for people of all ages to enjoy. This list is not comprehensive. Event details are subject to change.

Uhland Fall Festival
The family-friendly festival will feature over 50 attractions, over 40 photo opportunities and interactive activities including camel rides, kangaroo encounters, an inflatable bounce pad, the Kaleidozone and the corn pit.

• Sept. 27-Nov. 2, weekends only
• Free (admission for children under 3 and ages 65+), $20 (single-day admission), $35 (multiday admission)
• 2400 Cotton Gin Road, Uhland

• Oct. 11, 8 p.m.-midnight
• $15 (general admission), $20 (admission day of show)
• Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin

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.

A San Antonio-based grocery chain with a stronghold across Texas is now facing a change in leadership.

In case you missed it: H-E-B President Craig Boyan announced his intention to step down from his role, effective in January 2026.

He’ll subsequently retire at the end of next year, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the company.

As a result, current H-E-B Chief Operating Officer Roxanne Orsak will take his place.

Zooming in: Orsak started her career at H-E-B in 1988 as a store manager, rising through the ranks to become the COO in 2022, according to the release.

“I am honored to continue to shape the future of this great company with integrity, heart and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” Orsak said.

The context: The leadership change comes in tandem with H-E-B’s continued expansion in Texas.

New storefronts in San Antonio, Georgetown, Prosper and more have opened within the last two months, as previously reported by Community Impact.