Learn more about volunteer opportunities in Georgetown and the surrounding area. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly.

Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
The nonprofit provides a safe space and compassionate treatment for the lost and unhoused pets of Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto and unincorporated Williamson County.

• Sample activities: walking dogs, socializing cats, doing laundry and dishes, helping at off-site events and fundraisers
• Donations accepted: unopened/unexpired dog and cat food, treats, newspaper, cardboard trays, pet crates and carriers, towels, blankets, sheets, monetary gifts

• Sample activities: reading to preschoolers through the Head Start program, delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program, spending time with seniors in need
• Donations accepted: new children’s clothing, books, monetary gifts

Read these updates from businesses in the downtown Georgetown area as reported in Community Impact's November print edition.

Updates include news about Schoepf’s BBQ's opening timeline, planned office condos and the rebranded Juliet Social venue.

Schoepf’s BBQ
Originally expected to open this fall, the restaurant has been delayed. Remodeling efforts still need to occur for the barbecue spot, which has an existing location in Belton. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of barbecued meats, sandwiches, potatoes and sides.

• Opening in January
• 820 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown

• 501 Rock St., Georgetown; 205 W. Sixth St., Georgetown

• 701 S. Main St., Georgetown

Some Georgetown ISD elementary schools will receive additional support next year after receiving failed ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

The board of trustees approved turnaround plans for Mitchell and Purl Elementary schools at a Nov. 17 meeting. Both campuses received a second unacceptable rating from the state’s A-F accountability system in 2024, according to scores released in August.

Additionally, the board approved targeted improvement plans for Frost and Williams Elementary schools, which have each received one unacceptable rating from the TEA.

The district was required to submit these plans to the TEA by Nov. 21 and is awaiting approval from the state agency.

The update: GISD is planning to implement the TEA's Effective Schools Framework at Frost, Mitchell, Purl and Williams elementaries, which includes providing:

• Effective instruction
• High-quality instructional materials and assessments
• Strategic staffing
• Positive school culture
• Strong school leadership and planning

Williamson County began its new Multisystemic Therapy program, a family-centered prevention program for at-risk youth, Nov. 20.

The program is funded through $1.2 million dedicated by the state for the expansion of MST services.

About the program: MST is a personalized, intensive therapy geared toward 12-17-year-olds who have exhibited chronic truancy, aggression, substance abuse and involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare system.

The program allows youth to be treated in homes and school settings, with trained therapists available for 24/7 support, according to a county news release.

So far in 2025, Community Impact has covered two election cycles, major transportation updates, development news and local businesses throughout the greater Austin area.

Learn more about the top stories this year to date.

1. Billboard on Bee Caves Road receives resident complaints, city violation notice

2. A regional destination: Texas’ second-largest retail store set to bring visitors to Cedar Park

3. City of Austin to take unauthorized billboard to court

4. Check out these 20 new nonstop destinations from Austin’s airport

5. Billboard in Round Rock faces removal amid ordinance violation

On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can afford to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed in 2023 and 2025.

The big picture: Texas homeowners pay property taxes to various local entities, although lawmakers can limit how much entities increase taxes each year and provide state funding to expand tax exemptions.

Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 alone and may be required to spend more to maintain existing tax exemptions in future bienniums, lawmakers said.

What they're saying: "We're kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective," said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, during a Nov. 20 event.

"$51 billion ongoing, it's a huge amount to continue to support. To think about doing anything more seems very fiscally irresponsible," Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said.

The other side: Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, said creating limits on local government spending would be critical to keeping Texas affordable.