Drive-through coffee chain 7 Brew is planning a new location on Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, according to information filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The details: The filing indicates the company expects to spend $400,000 to build the new coffee shop. Construction is slated to begin in October and wrap up in December. The chain’s coffee shops sell a wide variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda and smoothies.

• 2901 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park

About 700 jobs are coming to Cedar Park as Nebraska Furniture Mart, or NFM, prepares to open its new store at the CedarView development next year.

The details: Beyond the 700 Austin-area employees NFM plans to hire, the business expects about 400 current employees to relocate to Cedar Park, a Sept. 23 news release states.

The company will begin hiring for many roles this fall. Positions in sales, warehouse and delivery are currently available.

“As we prepare to welcome hundreds of new employees in Cedar Park, we want candidates to know they are joining a company that values its people, supports their development and provides opportunities to build a meaningful career,” Megan Berry Barlow, chief human resources officer at NFM, said in a statement. 

Of note: The retailer is expected to bring in an additional $344 million in tax revenue for Cedar Park over the next 25 years, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The Williamson County Facilities Department is working on several projects to upgrade parks and infrastructure across the county.

Facilities Manager Dale Butler gave an update on the projects at an Oct. 6 Commissioners Court meeting.

1. Parks

Work has begun on Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander, Butler said. Lonestar Soccer Club is sponsoring the improvements to upgrade four fields to artificial turf, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Construction will conclude in spring 2027, Butler said.

2. Facilities

Construction on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter includes new multistory adoption and clinic facilities. It is expected to be completed in fall 2027, Butler said.

3. Historic preservation and upgrades

For the historic courthouse in downtown Georgetown, the county is working to restore the terrazzo flooring, upgrade lighting, recondition HVAC and remodel the building.

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."