ATX-NNW: Impact 9/24/2025

New rules for short-term rentals, or STRs, are moving into place as the city attempts to curb the spread of unlicensed rental operations and nuisances in neighborhoods, while raising more tourism dollars.

The details: Austin kicked off an "overhaul" to STR policies earlier this year, but had put several changes on hold while Texas lawmakers were in session this spring and summer. The city won't see any impacts from legislative activity this year, and is now moving forward with new policies to regulate how platforms like Airbnb can list rentals in Austin—and how the city can enforce local rules and remove problem operators.

Starting in October, renters in the city will also be allowed to participate in the STR market with their landlord's permission; more units in neighborhoods could serve as short-term rentals; and the number of STRs in apartment buildings will be limited. Other changes for operators and city enforcement are also planned.

Travis County commissioners have approved a new countywide burn ban, effective through Oct. 21, due to ongoing dry conditions. While recent summer rains eased drought severity across Central Texas, the U.S. Drought Monitor still classifies 96% of the county as “abnormally dry.”

The outlook: Fire Marshal Gary Howell said the ban could be lifted early if significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks. The county’s last burn ban was enacted earlier this year when National Weather Service forecasts pointed to extreme fire weather conditions. At that time, Travis County STAR Flight assisted neighboring Hays County where multiple vegetation fires spread quickly in windy, dry conditions.

What you need to know: Under the ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush burning, bonfires, trash burning and campfires in non-designated areas. Officials urge residents to remain cautious, avoid sparks from vehicles or grills, and keep water nearby when using fire outdoors.

Residents can sign up for local emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org.

Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.

The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.

Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.

The Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor will receive $250 million from a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced Sept. 17.

About the program: The TSIF is a part of the Texas Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act, which Abbott signed into law in 2023.

The TSIF grant furthers the incentive program that aims to bring more semiconductor-related businesses to Texas, as well as support existing semiconductor manufacturers, like Samsung.

The history: Samsung announced its plans to build a semiconductor plant in Taylor in 2021.

A $45 billion project, it is the largest foreign direct investment in Texas on record, according to the Sept. 17 news release. The project includes two new fabrication plants, a new research and development fab, and a new advanced packaging facility on a 1,268-acre site, according to previous Community Impact coverage.

What's next: Samsung's Taylor plant expects to be fully operational by 2026, according to previous Community Impact reporting.