ATX-LLH: Impact 10/20/2025

Liberty Hill launched the Pure Water LHTX program late last year, an initiative that involves sending treated wastewater to an advanced water purification facility where it’s converted into drinking water.

With a pilot purification plant expected to be built by June, according to city documents, officials hope this program addresses Liberty Hill’s growing demand for water.

“The water that they’re going to be drinking is as pure as it could possibly be. It’ll be cleaner than bottled water,” said Vince Perkins, Liberty Hill environmental compliance officer.

The Pat Bryson Municipal Hall was at full capacity as community members, city staff and well-wishers came out to say goodbye to outgoing Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle.

DeLisle presided over her final City Council meeting Oct. 16. The event was marked by tearful tributes and emotional speeches from council members and friends as the mayor prepared to relocate with her family.

“It’s been a ridiculous honor to be your mayor and something I could have never imagined,” DeLisle said. “There are days when I just think, ‘How the heck did I get here?’”

Early voting in the Nov. 4 election begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. During early voting, registered voters can cast ballots at any polling place within their county of residence, according to the secretary of state’s office.

What to bring: Voters must bring one of seven forms of identification to the polls:

• A Texas driver license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• A Texas personal ID card (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas handgun license (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas election ID certificate (issued by the DPS)
• A U.S. military ID card with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. citizenship certificate with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. passport

Officials are readying for the impending expansion of flying vehicle use, and reviewing how the city will be able to regulate the new mode of transportation in Austin's skies.

The details: Plans for the rollout of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing, or eVTOL, aircraft are already in the works in other major cities, and Austin should prepare sooner than later for local impacts in the near future, Assistant City Manager Mike Rogers told City Council. Austin leaders should start considering eVTOLs' likely impacts on Austin's zoning, utilities, transportation networks and public safety while new regulations between local, state and federal governments are decided, he said.

Following a June executive order from President Donald Trump, the Federal Aviation Administration is working to launch an eVTOL pilot program that could involve local governments like Austin. Rogers said it remains to be seen how the city could get involved with that work or other partnerships with aircraft companies.

As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, is relaunching as the InCIder this month.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

The InCIder program currently gives donors access to a special Saturday email edition across each metro: Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Memberships are currently $10 per month or $110 annually. A membership will include the previously mentioned perks, as well as:

• Quarterly discounts at local businesses 
• Invites to in-person events
• Optional naming and “thank you” in our newspaper
• Community Impact swag
• InCIder anniversary gift

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from
Oct. 13-17.

1. Williamson County Fair and Rodeo coming to Taylor in October

2. Trader Joe’s expected to begin construction in Cedar Park this January

3. Pflugerville home sales decline, prices drop in Hutto

4. Austin ISD offers naming rights at district facilities to generate additional revenue

5. 'Shovel-ready:' Austin ISD nears groundbreaking on affordable apartment community

6. Home sale prices continue to decline in September for Cedar Park and Far Northwest Austin