The lakeside landscape south of downtown is moving closer to long-awaited transformation with millions of square feet of mixed-use space and public areas across a series of high-rises.

The details: The redevelopment of vacant or underused land throughout the nearly 120-acre South Central Waterfront district has been anticipated for well over a decade. Several landmark projects are planned around the area, with most yet to break ground.

Development is taking place without formal city regulations—and requirements for community benefits—that were envisioned through a public framework for projects districtwide. While some aspirations from that process may not be realized, the city launched a broader planning effort this fall to set a 10-year blueprint for downtown that now includes the waterfront district.

The Austin Blues Festival will return to Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park this spring, presented by Antone's Nightclub and Waterloo Greenway Conservancy.

The two-day festival celebrates music and culture and started in 1999. This year is the festival’s fourth edition and will celebrate Antone’s 50-year lease extension.

The details: The lineup will feature a variety of artists including:

• Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton
• Jimmie Vaughan & Friends
• BADBADNOTGOOD
• Eric Johnson
• Larkin Poe
• Adrian Quesada's Boleros Psicodélicos
• The War and Treaty, Chaparelle
• Los Amigos Invisibles
• D.K. Harrell
• Annie & The Caldwells
• Huston-Tillotson Jazz Orchestra
• Second line parades from Pinettes Brass Band & New Breed Brass Band

A burn ban for unincorporated areas of Travis County has been lifted as of Jan. 26.

The details: The ban was able to be lifted due to recent rainfall, according to a Travis County news release. Immediate wildfire risk has been reduced. Outdoor burning is now allowed and must comply with state regulations, according to the release. County officials recommend keeping water or a fire extinguisher nearby while burning.

What they're saying: “While conditions have improved, I encourage everyone to be careful when burning outdoors,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said in the news release. “Additionally, I urge everyone to use extreme caution when heating your homes when we experience cold temperature. Never leave a space heater or fireplace unattended.”

The background: The recent burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was put into effect Dec. 29 and extended to remain in effect until Feb. 10, as previously reported by Community Impact. However, recent conditions made it possible to lift the ban early.

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects around the Austin metro, from work along I-35 to Bastrop, Hays and Williamson County projects.

Upcoming projects
FM 812 improvement project
Project: The project will upgrade FM 812 from US 183 in Travis County to Hwy. 21 in Bastrop County to improve safety and mobility and reduce congestion. 
Update: Design plans are expected to be finalized in the spring.

• Timeline: full project completion TBD
• Cost: $145 million
• Funding source: Texas State Highway Fund

• Timeline: 2022-2028
• Cost: $548 million
• Funding source: TxDOT and CAMPO

Four Republican candidates are running for Texas comptroller in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Michael Berlanga, Christi Craddick, Kelly Hancock and Don Huffines are seeking the Republican nomination to be Texas' next chief financial officer. The Republican nominee will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

The background: The comptroller's office is open after former state comptroller Glenn Hegar stepped down in July to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock currently serves as acting state comptroller and is running in the Republican primary, although he is not considered the incumbent in the race.

The comptroller is tasked with overseeing government spending, projecting Texas' biennial budget for state legislators, reporting on statewide economic issues, and managing the state treasury and unclaimed property programs. Hancock's office also recently launched the state’s new education savings account program, as mandated by the Texas Legislature.

Three Democrats are running to be Texas' next chief financial officer in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Sarah Eckhardt, Michael Lange and Savant Moore are seeking the Democratic nomination for Texas comptroller. The winning Democratic candidate will face the Republican nominee in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

The context: The comptroller's office is open after former state comptroller Glenn Hegar stepped down in July to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock currently serves as acting state comptroller and is running in the Republican primary, although he is not considered the incumbent in the race.

The comptroller is tasked with overseeing government spending, projecting Texas' biennial budget for state legislators, reporting on statewide economic issues, and managing the state treasury and unclaimed property programs. Hancock's office also recently launched the state’s new education savings account program, as mandated by the Texas Legislature.