ATX-SWA: Impact 10/17/2025

What started out as a two-day Christmas market with 50 vendors has bloomed into one of Austin’s must-do holiday experiences. Now featuring over 200 artists, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is celebrating its fifth decade bringing artists, musicians and community members together, all in one space.

The atmosphere: From Dec. 13-21, the bazaar will fill the Palmer Events Center from floor to ceiling with a variety of art ranging from jewelry and ceramics to woodwork and paintings accompanied by live music, seasonal cocktails and food.

In previous years the event highlighted music legends such as Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen and Count Basie.

“It’s such a creative high,” executive producer Bruce Willenzik said. “We have artists say it's the well spring of creativity. I get around all these other creators and we bounce off of each other. The energy just grows and we come out of there so inspired.”

Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin

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.

For the last 25 years, at least one person has died on Texas roads every day, according to TxDOT. Austin’s Vision Zero program—adopted in 2015 to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries—shows targeted street redesigns are saving lives.

The big picture: Since launching the initiative, Austin has invested more than $1.3 billion through three voter-approved mobility bonds, funding hundreds of safety projects including intersection upgrades, pedestrian crossings and protected bike lanes. City data shows serious injuries dropped to their lowest level in 2024, while intersection projects alone have reduced severe crashes by 38% on average.

Still, fatalities remain “stubbornly high,” particularly on state-managed roads that account for most deadly crashes. The Vision Zero 10-year report also notes ongoing equity concerns, with Black and low-income Austinites disproportionately affected.

The outlook: Officials say Austin’s next challenge is sustaining funding and expanding partnerships with TxDOT as the city works toward its goal of zero traffic deaths.

Hays County residents will not be able to vote at Sunfield Station, Driftwood Community Center or Dripping Springs ISD Center for Learning and Leadership in the upcoming election due to Americans with Disabilities Act non-compliance.

The gist: While the Sunfield Station and the DSISD Center for Learning and Leadership polling locations will be relocated within their precincts, the Driftwood Community Center will be removed as a polling location and will not be replaced.