Buda City Council member Matt Smith announced his intention to resign as the at-large Position 1 representative at a July 21 meeting. Smith was first elected to the position in November 2020 to fill a vacant seat.

The gist: Smith has served on the council for nearly six years, being reelected to his position in both 2022 and 2025. His resignation will be effective following the appointment of a new at-large Position 1 council member, according to a news release.

The City Council will call a special election at an Aug. 4 meeting. The election will coincide with the Nov. 3 general election and will appear on the ballot as a separate item.

Also of note: In addition to the at-large Position 1 special election, the general election ballot will include the following city of Buda positions:

• Mayor
• Council member at-large Position 2
• Council member single member District B

A Mansfield-based company developing advanced manufacturing facilities for the aerospace and defense industry will relocate its headquarters to the Tower Business Park in Buda.

The overview: The Buda Economic Development Corporation, or Buda EDC, announced the relocation of Even Platforms to the city. The company recently signed a 9,000-square-foot lease at Tower Business Park, according to a news release.

The company will bring dozens of high-skill, high-wage jobs to the city over the next five years, according to the release.

According to the release, Even Platforms’ arrival strengthens Buda's identity as a destination for innovative industry. The company intends to open its facility to local high school students for tours and internships and to encourage employees to volunteer with local organizations.

Another thing: The Buda EDC and City Council approved a $50,000 incentive for Even Platforms. The incentive will offset the cost of electrical service upgrades necessary to provide adequate power for equipment operation, according to the release.

• 1340 FM 2001, Buda

South Austin residents may need to adjust their commutes as Texas Department of Transportation officials prepare to close I-35 northbound main lanes nightly for the fourth consecutive weekend.

The big picture: The northbound lanes will be blocked off between Slaughter Lane and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard for construction crews to work on elevated managed lanes as part of the I-35 Capital Express South Project. The closures have been in effect for the previous three weekends. 

The lanes will be closed on the following days from 11 p.m.-9 a.m.:

• July 24 and 25

The northbound flyover to SH 71 will also be closed. TxDOT encourages drivers to remain alert and expect delays.

The project: Construction on the I-35 Capital Express South Project began in 2022. The total cost is $548 million, which was funded by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and TxDOT, according to TxDOT’s website.