ATX-SWA: Impact 9/5/2025

Austin's first-ever logo was unveiled Sept. 4 as the city moves to implement a new, unified brand.

The rebranding initiative was conducted by consultants Pentagram Design Inc. and Austin-based TKO Advertising Inc. over the past year-plus through a $640,000 contract, and with almost $500,000 in other city expenses. Officials said the process, which included public surveys and focus groups to inform final designs, is needed to improve the consistency of Austin's branding.

The new blue and green logo is meant to reflect the area's natural features and energy, according to the city. The rebrand officially starts in October, when the new logo will be used for digital assets like websites alongside other new materials being produced. Going forward, it'll be gradually phased in by city departments as they replace or purchase new clothing, vehicles and other items.

Born in December 2008, Hecho En México was masterminded from a community member’s will to introduce Austinites to the flavors he was raised with in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Now, the restaurant transports diners to various states across Mexico with flavors from far and wide.

What they offer: Co-owner Mario Gonzalez said the restaurant’s menu was thick when they first opened due to the never-ending list of dishes he wanted to share with the local community. However, as time passed, he decided to limit options so as to not overwhelm customers. Some non-negotiables were the enchiladas and mole options.

The restaurant hosts monthly Tequila Nights in which customers can pay $85 to attend the reservation-only event where they will enjoy specialty tequila and cuisine not typically found on the restaurant’s menu.

Looking forward: Gonzalez said the business is looking to expand its operations with a second location or introducing a new concept focused on Veracruz cuisine featuring seafood from the Gulf of Mexico area.

• 6001 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 301, Austin

Around 1 a.m. Sept. 4, the Texas Legislature gaveled out of its second special session of the year. On the heels of a two-week Democratic walkout that stymied bills during a previous legislative overtime, lawmakers moved quickly to pass 16 of Gov. Greg Abbott’s 24 priorities in under three weeks.

The details: A long-debated plan to ban or restrict sales of hemp-derived THC and a measure aimed at reining in local property tax growth were among the proposals that did not make the cut. Those proposals fell apart in the final days of the special session, after House and Senate lawmakers were unable to reach agreements. 

Also of note: Lawmakers also did not pass bills intended to improve emergency preparedness and communications in the wake of the deadly July 4-5 floods; shield certain law enforcement files from public disclosure; and bar local governments from hiring outside lobbyists. 

The governor can call a special session at any time; however, legislative leaders indicated they did not expect to return to Austin to tackle the remaining agenda items.