With summer around the corner, new businesses are springing up in Leander. Stay up to date on what's cropping up in the Leander community.

Now open: USA Ninja Challenge Leander
A USA Ninja Challenge gym has opened in Leander, offering children the opportunity to draw on gymnastics, cross-training and climbing skills.

• 1501 Leander Drive, Ste. A, No. 120, Leander

In the news: Texas Sweet Heat Jam
The Leander-based artisan jam company creates sweet and spicy fruit jams and pepper jellies while also providing culinary training and employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded by entrepreneur and culinary artist Nolan Stilwell, the company's products are sold online and in H-E-B stores across Texas. The company celebrated 15 years of operation in April 2026.

• 1393 E. Woodview Drive, Leander

What's next: Day Maker Half Day Cafe
Day Maker Half Day Cafe, a concept from the team behind Jack Allens Kitchen and Salt Traders, is planned for a new Leander-based development, according to public records.

• 1605 E. New Hope Drive, Bldg. 3, Leander

A new Starbucks along US 183 in Leander opened in late February, according to staff.

In a nutshell: The location serves Starbucks' standard menu of coffee, tea and other drinks, as well as snacks including sandwiches and pastries. The store offers both indoor and outdoor spaces to eat, drink and work. The Starbucks is located in a new storefront along US 183 near Whitewing Drive.

• 1892 N. US 183, Leander

The Austin healthcare landscape is shifting to increase specialized care for pediatric patients as community needs grow.

Previously, children and families had to travel outside of the region to seek treatment in the '80s and '90s, said Deb Brown, chief operating officer at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Similarly, patients within the Texas Children’s Hospital network had to travel to Houston before its North Austin campus opened in 2024.

Now, leaders at Austin’s pediatric medical facilities are sharing the importance and unique aspects of pediatric care.

What’s different? Facilities specializing in pediatric medical care are intentionally designed to help ease patient anxiety and provide specialized training for medical professionals, said Dr. Edward Buchanan, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Austin Campus.

Nearly $8.4 billion in new state funding was not enough to save Texas public school districts from budget shortfalls and campus closures, school administrators said June 1.

What happened: During a 10-hour public hearing at the state Capitol, school district leaders spoke of efforts to stretch their budgets amid high inflationary costs as teachers explained their decisions to leave the classroom due to pay cuts and large class sizes.

The big picture: Last year, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2, a $8.4 billion school finance bill designed to increase educator salaries, create a new pot of money for fixed costs, provide more training for teachers and boost special education resources.

Roughly one year later, districts across Community Impact’s coverage areas are cutting staff and closing campuses, citing enrollment declines and budget shortfalls. 

Quote of note: "This funding deficit is the final straw for me, and it will be for countless other educators across the state who must leave or who lose their jobs," Austin ISD French teacher Rachel Preston told lawmakers June 1.