The Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway is celebrating its 40th anniversary this November.

The details: Started in 1985, the group’s original membership roster included 60 women, with the first-ever meeting held at the Lakeway Inn–now known as Lakeway Resort & Spa.

The group was started with the goal of creating social opportunities for women, and included monthly meetings on topics like fur coat fashion tips, dried flower arranging, Thanksgiving centerpieces and more.

Forty years later, the group has grown to over 500 members, with meetings now featuring speakers like former Governor Rick Perry, fashion designer Kendra Scott, authors, television personalities and more. The organization also offers 30 special interest groups on topics such as pickleball, book clubs, happy hours, festivals, movies and more.

What they’re saying: "Four decades is a testament to the enduring vision of our founders and unwavering dedication of our members,” President Cynthia Keas said in an email.

Austin short-term rental operators can expect to see a streamlined licensing process for their properties and increased enforcement of unsanctioned units, following regulatory changes that went into effect this fall.

What's happening: Changes rolling out in the weeks and months ahead follow an "overhaul" of local policies related to short-term rentals, or STRs, completed this year. The process played out in response to some past legal challenges to Austin's STR system, and in an effort to rein in the thousands of unlicensed STRs believed to be operating around town.

To that end, City Council advanced contracts totaling nearly $2.5 million to assist with STR enforcement and licensing services. The contracts, both with San Diego-based Deckard Technologies, were authorized Nov. 20.

Quote of note: "We look forward to having these tools in place to improve compliance and services for short-term rentals in Austin," Austin Development Services spokesperson Robbie Searcy said in an email.

Check out these Austin-area holiday events in November and December, featuring an array of activities for the whole family. Community members can shop from local businesses at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, decorate holiday cookies, sit in on festive storytimes, watch various light shows and more. 

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change. 

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The show based on the “Peanuts” special will feature a pay-what-you-wish weekend, markets and an ASL night.

• Nov. 7-Dec. 28, showtimes vary by date
• $21-$31
• 1421 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

So far in 2025, Community Impact has covered two election cycles, major transportation updates, development news and local businesses throughout the greater Austin area.

Learn more about the top stories this year to date.

1. Billboard on Bee Caves Road receives resident complaints, city violation notice

2. A regional destination: Texas’ second-largest retail store set to bring visitors to Cedar Park

3. City of Austin to take unauthorized billboard to court

4. Check out these 20 new nonstop destinations from Austin’s airport

5. Billboard in Round Rock faces removal amid ordinance violation

On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can afford to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed in 2023 and 2025.

The big picture: Texas homeowners pay property taxes to various local entities, although lawmakers can limit how much entities increase taxes each year and provide state funding to expand tax exemptions.

Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 alone and may be required to spend more to maintain existing tax exemptions in future bienniums, lawmakers said.

What they're saying: "We're kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective," said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, during a Nov. 20 event.

"$51 billion ongoing, it's a huge amount to continue to support. To think about doing anything more seems very fiscally irresponsible," Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said.

The other side: Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, said creating limits on local government spending would be critical to keeping Texas affordable.