Locally owned and operated bookstore BookPeople celebrated its 55th anniversary on Nov. 11.

The specifics: The independent bookstore has spent decades making sure Austin's readers have a one-stop shop for books ranging from nonfiction and fiction to children's literature and more.

In addition to books, the space features gifts, planners, calendars, puzzles, socks, games and trinkets. The space also hosts a diverse array of events, including storytimes, book clubs and book signings.
 

• 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

Mayor Kirk Watson outlined several of his stated accomplishments since returning to office, as well as his hopes for Austin's future, during a Jan. 6 state of the city speech downtown.

The details: Looking ahead to his final three years in office, Watson framed his approach around balancing short-term needs with longer-range plans to build on civic improvements and avoid potential pitfalls down the road.
He also pointed to progress on permitting improvements and public safety relationships as examples of recent wins the city can build on.

Focusing on the city's financial stability, drawing more economic development and growing Austin's international presence will be key for the years ahead, Watson said. Some of those goals may be advanced in the near future with updates like council spending reforms, citywide auditing measures and planned business expansions.

Looking ahead to later this year, Watson also said the city may need to hold off on a planned bond election to fund mobility, environmental, housing, cultural and public safety projects.

A recent burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was recently extended to remain in effect until Feb. 10, according to a news release from the county.

The burn ban had been put into effect on Dec. 29 and originally was slated to end on Jan. 6, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The details: The burn ban was extended due to continuing dry conditions. The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, but does not include prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Travis County officials urge residents to:

• Use caution when grilling or barbecuing outdoors. Residents should keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby when doing so.
• Avoid the use of leftover fireworks from the recent holiday. Even small fireworks can ignite dry vegetation and pose a wildfire risk.
• Call 911 if they notice a fire that may be out of control.

Family owned ice cream trailer Milkmade has announced its upcoming opening in the parking lot of Michi Ramen in North Austin.

What to know: The business is owned and operated by mother-and-daughter duo, Jacalyn Helms and Erin Mindell Cannon. The neighborhood can look forward to small-batch, seasonal specialty ice creams which will be offered on a rotating basis. In addition to homemade ice cream the trailer will serve milkshakes.

In a news release, the business stated it will be offering both dairy and vegan options. "We’re thrilled to bring Milkmade to the North Lamar community,” co-owner Erin Mindell Cannon said. “Our goal is to provide small batch, high-quality products to our neighbors using quality ingredients and plenty of adjectives to be as appealing as possible.”

6519 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

This November, Texas voters approved 17 constitutional amendments, also known as state propositions. Here’s what’s next for some of those propositions and what they mean for Texans.

The overview: Texas voters authorized the state to spend $1 billion annually on water supply funding, totaling $20 billion over a two-decade period, through Proposition 4. Funding will flow into the Texas Water Fund, a state account created in 2023 to help finance water projects.

However, state law requires that the money does not begin moving into the water fund until September 2027, and it will not be available for grants until 2029. Until then, state agencies, water utilities and local organizations will need to plan for funding, adjust rules and processes to align with recent state laws and update Texas’ water and flood plans, according to the Texas Water Foundation.

More details: Texas homeowners were set to see expanded property tax breaks on their 2025 tax bills under Propositions 11 and 13. Four other property tax exemptions approved by voters will take effect Jan. 1.