Read about some of the top transportation stories that came out of Hays County this year, and learn what road projects to look out for going into 2026.

1. 8 road updates for Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Buda: Multiple projects are being funded by certificates of obligation amounting to $240 million.

2. Check out the latest on 6 Hays County transportation projects: Hays County drivers can track progress on six transportation projects—ranging from new deceleration lanes and neighborhood street upgrades to multimillion-dollar widening and extension work.

3. Hays County moves forward with $240M road projects plan: The county found alternative funding for most of the 2024 road bond projects, addressing enhancements across all four precincts.

4. Buda City Council reviews FM 1626/RM 967 design concepts: The city contracted Tetra Tech to conduct a study of the FM 1626/RM 967 intersection and present possible solutions.

5. Kyle receives updates on 12 planned roundabouts: The city is enhancing safety and functionality at its intersections.

Austin Animal Services will soon have a new permanent director after nearly a year under interim leadership, with animal sheltering veteran Monica Dangler set to fill the position in February.

The details: Dangler was selected through a national search process that left three finalists up for consideration last month, including two Austin-based candidates. She most recently served as an executive leadership consultant for the department of animal services in Riverside County, California, and previously led shelters in Kyle and Tucson, Arizona as well as coordinating events for the Pennsylvania Humane Society.

The background: The arrival of a new Austin Animal Services director follows years of scrutiny of the city animal shelter, including internal audits, and last year's adoption of a new strategic plan for the department.

Athletic club Life Time opened off South Lamar Boulevard just in time for the New Year.

The details: The newest spot for Life Time is located in The Bouldin, a mixed-used development that features two restaurants—Postino and Paperboy—and apartments.

Inside, the facility is a 57,700-square-foot club spanning over the first two floors of the building.

The background: This is Life Time’s fifth location in Austin. The first opened in North Austin in 2005.

• 1301 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin

Fast-casual eatery Jason's Deli is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the fresh food, people and communities that have defined the restaurant, officials announced in a Dec. 30 news release.

The background: The deli was founded in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. in Beaumont and has since branched out to 114 Texas locations and 235 delis nationwide in 27 states, per the release.

What's new: According to the release, the eatery is celebrating its anniversary by spotlighting new soups during the National Soup Month of January, while also rolling out new items, including the Deli-Bration Cookie—a sugar cookie topped with sprinkles—and returning others.

In their own words: “Our 50th anniversary is about staying true to what’s made Jason’s Deli special since day one—thoughtfully prepared dishes, diverse selections and genuine care for the people we serve,” Clare Wilson, vice president of culinary and R&D at Jason’s Deli, said in the release. 

Approximately three dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, impacting how artificial intelligence is used in state government, when local officials can raise taxes after natural disasters and how much of businesses' inventory is taxed.

The background: The changes come after Texas’s biennial legislative session ended in early June. Gov. Greg Abbott signed over 1,100 laws passed by state lawmakers, many of which took effect in June or September.

The details: Some of the bills becoming law in the new year are:

• House Bill 9, which will expand a tax exemption for business owners
• House Bill 30, which will tighten regulations on counties' and cities' abilities to raise tax rates after natural disasters
• House Bill 149, which will regulate the fast-growing AI industry
• House Bill 247, which will exempt certain border security infrastructure from property tax increases
• House Bill 1399, which will create a property tax exemption for stores selling animal feed
• House Bill 2508, which will establish a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of certain military members