ATX-RRK: Impact 9/3/2025

Changes to Round Rock’s downtown zoning will go before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission Sept. 3, and the public is welcome to attend and provide comments.

Overview: The proposed amendments to Round Rock’s zoning would expand the downtown boundaries, increase the density allowed on Mays Street and Round Rock Avenue, and provide for taller buildings in certain parcels of downtown, among other changes.

The project is part of an initiative by city officials and staff to provide more uses for downtown spaces, including housing, retail, dining and entertainment. Certain segments would be rezoned to a mixed-use medium density district, allowing for four different building types ranging from two and a half stories to 12 stories.

The Longbranch Saloon will mark 10 years of operation in downtown Round Rock near the corner of Main and Mays Streets at the end of September.

About the business: Locally owned by Minerva and Roger Villarreal, who also own the La Esquina Cantina, the Longbranch Saloon first opened Sept. 28, 2015. The full bar serving beer, wine and spirits has since expanded its offerings to include tacos, chips and queso, nachos and other bar fare.

Austin airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi spoke at a Round Rock Chamber luncheon Aug. 28, outlining the multibillion-dollar expansion currently underway and the hefty economic benefit for the region.

The big picture: Badawi characterized the airport as the “economic engine for Central Texas,” noting that a 2018 Texas Department of Transportation study estimated Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s economic impact at $7.6 billion—a figure now projected at approximately $10 billion, Badawi said.

What’s happening?: Presently, under the expansion initiative—Journey with AUS—there are six projects under construction and five in design.

Looking ahead: City of Austin officials gave the green light to new lease agreement with airlines during an Aug. 28 council meeting. This means airlines will commit to the expansion program and lease the over 20 new gates airport officials expect to open in the early 2030s, according to an ABIA news release.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter achieved a no-kill year in 2024, according to a recent report.

Explained: The no-kill designation means that WCRAS, which is the only shelter that serves Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Georgetown and unincorporated areas of Williamson County, saved at least 90% of the dogs and cats that came in last year.

The 10% margin is for animals that may require humane euthanasia due to severe medical or behavioral issues—not because of overcrowding.

Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization, releases an annual report which shows the number of no-kill shelters across the country.

Digging deeper: WCRAS is able to take in more strays than the national average while still maintaining the no-kill title, Animal Services Director Misty Valenta said at an Aug. 26 commissioners court meeting.

“We don't close our doors in order to change our numbers,” Valenta said. “We welcome the community in when they need help, including the pets that are lost.”