ATX-LLH: Impact 11/6/2025

A new Dave’s Ultimate Automotive location opened in Leander in July, offering preventative maintenance, repairs and parts replacement to community members.

More details: James Saunders and Brad Updegraff opened the location, which also specializes in diesel and truck repair for vehicles ranging from pickup trucks to fire trucks.

• Opened July 1
• 10935 E. Crystal Falls Pkwy., Ste. 200, Leander

Leander Tech Park, a 50-acre mixed-use business development, is coming soon to the border of Leander and Georgetown. St. John Properties broke ground on two flex buildings and two retail buildings. 

Learn more: The two flex buildings, which can be used by a range of tenants, including light manufacturing and distribution companies, are expected to be completed in summer 2026. The retail property will be completed in fall 2026, according to Brett Foelber, assistant vice president of marketing for St. John Properties. 

According to a news release, the development will support 13 buildings with 230,000 square feet of space and approximately 730 jobs. Spaces at the development are currently available for lease negotiations.

Travis County Commissioners approved $500,000 on Nov. 5 to support families facing sharply rising food needs as SNAP benefits lapse during the ongoing federal government shutdown. More than 87,000 people in about 45,000 households are expected to be affected, with benefits totaling over $16 million monthly. County staff warned that even if the government reopens, delays will prevent immediate benefit distribution, and federal contingency funding would only cover about half of monthly allotments.

Local action taken: The funding will go to Central Texas Food Bank, which partners with more than 107 local agencies and now distributes roughly $2 million in food weekly. The nonprofit has expanded distributions for families and federal workers, using reserves to meet demand. CEO Sari Vatske said participation has roughly doubled and shows no signs of slowing.

Looking ahead: Residents in need can locate nearby mobile pantries or partner agencies using the food bank’s interactive map at www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/find-food or by calling 211. Those who want to help can make monetary donations or volunteer their time.