ATX-NCA: Impact 10/1/2025

Austin ISD homeowners may see a decrease in their property tax bill as the district adopted a slightly lower tax rate for fiscal year 2025-26.

What happened: The AISD board of trustees approved a tax rate of $0.9252 per $100 valuation at a Sept. 25 meeting. Additionally, the board voted to continue offering a partial tax exemption for historical landmarks.

The overview: The board approved a maintenance and operations, or M&O, tax rate of $0.8022 per $100 valuation, which is $0.0253 lower than the FY 2024-25 M&O tax rate of $0.8275 per $100 valuation.

The interest and sinking, or I&S, tax rate will remain at $0.123 per $100 valuation, making for a combined tax rate of $0.9252 per $100 valuation.

The impact: In a Nov. 4 election, Texas voters will decide whether to raise the statewide homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. If approved, an AISD homeowner with an average taxable value of $517,514 would be expected to pay $3,493 in annual property taxes, which is a $864 decrease from the previous fiscal year.

Potbelly Sandwich is set to open in Austin's EastVillage mixed-use development in the second quarter of 2026, according to a business representative. 

The details: Founded in Chicago, the chain sandwich shop is known for its toasted sandwiches such as the Cubano, meatball, chicken salad, grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly. Also on the menu are soups and salads, macaroni and cheese cups, cookies and shakes.

Something to note: Potbelly will join other EastVillage restaurants such as Shake Shack, First Watch and Tora. The $1 billion mixed-use development is slated to be fully built out by 2032.

3500 E Parmer Lane, Austin

Residents arrested in Austin-Travis County will now have stronger legal protections with the full rollout of the Counsel at First Appearance, or CAFA, initiative.

The program ensures individuals who cannot afford an attorney are provided legal representation during their first court appearance, a change phased in after a 2024 lawsuit argued arrestees were being left to defend themselves.

The update: To support CAFA, Travis County approved more than $15 million in funding, hiring 86 new employees including defense attorneys, clerks, and translators. The city of Austin recently approved contracts Sept. 25, committing over $16 million to county magistration services, with $6 million specifically tied to CAFA.

The outlook: While officials say the program strengthens due process rights and improves booking operations, some concerns remain over city-level misdemeanor cases, where people may still face overnight holds.

County leaders also view central booking as a step toward establishing a permanent mental health diversion center, offering law enforcement one streamlined site for intake and services.

Locals and visitors alike can plan to attend a range of events in October including live music performances, Día De Los Muertos celebrations and card shows. This list is not comprehensive. Event details are subject to change.

Kimmie and Friends Play for HOME
The concert and storytelling series will benefit Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers, a nonprofit which works to provide housing assistance for local musicians.

• Sept. 8-Oct. 27, Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m.
• $15 (general admission)
• Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin

• Oct. 18, 2-10 p.m.
• Free (ages 8 and under), $8 (general admission)
• Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., Austin

• Oct. 25, noon-6 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Downtown Austin, Fourth Street and Congress Avenue, Austin