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Austin moves to slow displacement, preserve thousands of affordable units with new fund
Public dollars could be matched with private and philanthropic dollars in a new effort to preserve existing, less expensive housing units for lower-income earners across Austin.
The details: Council members voted Sept. 11 to broaden the city's efforts to maintain naturally occurring affordable housing, or units that are available at cheaper rates without any government subsidy. That housing is often older and in need of repair, making it a target for redevelopment that can bring more costly and luxury-oriented units to the market while pushing out original residents.
Modeled after similar programs that have seen success in Dallas and other major cities, Austin's new housing preservation fund could offer financial support to property owners in exchange for a commitment to keep housing costs low. The fund will also be opened to investments from outside entities to quickly expand on an initial city investment, likely totaling several million dollars.
Fewer Southwest Austin, Dripping Springs homes sold in August 2025
Fewer homes sold in August 2025 compared to August 2024 in the Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs market, according to Unlock MLS data.
The details: In six of the markets' eight ZIP codes, home sales declined year over year in August.
In August 2025, a plurality of homes sold in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs were in the $300,000 to $499,999 price range. The median home price for the market was $588,000. This is a 5.92% decline from last year. Homes spent an average of 44 days on the market, compared to 46 days last August.
Spero Rehab will offer physical therapy in Dripping Springs
Spero Rehab is opening soon in Dripping Springs.
The details: The Spero Rehab team will offer outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy to treat a range of orthopedic and neurological conditions. The team has a particular focus on neurological rehabilitation, post-amputation prosthetic gait training and hands-on manual therapy.
Senior physical therapist Sarah King said residents “can expect a personalized, one-on-one recovery program delivered by a therapy team committed to improving their mobility, function, and quality of life,” in an email to Community Impact.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
