The first project under a new Austin Energy program promoting solar panels on commercial properties is now complete, while the city moves forward on a separate plan to install solar at dozens of public buildings.

AE's Solar Standard Offer program incentivizes businesses and property owners to install their own solar panels or lease rooftop space to solar developers. In exchange, they're compensated by the utility based on energy generated by the new panels.

The first solar array developed under that program was completed this fall at a Northeast Austin business park, and officials gathered Dec. 3 to mark the project and its public benefits.

That update came as Austin works to launch its own solar installations at dozens of city-owned sites around town. That project, proposed this spring by City Council, must move forward by next summer or risk losing federal tax credits needed to make it financially viable.

Kyle residents may soon gain easier access to Hays County services, as the construction of a new administrative building is making progress.

Latest update: Hays County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with HDR Architecture for design services for the building, not to exceed $4.13 million, at a Dec. 2 meeting.

Breaking it down: The Eastside Campus will hold satellite offices for several county services, including:

• Hays County Health Department
• Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
• Office of Emergency Services
• Hays County Administrator's Office
• Hays County Sheriff's Office
• Veteran Services Office

The Austin Theatre Alliance, which oversees the Paramount and State theaters in downtown Austin, has launched a $65 million campaign to restore the 110-year-old Paramount and reimagine the 90-year-old State Theatre.

The details: Self-described as “the city’s most iconic cultural anchors,” the organization plans to update both venues to better serve today’s community and future generations.

The Paramount will close in June for its first full restoration in more than 50 years. The eight-to-nine-month project will add modern infrastructure, new seating, expanded restrooms and concessions, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, improved sound and lighting, and a long-planned upstairs lounge. The State Theatre will follow with a 13-to-16-month renovation featuring an art-deco-inspired interior, flexible seating for 500, a basement speakeasy, rooftop deck, and expanded concessions.

Quote of note: “Supporting the arts and what they represent, in terms of human achievement and community, is critical. The arts highlight humanity and they make us better,” said Duff Steward, chair of the Austin Theater Alliance.

The Old Settler’s Music Festival, an Americana and roots music festival, will return for its 39th year in Driftwood.

The details: In recent years, the festival took place in Dale, just south of Austin. Old Settler’s is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing American roots music, founded in 1987. On April 17-19, festivalgoers can expect:

• Recreational vehicle-friendly camping with shaded areas, toilets and access to Onion Creek
• Late-night campfire jams, family activities, and a blend of Americana, folk, bluegrass and roots music

• April 17-19
• $10-$199 (three-day admission), $49-$149 (early entry or VIP upgrades), $40-$1,199 (parking or camping upgrades)
• 18301 FM 1826, Driftwood

A dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Dec. 4. The new laws come 90 days after the end of a special legislative session that took place this summer.

The overview: Some of the bills becoming law Dec. 4 include:

• House Bill 8, which will replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, with three shorter exams beginning in fall 2027
• House Bill 18, which is designed to deter future legislators from leaving the Texas Capitol to prevent a legislative chamber from considering legislation, known as breaking quorum
• Senate Bill 54, which will roll back a short-lived rule that allowed registered Texas voters who moved within a county to update their address at the polls and immediately vote in their new precinct