In the week following the July 4-5 floods that impacted Central Texas, including parts of Williamson and Travis County, Community Impact reported on evacuation notices, emergency response efforts and infrastructure updates. These stories have largely been omitted from this roundup. For updated information on the ongoing recovery process and ways to help, visit communityimpact.com.
1. Austin transportation commission proposes narrower lanes to improve safety, cut crashes
A resident transportation advisory body suggested tightening lane widths on some of the city's busiest roads, with the intent of reducing speeds and crashes along the corridors.
Members of the Urban Transportation Commission unanimously voted July 1 to lower Austin's recommended lane widths in the city's street design guidebook.
Read the full transportation update by Reporter Ben Thompson.
2. ‘Never seen that before’: Georgetown residents share flood stories
Uprooted trees, destroyed lamp posts and overturned mobile homes dot the Georgetown-area landscape July 7 following a deadly flood in Central Texas over the July 4 holiday weekend.
A few city residents told Community Impact what the catastrophic event was like.
Learn more about what community members are saying from Reporter Anna Maness.
3. Brown grass bill supported by Bee Cave, Lakeway passes
Legislation put forward by Lake Travis-area representatives aiming to prevent homeowners associations from charging fees for brown or unwatered lawns was passed this session, local officials shared.
Click to read the full story from Reporter Karoline Pfeil.
4. Austin ISD adopts $1.6B operating budget, makes $44M reductions to lower shortfall
Austin ISD has adopted a $1.58 billion operating budget with a $19.7 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025-26.
The district reduced its initial shortfall projection of $127 million after proposing $44 million in budget reduction strategies, including $9 million in additional state funding following the 2025 legislative session.
Check out the full budget breakdown by Reporter Chloe Young.
5. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant reopens in Buda after year-long renovations
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant will reopen in July after temporarily closing for renovations in June 2024.
Owner Curtis Garcia anticipated the closure to last for two to three months, according to previous Community Impact reporting. However, construction was delayed due to issues with the site plan for a desired expansion, according to Garcia.
Click to read the full Impact by Intern Katlynn Fox.
