January: 8 large projects underway as Cedar Park, Leander prioritize commercial development
Leaders in Cedar Park and Leander are shifting their focus to recruit commercial development as several large, destination-style mixed-use projects are in the works.
This move comes as both cities attempt to balance residential and commercial development.
February: Lower prices, more stock: Housing market cools in Leander, Cedar Park
After an overactive market and buying frenzy last year, home prices in Cedar Park and Leander—which have been on a steady rise since early 2021—dipped toward the tail end of 2022.
Local experts attribute the rapid change to the housing market stabilizing—interest and mortgage rates have risen, causing lower prices and increased inventory.
March: 2 systems, 1 problem: Williamson County corrections, juvenile justice systems navigate shortages
Williamson County is facing a shortage of adult corrections officers and juvenile supervision officers, forcing staff to work overtime, preventing youth from receiving individualized care and leaving officials searching for solutions.
April: A bond on the ballot: Leander ISD community to vote on $763M proposal funding facilities, technology
Registered voters within Leander ISD will vote on a $762.82 million bond package May 6 as the district hopes to acquire funding for new facilities, technology and infrastructure, and renovations to two performing arts centers.
April: Future RM 620 expansion in Cedar Park, Austin to relieve congestion, displace businesses
Plush Fabric Home Interiors could be facing its second relocation, this time around due to the Texas Department of Transportation’s upcoming RM 620 expansion project, and owner Sydney McCann is hoping small businesses are treated fairly.
Over the next several years, TxDOT is proposing to expand the RM 620 corridor, stretching from US 183 to the Colorado River Bridge near the Mansfield Dam, potentially wiping out several businesses along the way.
May: 183A Toll extension through Leander, Liberty Hill hits halfway mark; aims to offer faster commute
Construction on the 183A Toll extension through northern Leander to Liberty Hill is about 53% completed as of mid-April, and the project’s aim is to provide congestion relief in the area.
Stretching from Hero Way in Leander to Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill, the 5.3-mile extension will be built within the US 183 median between two existing frontage roads. It will consist of two tolled southbound and northbound lanes as well as a 7-mile, 10-foot shared-use path. Work on the $259 million project began in 2021, and it is on time to reach completion in 2025.
June: Leander readies for first hospital in 2025; Liberty Hill addresses health care scarcity
Like many others in the area, Liberty Hill resident Kim Jackson Sanders receives medical care from Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.
However, as the Leander and Liberty Hill areas continue to grow, commute times have also increased, causing residents to hope for closer hospital and health care options.
July: Developers target Hwy. 29 from Liberty Hill to Georgetown for thousands of homes
From Georgetown to Liberty Hill, thousands of homes now stand on what was once a bare corridor along Hwy. 29.
The stretch of road encompasses three school districts and includes Santa Rita Ranch, one of the largest neighborhoods, which could bring 7,753 homes to the area once fully built out. Other sizable subdivisions are under construction or planned.
August: Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD navigate shortages in auxiliary staff
While teachers have been in short supply throughout Texas in recent years, area school districts are facing shortages in bus drivers, custodial staff, maintenance workers and child nutritionists—the behind-the-scenes positions needed to keep campuses afloat.
Both Leander and Liberty Hill ISDs are experiencing auxiliary worker shortages, forcing the districts to adapt and make do with the staff they do have so programs and services are not interrupted.
September: Leander, Liberty Hill work to secure water supply amid drought
Central Texas was hit with a double threat this summer: record-breaking high heat and little rainfall. The region has seen temperatures over 100 degrees nearly every day since July 8, causing increased evaporation of local water reservoirs, dried-out soil and increased wildfire risk.
Lakes Travis and Buchanan collectively dipped to 44% capacity in August, the lowest they’ve been since 2013, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. Other regional water sources, including the Edwards Aquifer, Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake, are similarly low.
October: $884M Williamson County bond would fund trails, roads
Braon Moseley described walking the trails at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park as his—and his dog, Bear’s—“happy place.”
The park’s trails could be added to if voters choose to support Williamson County’s Proposition B during the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
That is part of the county’s overall vision to increase connectivity. But the bond doesn’t just propose to increase mobility for walkers, hikers and bikers: Proposition A would fund more than 38 transportation projects, adding new and expanding roads throughout the county to better serve its growing population, officials said.
November: Master plan looks to re-envision Old Town Leander area by investing in businesses; adding parking, infrastructure
Leander officials said they are looking forward to Old Town blossoming into a lively, walkable downtown district over the next several years under the recently approved Old Town Master Plan.
December: Liberty Hill Public Library seeks larger space
Amber Lundell and her children regularly visit the Liberty Hill Public Library to check out books and attend events. It’s the librarians’ kindness and the children’s activities that keep them coming back once a week, she said. However, the library has been unable to meet all of its patrons’ needs due to a lack of space, Library Director Angela Palmer said.
