It doesn’t get any better than spring in Austin, Texas, especially when you love getting out and about in Southwest Austin. And if you have children, you may be looking for family-friendly dining establishments at which to enjoy the beautiful weather and have a bite to eat. Look no further than our Kid-Friendly Dining Guide.

Spring is also a great time of year to attend ribbon cuttings, grand openings and search for new local businesses, which is all in a day’s work for a general manager of Community Impact Newspaper. At most of the events I attend the talk among the crowds is of growth and change in their neighborhoods. While excited at the prospect of becoming a patron of new local establishments, there is also concern regarding the pace and direction of development and what this means for affordability. Be sure to read the second story in our three-part series on affordability by reporter Chris Neely regarding density and housing in Austin.

Also on this month, editor Olivia Lueckemeyer breaks down Austin ISD’s updated Facility Master Plan and what the recommendations may mean for schools in South Austin. For a detailed look and community reactions, please read her story and be sure to follow along on our website for updates on these stories as well as daily news about topics that matter to you.