There are plenty of ways to get involved with the Northwest Austin community this week, from attending a budget public hearing and eating lunch with the West Austin Chamber of Commerce. See what other announcements Northwest Austin residents need to know this week:

1. City Council holds budget public hearing this Thursday

City Council holds two public hearings in August. The public is invited to testify to the council during these hearings, which will occur in City Council chambers at City Hall at 4 p.m. You can watch the meetings live online or on the ATXN archive. ATXN is also available live on select cable providers. Residents have another chance to share their feedback on Aug. 31.

2. Sonic celebrates 40th anniversary this week with daily promotions and specials

In August 1977, Jerry and Denise Conway opened their first Sonic Drive-In on Cameron Road in Austin. This week, Conway’s drive-ins will host a weeklong celebration for the community starting Aug. 14 with daily promotions and specials, including:
  • Mon: $.40 Mini SONIC Single Flavor Slushes
  • Tues: $.40 Mozzarella Sticks
  • Wed: $.40 Corn Dogs
  • Thurs: $.40 Mini Chili Pie
  • Fri: $.40 Mini Cherry Limeade
  • Sat: $.40 Ice Cream Cones and Mini Root Beer Floats; $4 All-American or Chili Cheese 6-inch Hot Dog Combos
There are five Sonic locations in Northwest Austin:
  • 11506 N. FM 620, Austin
  • 6816 McNeil Road, Austin
  • 11881 Jollyville Road, Austin
  • 12453 Lamplight Village Ave., Austin
  • 7708 N. Burnet Road, Austin

3. Residents can now search for 2016 mobility bond projects with this new interactive website

The site, available at http://capitalprojects.austintexas.gov/projects, allows users to search for projects included in the $720 million transportation bond approved by voters in November. Projects are broken into three categories for regional, corridor or local mobility, but users can also look up projects based on City Council district, status and project type, such as urban trails, sidewalks and Safe Routes to School. Read coverage about other 2016 mobility bond project updates.

4. West Austin Chamber of Commerce hosts its August 2017 luncheon this Thursday

The chamber’s luncheon will feature speaker Joe Elliott, founder of the Catalyst Collective, discussing how to work with millennials in the workplace and set them up for success. The luncheon is held at River Place Country Club, 4207 River Place Blvd., Austin, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch costs $25 for members and $35 for future members. http://fourpointschamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/august-2017-luncheon-the-millennial-talk-3910 [caption id="attachment_264701" align="alignright" width="460"] Updated medians in Anderson Mill.[/caption]

5. Updated medians in Anderson Mill were completed in July

Residents in the Anderson Mill neighborhood may have noticed the medians located at the intersection of Lake Creek Parkway and School House Lane look a little different. The project removed grass from the medians and installed native plants topped with granite gravel. The neighborhood worked with the city’s Neighborhood Partnering Program to complete the project.

6. North Austin Civic Association meets Thursday

The meeting occurs takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Austin YMCA at 1000 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin. The meeting will go over efforts to secure open container ordinances in the area and updates on other neighborhood initiatives. Ice cream will be provided at the end of the meeting. The association encourages members to invite their neighbors. www.facebook.com/events/1402946193146371

7. Northwest Austin residents Joel and Joanna Fried open new restaurant 

The Frieds opened Eldorado Cafe on Aug. 8 at 3300 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. A total of 41 residents invested inthe cafe, and at least half of those investors live in North Austin. The cafe serves comfort Mexican food with a Cuban and Texan twist. The restaurant opens daily 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. except Mondays and serves breakfast until 3 p.m.