Here are some news items to take note of this week if you live in or around Northwest Austin.

1. Austin ISD trustee resigns

Paul Saldaña, who has served as AISD's District 6 trustee for the past two and half years, announced his resignation Friday, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. District 6 straddles the Southwest and Southeast portions of AISD where a significant number of socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students reside. Saldaña will end his service at the board’s April 24 meeting.

2. Property appraisals rise in Travis, Williamson counties

County officials issued 2017 property valuations last week for Austin-area property owners. In Travis County, taxable property values increased from $155 billion to $180 billion, a 16 percent climb from 2016, according to preliminary information from the Travis Central Appraisal District. Williamson County values rose by roughly 8 percent.

3. AISD updates its Facility Master Plan

After months of planning and debate, AISD trustees voted, 6-3, on April 4 to approve updates to the district's Facility Master Plan, which outlines the current use and future modernization of the district's 130 schools. Some overcrowded schools in Northwest Austin may see relief. The updated plan includes construction of a new elementary school to relieve capacity-related issues at Doss and Hill elementary schools.

4. City Council "In-District Hours"

Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool's office will pilot an "In-District Hours" program this week at which one of Pool's staff members will be available to meet with constituents. The event is scheduled from noon-5 p.m. Friday at Summer Moon Coffee Bar at 11005 Burnet Road, Austin. Pool represents District 7, which covers portions of North Austin.

5. New Mobility Authority board member resigns

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority board got a new member last week following the March 26 resignation of John Miri, who was appointed by Williamson County commissioners in February. Miri's employment with the Lower Colorado River Authority prohibits him from serving as a Mobility Authority board member, according to the agency's enabling legislation. That fact was apparently unknown to the commissioners when they appointed Miri. On April 4, the commissioners appointed Cedar Park resident Mark Ayotte to take Miri's place.