The April 29 episode of The Austin Breakdown focuses on development trends in Central Texas cities and suburbs, from Round Rock to New Braunfels.

Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto revamp their downtowns

As the Austin metro grows, the suburbs of Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto are each in the midst of significant projects to revitalize their downtown areas. Through new business developments, city facilities, infrastructure and entertainment options, the cities are hoping to drive both residents and visitors to their core areas while maintaining local character.

Community Impact Newspaper Senior Editor Brian Rash weighs in on the cities' current development philosophies.

New Braunfels adjusts to growth

As the Austin metro expands to the north and San Antonio grows to the South, New Braunfels finds itself in the middle ground of what some demographers eventually think will form a metroplex, in the same vein as Dallas-Fort Worth.

Developments underway in New Braunfels reflect that growth. Like much of Central Texas, median home prices in the area have shot up over the past year by more than 23%, and expansive new housing projects and downtown revitalization projects are underway.

Also on this episode...

Austin sees success in its 9-1-1 mental health diversion program; Project Connect considers the scope of a new light rail bridge crossing Lady Bird Lake; Williamson County adds new courts; Chuy's celebrates a milestone anniversary and more.

The Austin Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major listening platforms. New episodes are released every Friday morning.