🌮 Leander, you’re spoiling us: Rent relief and drive-thru tacos?

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Today is September 11th. Each year, this date reminds us of the lives lost, the families changed forever, and the first responders who ran toward danger when the rest of the world stood still.

It also reminds us of how communities come together in the face of tragedy. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers became family. That spirit of unity is something worth carrying forward every day, not just on anniversaries.

As we go about our routines here in Leander, let’s take a moment to pause, honor, remember, and to keep that sense of connection alive in our own neighborhoods. ❤️‍🩹

👩‍👩‍👧 The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is back, and local kids are running the show (and the cash register).

🛍️ Over 40 kid-run booths with crafts, snacks, and creative goods
🙌 Parents stay hands-off while kids do the selling
📅 This Saturday only in Georgetown (Sept. 13)

👉 Tap HERE to support the next generation of local business stars!

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

The Gist: Austin rolled out its first unified city logo on Sept. 4 as part of a $1.1 million rebrand meant to replace more than 300 department marks. City leaders say the wavy blue and green “A” will create a consistent identity across services. Critics blasted the cost and design.

Why It Matters: A single brand can make city services easier to recognize, but the price tag and aesthetics are drawing scrutiny at a time of high public interest in core services and costs.

Details: The budget totals about $1,117,558, including roughly $200,000 for design, $640,000 for vendor work, and $115,000 for outreach. Officials say digital uses switch on Oct. 1, with uniforms, vehicles, and signage phased in over time to limit budget impact. Designers say the palette nods to Austin’s hills, rivers, bridges, and “violet crown” skies.

Read more here.

The Gist: Leander ISD has opened the Denise Geiger Compass Center, serving young adults ages 18–22 who qualify for special education services. The center features vocational spaces, an outdoor trail, and a full apartment to help students build independence. Next door, the new Linda Lippe Instructional Materials Center produces science kits for LISD elementary schools and offers work-based learning for Compass students.

Why It Matters: Funded by the 2023 bond, both centers expand opportunities for students with special needs while honoring two longtime LISD educators. Families can tour the Compass Center on select dates throughout the school year.

Read more here.

The Gist: Leander City Council approved a resolution Sept. 4 allowing the Housing Authority of Travis County and Cascade Homes to move forward with the Preserve at Mason Creek, a 64-unit affordable housing development on 7.7 acres near Horseshoe Drive. The project will feature three- and four-bedroom rental homes.

Why It Matters: As housing costs rise with job growth, the development is designed to support local workers and families who are being priced out. City leaders say it will help keep essential employees, like teachers and road crews, in the community.

Read more here.

River City Hope Street helps adults overcome poverty through faith-based workforce training and education, with volunteers playing a key role.

🥞 Provide breakfast or lunch for students
🎉 Help with graduations and celebrations
📚 Teach ESL, trades, citizenship, or career skills
🗂 Assist with admin, welcoming students, or sign-in

💛 Share your time and talents to brighten someone’s future.

For more details or to sign up, visit River City Hope Street.

For sushi that feels like an experience, Sushi to the Moon is a standout. Fresh fish and creative rolls arrive beautifully plated, from omakase surprises to melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. Tempura, katsu, and appetizers come crisp and perfectly balanced, while portions are generous without losing finesse.

The warm, attentive service (ask for Jasmine!) makes every visit even better. With its clean, modern vibe and a menu full of artistry, this is a neighborhood spot that truly shines.

More details here.

We’re stoked that Tacodeli has finally opened in Cedar Park! It’s long been an Austin favorite, and now we’ve got one right here. Plus, it’s the first location with a drive-thru. Perfect for a quick, mid-day taco run. Although you have to order on the app to be able to grab it from the drive thru, so plan ahead!

From breakfast staples like The Otto (black beans, double bacon, avocado, and jack cheese) to hearty picks like The Cowboy with beef tenderloin, roasted peppers, and queso fresco, the menu covers every craving. Open daily 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., they’ve got you covered morning through night. Are you excited for this one? Hit reply and let us know!

More details here.

🧹 Prime Cleaning | primecleaningtexas.com

Locally owned and trusted for residential and commercial cleaning in Austin and surrounding areas. Book online or get a free quote today. Click HERE.

✨ WE’RE HIRING: Veranda Bar & Restaurant Leander

Veranda is opening soon in Leander and now hiring bartenders, servers, and cooks to join the team. Learn more here.

✨ R3 Vitality | r3vitality.com

Mommy Makeover and Menopause Makeover specials through September. Text “Makeover” to 512-806-0460 for your free consultation.

Need to spread the word about your business or job opening (or really anything else)? Reach thousands of local readers - submit your FREE classified ad here.

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!