New citywide tourism district, funded through hotel room fees, nears industry approval “The aim of the new district would be to better market Austin as a destination for business travel and tourism, particularly during the period when the city is without a convention center. The Austin Convention Center is set to be demolished early next year, but its replacement won’t open until 2029.” (Sean Hemmersmeier, Austin Business Journal)

A change to Austin’s rules could lead to better soundproofing for homes near music venues “The Austin City Council on Thursday approved a change that requires developers to conduct a sound assessment before they build. The move is part of a 2018 resolution that aims to help entertainment venues, housing and businesses exist side-by-side.” (Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT 90.5)

City provides updates on financial, anti-displacement efforts related to HOME initiatives “The city has started to make a series of moves intended to make it easier for middle- and low-income residents to build accessory dwelling units and generate new income from properties that are now able to host more housing.” (Chad Swiatecki, Austin Monitor)

Texas needs 306,000 more homes to meet demand, experts say “Texas’ population growth has outpaced homebuilding since 2020, according to the state comptroller’s office, resulting in a widespread housing shortage. Up For Growth, a national housing policy organization, reported that Texas needs about 306,000 more homes to meet demand.” (Hannah Norton, Community Impact)

South Korean EV supplier Futronic USA aims to tap industry hotbed with Buda location “The company picked Buda as the location for the project following a search centered on Texas, because it needed to be near both Michigan and Mexico to deliver parts to clients, one of which is Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.” (Justin Sayers, Austin Business Journal)

Leander near completion on water tower, now restarting San Gabriel Parkway project “The City of Leander is planning to have the new water tower completed this year, paving the way to restart the San Gabriel Parkway project. When a city is growing over three times faster than expected, keeping up is not easy. ‘We didn’t go through a boom, we went through an explosion,’ said Tony Bettis, the Program Manager for Capital Improvements Program.” (Daranesha Herron, KVUE)

Budget analysts: Ending Texas property taxes would cost over $81B annually “State senators met at the Texas Capitol on Sept. 4 to consider further reducing Texas’ local property taxes. Lawmakers approved $18 billion in property tax cuts last summer.” (Hannah Norton, Community Impact)

Andrew Mukuba has made a name for himself since returning to Austin, but he didn’t have to. After starting at safety for three years at Clemson, Mukuba returned to his hometown to play for the Texas Longhorns in his senior year.

Mukuba has been known in the Austin football world since his high school days when he played for the LBJ Jaguars and coach Jahmal Fenner, the Director of High School Relations at Texas. During his career at Clemson, he recorded 149 tackles, one sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

He earned Freshman All-American honors due to his outstanding play, starting 10 games his freshman season. After three years at Clemson, he brought his talents back to Austin to play his final year for the Longhorns.

On Thursday, head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media and said Mukuba’s experience was just what he needed to fill the gaps left by players leaving in the transfer portal or to the NFL draft. In just two games in the burnt orange, his impact has already been felt.

Against Michigan, he had four tackles and one interception, lighting up any Michigan player who dared to run in his direction.

“We wanted to try to find an experienced safety,” Sarkisian said. “It just happened that an experienced safety from from Austin, from LBJ High School, from a really good program at Clemson got in the portal, and then, had some natural connections to him on our team. “

During his high school days, Mukuba trained with senior Jahdae Barron and junior Michael Taaffe, both standout defensive backs for the Longhorns. While his relationship with his teammates was not the deciding factor in coming back to Austin, it helped him fight right in.

Not only did Sarkisian praise Mukuba’s in-game abilities, but also his versatility and practice qualities. Mukuba not only played safety for the Tigers, but also the STAR position, adding more depth to Texas’ already strong defense.

“The thing I’ve learned about Andrew is he is a heck of a practice player, and he practices hard, he practices physical, but he practices smart,” Sarkisian said. “He stays off the ground, and his practice habits and his preparation habits carry over to the game, and that’s why he puts himself in really good positions in the game and it’s allowed him to make some of the plays that he’s made so far.”

Since Mukuba joined the Longhorns, his impact has been felt on the field. His experience playing college football at a high level has allowed him to rub off on his Texas teammates and improve many aspects of the Texas secondary.