Austin, December 12, 2025
The Austin City Council has greenlit a $5.5 million incentive package to aid the expansion of Southwest Airlines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This initiative is anticipated to generate 2,000 new jobs over five years and significantly boost local tax revenues. Moreover, Southwest Airlines commits to contributing 10% of the award to the city’s Childcare Assistance Reserve Fund, reflecting a commitment to community support alongside economic growth.
Austin, Texas – December 12, 2025
City Approves $5.5 Million Incentive for Southwest Airlines Expansion
The Austin City Council has approved a $5.5 million economic development agreement to support Southwest Airlines’ expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This initiative is expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs over the next five years, with Southwest receiving $2,750 per Austin-based hire. The expansion is projected to generate $19.8 million in new local tax revenue and an additional 5,100 indirect jobs in related sectors. Southwest will also contribute 10% of its award to the city’s Childcare Assistance Reserve Fund.
Texas Achieves Milestone in Solar Energy Production
In a significant clean energy milestone, Texas is on track to generate more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time ever in 2025. From January to November, the state produced 2.64 million megawatt hours (MWh) from solar sources, surpassing coal’s 2.44 million MWh. This shift highlights Texas’ rapid solar expansion, with installed capacity increasing by 24% from 2024 and overall solar output rising by 42% year-over-year.
Fireball Meteor Illuminates Texas Skies
Early Wednesday morning, a brilliant fireball meteor was visible across Texas, with nearly 200 reports received by the American Meteor Society. The meteor, brighter than Venus, was observed from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. Astronomers suggest it may be connected to the Geminid meteor shower, which is expected to peak later this week.
Icon Unveils First 3D-Printed Model Home in Lakefront Community
Austin-based company Icon has unveiled its first 3D-printed model home at The Canyon Club, a luxury lakefront resort community located about 45 minutes northwest of Austin. This project marks another step in Icon’s foray into 3D-printed housing, following their previous developments in the Mueller neighborhood. The Canyon Club community spans 60 acres along Lake Travis and will include a total of 25 homes—five of which are being constructed using Icon’s advanced 3D printing technology.
Unique Jazz Performance of “The Nutcracker” Scheduled in Austin
A special one-night-only performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz rendition of “The Nutcracker” is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Austin. This event marks the debut performance for the Capital Contemporary Ballet and a major milestone for the ATX Jazz Orchestra. The performance will blend jazz and swing styles with contemporary ballet, showcasing professional musicians and dancers, as well as emerging talent from Huston-Tillotson University’s jazz program.
Decline in Austin Home Values Reported
A recent Zillow analysis highlights a significant decline in Austin home values, marking a dramatic shift from the city’s pandemic-era housing boom. Over the past year, 89.5% of metro Austin homes lost value, the highest percentage on record since at least 2012 and second only to Denver nationwide. On average, Austin home values have dropped 20.5% since their peak during the pandemic, the steepest decline among major U.S. metros.
Texas Longhorns Secure Victory Over Southern University
Matas Vokietaitis scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Texas Longhorns to a convincing 95-69 win over Southern University. Texas, now with a 7-3 record, rebounded from its worst loss of the season with a dominant performance in Austin. The Longhorns established a 19-point halftime lead and extended it to 30 in the second half before easing off. Vokietaitis was highly efficient, going 7-for-10 from the field and perfect on all 14 free throws, surpassing his previous best of 21 points.
Texas Skies Illuminated by Fireball Meteors Early Wednesday
Texas night owls were in for a treat after an overnight meteor shower dazzled the Lone Star State. The American Meteor Society received nearly 200 reports of a fireball meteor visible in the skies over the U.S. during the early morning hours on Wednesday, December 10, with sightings in Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Fireballs are defined as a very bright meteor that often match or surpass the magnitude and brightness of Venus and are typically spotted in the morning or evening skies.
City Leaders Back Incentives for Southwest Expansion at Austin Airport
City leaders signed off on an economic development agreement with Southwest Airlines as the airline considers expansion at Austin’s airport. The agreement includes incentives to support Southwest’s expansion, which would serve travelers through more staffing, and gate and aircraft availability to improve reliability and reduce disruptions. The expansion is projected to generate more than $800 million in local gross domestic product, nearly $750 million in local earnings, and $19.8 million in total annual tax revenue.
Tesla to Ramp Up Robotaxi Deployment in Austin
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company would be removing safety monitors from Robotaxis in Austin in about three weeks. This would meet Musk’s timeline from earlier this year, as he has said on several occasions that Tesla Robotaxis would have no supervision in Austin by the end of 2025.
Waterline Tower Nears Completion in Austin
Waterline is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Austin, Texas, United States. Standing at 1,025 feet tall, it will be a mixed-use building with residential, office, and hotel space. Upon topping out in August 2025, it became the tallest building in Austin and the tallest building in Texas as well as the tallest building in the Southern United States. Waterline is expected to be completed in 2026.
Austin FC Prepares for 2026 Season
Austin FC is making roster decisions as they build towards the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The club signed Ilie Sánchez to a new contract for the 2026 season with a one-year option. With these decisions, Austin is left with two open slots on the senior roster as they build for the 2026 Major League Soccer season.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery Reopens Near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
HOPE Outdoor Gallery, a graffiti park, reopened in November 2025 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 741 Dalton Lane. The organization behind HOPE Outdoor Gallery is Helping Other People Everywhere (HOPE), a 501(c)(3) organization since 2009. The idea for HOPE was born in 2006, and the organization has been a beneficiary of various initiatives over the years.
Austin History Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Austin History Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. As of 2008, it houses thousands of documents, photographs, maps, artifacts, and personal histories. It features special exhibits and speakers on a regular basis. The historic library building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 6, 1993. A Texas Historical Commission marker placed in front of the library identifies it as a Texas Historic Landmark recorded in 1993. In 2025, the Austin History Center moved into the former John Henry Faulk Central Library building. A grand reopening ceremony was held on December 7th, 2025.
Key Takeaways: The Future of Austin’s Economic Landscape
Austin’s economic landscape is buzzing with optimism as new ventures and significant expansions take place across various sectors. The local approval of Southwest Airlines’ expansion brings in potential job creation and increased tax revenues essential for community growth. The city’s continued shift toward renewable energy, seen in the solar milestone, positions Austin as a frontrunner in sustainable practices, while new technologies like 3D-printing are paving the way for innovative housing solutions. As the city faces current challenges in housing markets, support for local businesses and engagement in economic development remains pivotal for resilience and growth. It’s crucial for community members to rally behind these initiatives and support local entrepreneurs to secure a thriving future.
FAQ
What is the economic development agreement approved for Southwest Airlines?
The Austin City Council has approved a $5.5 million economic development agreement to support Southwest Airlines’ expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
How many jobs is the Southwest Airlines expansion expected to create?
The expansion is expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs over the next five years.
What recent milestone has Texas achieved in solar energy production?
Texas is on track to generate more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time ever in 2025.
What was the percentage decline in Austin home values over the past year?
On average, Austin home values have dropped 20.5% since their peak during the pandemic.
What is the height of the Waterline skyscraper being constructed in Austin?
Waterline is a supertall skyscraper standing at 1,025 feet tall, making it the tallest building in Austin and Texas.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines Expansion | $5.5 million incentive, up to 2,000 jobs, $19.8 million in local tax revenue. |
| Solar Energy Production | Surpassing coal for the first time in 2025, with 2.64 million MWh produced. |
| Austin Home Values | Declined by 20.5% over the past year, with 89.5% of homes losing value. |
| Waterline Skyscraper | 1,025 feet tall, mixed-use, tallest building in Austin and Texas. |
| HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Reopened in November 2025 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
