Williamson County, Texas

Williamson County, Texas, will conduct a countywide study evaluating the safety of school crosswalks, officials announced. Led by County Engineer Adam Boatright, the study aims to identify county roads needing safety improvements and support efforts to secure additional state and federal funding. County Judge Steve Snell cited the county's growth as a reason to prioritize safer routes for children walking and biking to school.

The study follows a $20 million federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awarded in 2025, which funded thousands of signal backplates, flashing beacons, speed feedback signs, sidewalks, and intersection upgrades. The new crosswalk study is expected to be completed by summer 2027.

Gerald Prater, a candidate for Leander ISD's Place 1 board seat, died on Sept. 28, raising questions about Texas election procedure. Under state law, a certified candidate's name generally remains on the ballot after death unless removed well before the election, and votes cast for them still count. Prater's name will stay on the Nov. 3 ballot against opponent Serenity Coates. A similar situation exists in Brazoria County, where a sitting justice of the peace remains on the ballot; if he wins, commissioners would appoint a replacement. If Prater's seat becomes vacant, Leander ISD's board can appoint a replacement or call a special election in May.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced she will not seek reelection in April, citing escalating threats, harassment and safety concerns for herself and her family. The decision follows months of tension stemming from a police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the forced clearing of a protest encampment, and the Common Council's firing of Independent Police Monitor Aeramique Glass after a contentious meeting. Rhodes-Conway, in office since 2019, pointed to broader political polarization and social media as drivers of the hostility directed at public officials.

Eight candidates have filed to run for mayor, sending the race to a February primary and an April general election. Rhodes-Conway said she will not endorse a successor and plans to spend her remaining term advancing projects including bringing Amtrak service to Madison.

Incumbent Republican Steven Snell and Democratic challenger Heather Jefts are competing for Williamson County judge, a role overseeing county operations, budget, emergency response and policy. Snell, appointed in March 2025 after Bill Gravell left for the Trump administration, points to his record managing growth as a former school superintendent and favors the proposed justice complex site near Georgetown for its operational advantages. Jefts, a former Cedar Park council member, calls for more public input, opposes the justice complex's current location over proximity to schools and neighborhoods, and wants faster progress on a county medical examiner's office, including hiring a chief examiner immediately. Snell cites accreditation needs and a possible regional partnership with Travis County. Early voting runs Oct. 19–30; Election Day is Nov. 3.

Williamson County, Texas, has secured $7 million in federal funding to build a new road connecting FM 3349 to SH 95 south of Taylor. The project, known as Corridor A2, is intended to improve safety, ease congestion and strengthen east-west connectivity while offering an alternative route for freight traffic currently using U.S. 79.

County Judge Steve Snell said the investment reflects the need to plan ahead for transportation demands as the county's population and business base continue to expand. U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions helped secure the funding, framing it as part of a broader effort to prepare the county's infrastructure for future growth, support job creation and keep communities connected.