September 14, 2026 Newsletter
September 14, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 37
Highlights:
* The council approves (first reading) the same tax rate as last year.
* AISD approved their tax rate, higher than last year because of the voter approved bonds.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, September 15: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.) Second reading of the budget and tax rate.
Wednesday, September 16: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
Thursday, September 24: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Tuesday, September 29: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, October 6: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, October 7: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Tuesday, October 20: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, October 21: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, September 8, for a full slate of meetings. They approved the budget and tax rate (first reading). They will meet this Tuesday, September 15, for the second reading and other budget-related ordinances.
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee met and discussed the HUD CAPER report (30 minutes, presentation) and Single-Family Shared Rental Property (45 minutes, presentation). [some of the council members want to register rental properties and charge a fee] There was a large turnout for the single-family shared rental property; they needed to change rooms for the meeting. There will probably be a town hall meeting for citizen input.
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5538?view_id=9&redirect=true . All council members were present.
(17:31) Start of meeting. They went into executive session. The executive session agenda included:
1. Discussion of Legal Matters Relative to Rules for Public Comment and Decorum
2. Legal Discussion of Ricardo Ibarra, et. al. Claim
3. Discussion Regarding the Lease of City-Owned Property Located at 1200 Ballpark Way
4. Discussion Regarding the Possible Acquisition of Real Property at 505 West Abram Street
5. Offers of Incentives to Business Prospects
(2:53:03) They reconvened. The open portion of the afternoon meeting had an agenda that included two work session items, one informal staff report, committee meetings, evening agenda items, FY2027 budget, Tarrant County polling locations, external committee reports, and future agenda items.
The two work sessions were:
(2:54:37) 1. Arlington Housing Annual Report (presentation). This past year they had a budget approaching $56 million. They are projecting $60 million [the great majority is federal dollars] for FY27. About 2:59:35 they opened it up for council members.
(3:02:28) 2. Council Priority - Preserve Financial Stability and Resilience (presentation). About 3:08:14 they opened it up for council members.
(3:08:34) The one informal staff report was Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) (staff report , summary , report).
(3:08:59) Committee meetings.
(3:13:20) Evening agenda items. The mayor planned to pull/discuss consent agenda item 8.21. This was a revised development plan for a portion of the Viridian commercial piece.
(3:19:30) FY2027 budget. About 3:34:25 they opened it up for council members.
(3:55:54) Tarrant County polling locations. This was a very lively conversation. There will be a resolution on the September 29 agenda, which can be voted upon.
(4:31:34) External committees.
(4:36:55) Future agenda items.
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5539?view_id=9&redirect=true . The agenda included 25 consent agenda items, six public hearings, and four ordinances. All council members were present.
(17:14) Start of meeting.
(22:27) Consent agenda. The mayor pulled item 8.21 (revised Viridian development plan). Mr. Gonzalez pulled item 8.24 (modification to the Canales agreement). The rest of the consent agenda was approved, 9-0. Item 8.21, after a lengthy discussion, passed, 7-2, with Gonzalez and Garcia-Dumas opposed. Item 8.24 passed, 9-0. Then, there was one speaker on item 8.3, police soft body armor.
The six public hearings were:
(52:44) 1. Zoning Case PD91-09R1 (300 and 330 Loch N Green Trail) (staff report). There was one speaker in opposition. It was approved, 8-1, with Hunter opposed.
(1:06:27) 2. Updated Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) plan and assessment (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:07:54) 3. Updated Anthem Public Improvement District (PID) plan and assessment (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:08:53) 4. Updated Lamar Boulevard PID plan and assessment (staff report). There was one speaker in opposition. It was approved, 7-2, with Gonzalez and Pham opposed.
(1:13:22) 5. Updated Tourism PID plan and assessment (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:15:14) 6. Adoption of the 2027 budget (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:17:03) The four ordinances were: 1) levying taxes (staff report , ordinance), 2) amendments to the construction, electrical, and fire prevention chapters (staff report), 3) one-way street revisions (staff report), and 4) the new water and sewer rates (staff report). [Item 12.1, levying taxes was at the current rate of $0.6298 which is actually below the no new revenue rate. The city this year [finally] to help make up that difference will put the Cowboy's lease payment into the general [instead of sending it to the Convention and Visitor Bureau Fund]. An article by James Ward of the Shorthorn on the budget/tax rate can be found at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/arlington-city-council-approves-first-reading-for-2027-fiscal-year-operating-budget/article_9a836c53-2718-4e02-970b-6d2e527df6da.html .] [Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/10/arlington-city-council-gives-first-approval-to-2026-27-budget-property-tax-rate/ .]
(1:23:16) Citizen participation. There were three speakers.
This Week – September 15 meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm meeting can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/cbd3ecef3271164e704a5f8d49d97e240.html .
The consent agenda included 19 items. The agenda also included a resolution for a cost recovery policy.
Council Leftovers
The City of Arlington proposes a total project investment of an estimated $24,000,000, combining federal, state, local, and private resources for the acquisition and demolition of an existing two-story, 81,205-square-foot dilapidated motel structure at 1220 W. Division Street built in 1965 and comprised of 72 rooms. So far, they have determined they will federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds use approximately $3,850,000 in included is $2.85 million of Arlington Housing Finance Corporation funds. Anyone's guess on the specifics of the rest of the funding?
Following demolition, the city intends to construct a new permanent supportive housing community consisting of a minimum of 70 units. The new development will provide safe, service-enriched housing for chronically homeless individuals, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The primary objective is to expand the supply of affordable, supportive housing and promote long-term housing stability for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
So, has anyone divided that out? $24,000,000 / 70 units = $342,857/unit [cost of a house???].
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article on the Arlington homelessness issue and the mention of this project by the mayor. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/21/arlington-to-boost-permanent-housing-for-homeless-as-feds-slash-funding/ .
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the date of the next EDC board meeting.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, September 16, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-15, at 6203 Tempest Drive. They wish to allow for a garage conversion on an RS-5 property. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on October 13.
On Wednesday, September 16, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-16, at 511 N. Davis Drive. They wish to change from RM-12 to a planned development (RM-12). If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on October 27.
On Wednesday, September 16, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP25-13, at 500 E. Abram Street. They wish for a specific use permit for a banquet hall. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on October 27.
On Tuesday, September 29, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP26-02, at 2401 Havenwood Drive. They wish for a secondary living unit on 0.215 acres.
On Tuesday, September 29, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-08, 7204 Mitchell Parkway, to change from residential estate (RE) to RE with an electricity utility substation on 10.560 acres.
On Wednesday, October 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-09, 2245 Carter Drive, to change to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 5.899 acres.
On Tuesday, October 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-10, 7201/7205 U.S. Business Highway 287, to change to a planned development (PD) for industrial including auto repair garage (major) on 2.195 acres.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet on Wednesday, September 16. The agenda for that meeting can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/aeeebee39544ee3bdfb537b3bcf5d8120.html . There are three zoning case public hearings to be heard.
The first public hearing is for case SUP25-13, 500 E. Abram Street (staff report). They wish to allow the specific use permit for a banquet hall.
The second public hearing is for case PD26-15, 6203 Tempest Drive (staff report). They wish to do a garage conversion.
The last public hearing is for case PD26-16, 511 N. Davis Drive (staff report). They wish to change zoning from RM-12 to a planned development for RM-12. They wish to construct a 3-unit, 3-story townhome behind an existing two-unit townhome. There are two deviations.
AISD School Board
The board met this past Thursday, September 10. That agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=760081 . All board members were present.
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel, potential and pending litigation, and board members’ duties and responsibilities.
They reconvened in open session. That portion of the agenda included recognitions, open forum for agenda items, appointments, four committee and staff reports, a public hearing on the tax rate, four action items, the consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items and end of meeting reports.
(26:30) Appointment. It was approved, 7-0.
Kyla Richardson – Assistant Principal Bailey JH
(30:05) Open Forum on agenda items. There were no speakers.
The four committee and staff reports included:
(30:30) 1. Governance Committee Report.
(31:44) 2. Priority update – priority campus identification and support report (presentation). They raised some “F”s to “D”s. Rodriguez Junior High scores the last four years [50, 56, 59, 69]. About 43:42 it was opened to the board.
(1:24:02) 3. Priority update – marketing plan report (presentation). Going through a new brand. The whole website will be overhauled [expected completion is late spring]. About 1:34:19 it was opened to the board.
(1:51:00) 4. 2027-32 District of Innovation Process Report (presentation). About 1:56:01 it was opened to the board.
(1:59:09) Public hearing on the tax rate. The rate is going up because of the voter approved bonds. Last year tax rate: $1.0929. This year’s tax rate: $1.0961. About 2:08:00 it was opened to the board.
The four action items included:
(2:29:15) 1. approval of the 2026-27 tax rate (taxpayer impact statement). The tax rate was approved [an increase from $1.0929 to $1.0961 because of the voter improved bonds], 7-0. [Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/12/arlington-isd-trustees-adopt-new-property-tax-rate-what-does-it-mean-for-your-bill/ .]
(2:30:56) 2. approval of the 2026-27 key progress measures (presentation). About 2:36:25 it was opened to the board. It was approved, 7-0.
(3:04:33) 3. approval of strategic plan key performance indicators (presentation). Staff is hoping to reduce several of the numbers. About 3:17:36 it was opened to the board. The board motion asked for more specific information on potential cuts. It was approved, 7-0.
(3:49:51) 4. approval of 2026-27 campus improvement plan performance objectives (presentation). It was approved, 7-0.
(3:53:47) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 7-0.
(3:54:35) Open Forum for non-agenda items. There were no speakers.
(3:55:07) End of meeting reports.
The board brief by Ms. Richardson can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2OQ5vGhBZc .
South Davis $65 Million School
Voters approved $65 million for the rebuild of South Davis Elementary. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article about what that will look like at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/03/inside-arlington-isds-65m-south-davis-elementary-rebuild-plans/ .
AISD Looking to Fill Citizen Boards
The AISD is looking to fill citizen board positions. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/20/new-resident-committees-will-look-to-arlington-isds-future/ .
Sixth Grade to Move to Junior Highs in 2027
Moving sixth grade to the junior highs was approved, 5-2, with Wilbanks and Fowler opposed (presentation). Bianca Rodriguez-Mora of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/18/arlington-isd-moves-6th-grade-to-junior-high-level-despite-parent-concerns/ .
Demographer's Findings
The school board had a workshop on Thursday, May 21 regarding the demographer's findings for the district. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/24/as-enrollment-declines-arlington-isd-leaders-signal-potential-school-closures/ .
Article on the STEM issue/cuts
It has been reported that the AISD leadership administration has met with staff telling them there will be cuts in positions because of the budget shortfall. That budget went into effect July 1. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/08/positions-eliminated-as-arlington-isd-reorganizes-to-address-9m-shortfall/ .
AISD saw a jump in their accountability scores because of their challenge of some of the STAAR testing results. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/09/arlington-isd-sees-2025-academic-accountability-bump-after-staar-appeal/ . Also an AISD article may be found at: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/updated-district-and-campus-accountability-ratings/ .
The AISD enrollment is expected to fall below 50,000 students at some point, maybe as early as the 2026-2027 school year. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has a story at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/03/arlington-isds-enrollment-projected-to-drop-below-50000-next-year/ .
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.802200
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
2. Lewisville ISD $0.786900
2. Mansfield ISD $0.786900
Teacher Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html [Arlington ISD easily pays the highest salaries, thus creating ISD inflation.] An article by Jacob Sanchez in the Fort Worth Report confirms that the Arlington ISD pays the highest salaries in Tarrant County [ https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/17/teachers-in-this-tarrant-county-school-district-earn-the-highest-salaries/ ].
OTHER NEWS
Gigantic Downtown Deal
On August 25 the Arlington City Council approved a gigantic deal in the consent agenda (with NO discussion). A realtor.com article explains some of the deal at: https://local.newsbreak.com/arlington-tx/4863260899461-trammell-crow-to-build-390-apartments-and-office-space-in-downtown-arlington .
Stadium Extension
[Commentary: Just because they believe it is legal to approve the stadium extension without the public voting, it is neither the correct nor transparent thing to do. If you talked about the finances with officials back in 2016, they would point to the ability to pay off the Cowboy bond early, giving them the ability to build the second stadium. They would also suggest that there would be a good chance bonds would be paid off before 2048.
I found it very interesting that in the city manager's own FY2027 budget presentation (8/25/2026, .pdf page 21, https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/services/legistar/download/pdf/4323582/Presentation_-_FY2027_Budget.pdf ), when speaking of the stadium debt issued, he specifically says, “Used For: The Construction of the Cowboys and Rangers' Stadiums”, not the BS being shoved down our throats.]
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council:
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = mauricio.galante
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = tom.ware
district 5 (central/east) = brittney.garcia-dumas
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = jason.shelton
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Mike .................. - larrymike.aisd@gmail.com
Wilbanks .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county, & city
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
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