October 12, 2026 Newsletter
October 12, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 41
Highlights:
* P&Z approves infill apartments with split vote.
* City council to discuss a possible MISD resolution during work session.
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:
Monday, October 12: Columbus Day. Post Office and banks are closed.
Tuesday, October 13: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, October 14: AISD Board closed meeting (Team Building work session), AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm.
Thursday, October 15: District 1 Town Hall, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Monday, October 19: Start of Early voting for the Mid-Term Elections.
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)
Thursday, October 22: Mayor Town Hall on environmental issues, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Tuesday, October 27: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Friday, October 30: End of Early Voting for Mid-Term Elections.
Saturday, October 31: Electronic Recycling and Shredding Event, Southeast corner of Cooper and Mitchell, 8:00am – 2:00pm.
Saturday, October 31: Halloween.
Tuesday, November 3: Mid-Term Elections Election Day, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 5: 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, November 18: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council will meet this Tuesday, October 13, for a full slate of meetings. The first committee meeting is at 11:30am. The afternoon meeting starts at 1:15pm and goes into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon meeting will start no sooner than 3:30pm. The evening meeting begins at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The Municipal Policy Committee is scheduled to meet for 30 minutes at 11:30am (presentation1 , presentation2 , policy). They will discuss honorary naming opportunities.
The Economic Development Committee is to meet at 12:15 for 30 minutes (presentation , policy), but only half the meeting is open. The open meeting is to discuss the tax abatement policy update, while in closed/executive session they will discuss offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee, Arlington Housing Finance Corporation, will meet at 12:30pm (agenda). They are to consider approving the adoption of updated rules for public comment and a resolution amending the regulatory agreement of Center Place agreement.
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting begins at 1:15pm and goes into executive session to discuss:
1. legal discussion regarding storm water maintenance,
2. legal discussion Regarding Federal Grant Compliance,
3. the possible purchase of property located in the Milby Addition, Lot 3A,
4. the possible purchase of a right-of-way in the WD Lacy Addition Block CP,
5. the Possible Purchase of Approximately 14.2 Acres in the WM D Lacy Survey Abstract 929 Tract 5C,
6. the possible purchase of approximately 18.5 acres in the Robert R. Ramey Survey Abstract 1341 Tracts 32A02A and 32A02A3, and
7. Offers of incentives to business prospects.
The open portion of the meeting will start no sooner than 3:30pm and includes one work session item, one informal staff report, committee meetings, evening agenda items, MISD single-member district resolution, downtown parking, external committee reports, and future agenda items.
The one work session item is enhanced mobility (presentation , chart).
The one informal staff report supplies various reports regarding flood plains and losses (staff report , Floodplain Program for Public Information Plan (PPI) , Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plan (RLAA) , Substantial Damage Management Plan (SDP)).
The MISD single-member district resolution. Former MISD trustee Raul Gonzalez asked for this item and stated this hurts Arlington. City of Arlington makes up a great portion of MISD students [I believe over half]. Jacob Sanchez of the Arlington Report has an article on some of this issue at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/10/06/mansfield-isd-may-change-how-trustees-are-elected-residents-are-asking-why/ .
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting includes minutes, 19 consent agenda items, two zoning case public hearings, and an ordinance for youth programs standards of care.
Consent agenda item 7.15 is to approve the request for proposal (RFP) method for the demolition, abatement, and site preparation for 1220 W. Division (staff report).
Consent agenda item 7.19 is for the approval of a contract with Wade Funeral Home for the operation of the Arlington Cemetery (staff report).
The first public hearing is for approval of a garage conversion, PD26-15, at 6203 Tempest (staff report).
The second public hearing is for approval of light industrial with auto garage, major zoning, PD26-10, at 7201/7205 U.S. Hwy 287 Business (staff report).
The ordinance for youth program standards of care (staff report) should not take long.
Council Leftovers
The gigantic downtown development was approved by the council on August 25. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article. In that article he was unable to obtain comments from the developer or the council member of the district. [Commentary: What upsets me was the fact this was a gigantic project with a large amount of taxpayers' funds but was ONLY on the consent agenda and got ZERO discussion at the evening meeting. The explanation given was the city's portion was less than the TIRZ's portion (both were large), yet this article states the amounts differently.] That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/27/new-multiuse-development-in-downtown-arlington-shaping-up-as-council-gives-nod-to-incentives/ . The City's story on its website is at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2026/September/Downtown-Arlington-to-Welcome-Transformative-Mixed-Use-Development .
Homeless Housing
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/ .
The latest we have found out is the ten residents are receiving [federal HUD dollars] assistance with their relocation, with the last one to be relocated in the near future. At that point the plans are for having the building demolished.
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the date of the next EDC Board meeting.
Upcoming Public Hearings
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.
On Tuesday, October 13, the city council 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.
On Wednesday, October 21, 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).
On Wednesday, October 21, 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 27, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-13, at 500 E. Abram Street. They wish for a specific use permit for a banquet hall.
On Tuesday, October 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-07, 1630 S. Pecan Street, to change from MF-22 (apartments) to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 2.575 acres.
On Wednesday, November 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-19, 1801 E. Arkansas Lane, to change from MF-22 (apartments) to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 13.150 acres.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z met this past Wednesday, October 7. The agenda included continuing one zoning case public hearing (PD26-09) until October 21 and hearing two other zoning case public hearings. The meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5554?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(0:22) Start of meeting.
(4:29) PD26-09 continuation was approved 8-0.
(5:08) The second public hearing that was to be heard, but was not, was PD2619 (1801 E. Arkansas Lane) for a planned development MF-22 (staff report). They wish for 336 units on 13.15 acres. The gas well will need to go through a post-production inspection. There are five deviations from the UDC. They approved a continuation to November 18, 8-0.
(6:13) The first public hearing heard was PD26-07 (1630 S. Pecan Street) for a planned development MF-22 (staff report). They wish for 94 units on the 2.575 acres with three deviations from the Unified Development Code (UDC). About 51:18 started the three opposition speakers. It was approved, 5-2.
AISD School Board
The board met this past Tuesday, October 6. The agenda can be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=764952 . The board meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNQd5Nvi0Ng . Board Member Haynes was not present.
They went into executive session for discussions of personnel and pending and potential litigation.
(0:00) The open session agenda included recognitions, open forum for agenda items, three committee and staff reports, the consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and the end-of-meeting reports.
(15:05) Open forum for non-agenda items. There were three speakers who spoke on the safety concerns and problems at the transportation department. The other speaker was a TAD board candidate. The fifth speaker was not there yet, and is also a TAD board candidate.
The three committee and staff reports were:
(29:54) 1. Board Committee Report. No one reported anything.
(30:55) 2. Curriculum Audit Progress Report (presentation). About 44:25 it was opened to the board.
(1:03:00) 3. Teacher Incentive Allotment Report (presentation). 23 campuses are participating. About 1:10:50 it was opened to the board.
(1:15:53) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 6-0.
(1:16:42) Open forum for non-agenda items – part 2. This speaker was a TAD Board candidate.
(1:20:38) End-of-meeting reports.
Board Member Larry Mike's Board Review of the meeting may be found at: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/watch-board-brief-from-school-board-meeting-on-oct-6-2026/ .
The board will meet this Wednesday for a closed/executive session for training (agenda). You are not invited. This workshop may be in closed meeting as it will involve the deliberation of official and employee duties (Texas Government Code section 551.074).
South Davis $65 Million School
Voters approved $65 million for the rebuilding 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/ .
Student Enrollment Dropping
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
Town Halls by Mayor
The mayor will be hosting many town hall meetings sparsely spread out over several months. There is an article by Chris Moss of the Arlington Report at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/23/arlington-to-host-town-halls-on-pressing-city-issues/ .
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.. - sarah.mcmurrough@arlingtonisd.org
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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