November 2, 2026 Newsletter
November 2, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 44
Highlights:
* Tuesday is Election Day – the political ads are almost over.
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, 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.)
Tuesday, November 10: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day.
Wednesday, November 18: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm).
Thursday, November 19: 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.)
Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 27: City holiday.
Tuesday, December 8: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, October 27, for a full slate of meetings.
Committee Meetings
The Finance and Audit Committee met (presentation) to discuss the Audit Kick Off for FY26.
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee met (presentation1 , presentation2). They started in executive session then discussed single-family shared rental property and multi-family recycling. [Commentary: They are seriously looking into rental registration. So, to fix one issue, they are wishing to grow government and increase expenses multiple folds. And yet, they will be quick to say they are concerned about rising rental costs, while causing those rental rates to rise more.]
Afternoon Meeting
The agenda for the afternoon meeting may be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/ba5ced64853c315bef66865fe08e2d660.html . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5580?view_id=9&redirect=true . All council members were present.
(8:36) Start of meeting. They went into executive session. In executive session they were to discuss:
1. legal discussion regarding Texas Open Meetings Act,
2. the lease at 1200 Ballpark Way,
3. the possible purchase of property for city facilities,
4. the possible purchase of real property for affordable housing,
5. the performance reviews of council appointees, and
6. Offers of incentives to business prospects.
(2:30:47) They reconvened. The open portion of the agenda included three work session items, one informal staff report, committee meetings, a board appointment (list), evening agenda items, Texas Municipal League (TML) Board election, resolution of support for ICE detainee, council external committees, and future agenda items.
The three work session items:
(2:30:56) a. International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) (presentation).
(2:40:30) b. Data Center Ordinance Options (presentation).
(3:05:14) c. Transportation Services Update (presentation). About 3:20:40 it was opened to the council about Handi-tran. About 3:26:43 the On-demand service presentation started. About 3:42:45 it was opened to the council.
(4:01:12) The informal staff report was regarding Citywide Art Projects (staff report).
(4:03:09) Committee meetings.
(4:13:39) Evening agenda items.
(4:14:06) TML Board Election. One of the two candidates has alleged red flags. There were two Medicaid fraud charges in Johnson County, to which she reportedly pleaded no contest in 2017 after the charges were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. There was also a 2015 injury to a child case which had been dismissed.
According to AI: She has publicly disputed the allegations. According to reporting by KERA/Denton Record-Chronicle, she stated that:
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The child-injury case was dismissed.
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She pleaded no contest to the Medicaid-fraud charges because she could not afford to continue defending herself and maintained her innocence.
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She characterized the child-abuse allegations as false and connected to actions by an ex-husband and a law-enforcement officer.
There is a story on the Arlington vote in the Arlington Report by Lillie Davidson of KERA News at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/10/29/arlington-city-leaders-cast-vote-for-municipal-organization-leader-amid-concerns-about-incumbent/ .
(4:32:14) ICE detainee resolution. The mayor wanted more time to obtain information before discussing.
(4:32:56) Council external committees.
(4:42:38) Future agenda items.
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5578?view_id=9&redirect=true . All council members were present. The agenda contained a board appointment (list), minutes, 11 consent agenda items, two zoning public hearings, and two separated resolutions.
(20:47) Start of meeting. A board appointment and minutes were approved with two 9-0 votes.
(49:50) Consent agenda. Item 7.8 was pulled for separate consideration. Consent agenda item 7.8 was an item for $150,000 of city CVB funds (not general fund dollars) to the Arlington Museum of Art (staff report). The rest of the consent agenda was approved, 9-0. Item 7.8 was approved, 8-0-1, with Garcia-Damas abstaining.
(52:59) The first zoning case was SUP25-13 (500 E. Abram Street). They wish for a specific use permit for a banquet hall (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(56:11) The second zoning case was PD26-07 (1630 South Pecan Street). It was for a planned development apartment complex (staff report). There are two deviations, including density (36.5 units/acre). There is some neighborhood opposition. The applicant had requested a continuance until November 10. The continuance was approved, 9-0.
(57:23) The two separated resolutions were the $1,334,559 city and Economic Development Corporation deal with Hines DM Services as the master developer of the land in the Lamar Boulevard, North Collins Street, and Ryan Plaza Drive (staff report , agreement) and Texas Municipal League (TML) Board election (staff report). Both resolutions were approved, 9-0.
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article on economic development deal at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/10/27/grocery-store-to-anchor-major-development-for-prime-i-30-spot-near-arlingtons-entertainment-district-mayor-says/ .
(1:07:02) Citizen participation. There were no speakers registered.
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 use federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds to be used include $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, November 10, 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 Tuesday, November 10, the city council 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 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.
On Tuesday, December 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-18, 1400 Blue Danube, to change to a planned development (PD) for light industrial plus auto garage, major on 1.392 acres. If approved by P&Z, it would go to council on December 8.
On ???, 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).
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z met on Wednesday, October 21. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/d1612fcd8ccdc618b831616315960dcd0.html . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5570?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(7:54) The agenda had one zoning case to be continued and three others to be heard. PD26-16 at 511 North Davis Drive will be continued indefinitely. This was approved, 8-1.
(8:56) ZA26-04 at 5400 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive is for straight flex hybrid (FH) zoning within the airport district overlay on 5.322 acres (staff report). Commissioners appeared to oppose giving a straight zoning vs. a planned development. An indefinite continuation was granted, 9-0.
(28:06) PD26-09 at 2245 Carter Drive is for a planned development for multi-family-22 (MF-22) on 5.899 acres (staff report). They wish for 36 units on an old gas drilling site. The zoning currently is MF-22. There are three deviations. It was approved, 9-0.
(48:09) PD26-18 at 1400 Blue Danube is for a planned development light industrial plus auto garage, major on 1.392 acres (staff report). The plan was approved, 9-0.
AISD School Board
The board will meet this Thursday, November 5. The agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=772128 . The board will have a workshop on Marketing and Engagement at 4:30pm, then go into executive session for personnel and potential and pending litigation.
They hope to reconvene in open session at 6:30pm. That portion of the agenda has recognitions, open forum for agenda items, committee and staff reports, one discussion/action item (strategic plan for key indicators), one action item (legislative priorities), consent agenda items, open forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting reports.
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 $0.795400
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Eagle Mtn-Saginaw ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth 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
State of the City Address
The mayor gave the State of the City address this past Thursday. Farheen Choudhury of The Shorthorn has an article at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/arlington-mayor-highlights-achievements-plans-in-state-of-the-city-address/article_63ed93f8-3942-4f9e-b224-9c09b5ff26d5.html . A youtube recording of the event can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4467574553555878 .
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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