October 5, 2026 Newsletter
October 5, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 40
Highlights:
* The council to readdress the anti-discrimination ordinance.
* The council approves the $1 million to SiNaCa to move to Arlington.
* AISD School Board to meet Tuesday.
* P&Z has two PDs for apartments.
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, 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.)
Tuesday, October 6: National Night Out.
Wednesday, October 7: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
Tuesday, October 13: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, October 22: District 1 Town Hall, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
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.)
Saturday, October 31: Electronic Recycling and Shreading Event, Southeast corner of Cooper and Mitchell, 8:00am – 2:00pm.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, September 29, for a full slate of meetings.
The mayor announced that they would be reconsidering the anti-discrimination ordinance. They approved the $1,000,000 SiNaCa deal.
Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee met to discuss C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) then went into executive session for offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee, Arlington Housing Finance Corporation, met to consider and approved an amendment to the Center Place agreement (no information given) and possibly changing the management at that location.
Afternoon Meeting
The council meeting can be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5551?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council Member Hogg was not present.
(10:33) Start of meeting. They went into executive session to discuss possible sale/lease/etc., of real property at 1707 and 1708 New York Avenue and offers of incentives to business prospects.
(2:01:10) They reconvened. The open portion of the agenda had four work session items, four informal staff reports, and discussions of committee meetings, appointments (list), evening agenda items, external committee report, and future agenda items.
The four work session items:
(2:01:16) 1. FIFA World Cup final review (presentation). It was opened to the council at 2:51:35. James Hartley has an article in the Arlington Report at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/30/world-cup-brought-nearly-30-more-sales-tax-to-arlington-though-most-money-was-spent-around-stadium/ .
(3:00:34) 2. Erosion Policy review (presentation). About 3:12:59 it was opened to the council.
(3:37:16) 3. Opportunity Zones update (presentation). About 3:50:20 it was opened to the council.
(4:00:31) 4. Strengthening Our Communities (presentation). About 4:09:00 it was opened to the council.
(4:12:37) The four informal staff reports:
1. Call for 2027 Matching Neighborhood Grant (staff report).
2. combating human trafficking efforts (staff report , flyer).
3. Data Center Background Information (staff report). The mayor and staff claim there is a gap in the current Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding data centers. That will probably be a future agenda item.
4. Arlington Film Incentive Program (staff report , EDC resolution).
(4:22:23) Committee reports.
(4:25:16) Appointments.
(4:25:28) Evening agenda items.
(4:42:01) External committee reports.
(4:46:05) Future agenda items. The mayor will be putting the anti-discrimination ordinance back as a future agenda item.
Evening Meeting
The September 29 meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5552?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council Member Hogg was not present.
(17:39) Start of meeting. The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting included appointments (list), 34 consent agenda items, two zoning case public hearings, and a $1,000,000 corporate welfare deal resolution. Both the appointments and minutes passed with 8-0 votes.
(30:08) Consent agenda. The consent agenda had several items of interest. Item 7.19 was pulled for separate consideration. There was one speaker in support of 7.18 (staff report , resolution) about the public comment rules [I did not see any differences]. There were three speakers in support of 7.22 and 7.23 (the contracts for collecting delinquent taxes). There was one speaker in opposition of 7.22 and 7.23. The rest of the consent agenda was approved, 8-0.
Item 7.19 (staff report , resolution) was pulled for separate consideration. This is the resolution to the county regarding the number of polling locations. [Chris Moss of the Arlington Report had an article a few weeks back that this vote was coming: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/10/arlington-resolution-on-reduced-polling-sites-in-tarrant-will-go-to-vote-in-late-september/ .] Dr. Shelton analyzed two sets of maps. The race maps increased the “black” polls percentage and decreases the “white” polls percentage locations. However, the economic maps percentage showed decreased percentage for lower-income persons. The item was approved, 7-1, with Galante in opposition. [Xioany Collazo of the Shorthorn has an article on the vote at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/arlington-city-council-urges-tarrant-county-to-reconsider-polling-site-cuts/article_85620dd8-60fc-4f9d-a980-adf22fbf26fc.html .]
(49:15) The first public hearing was for zoning case SUP26-02 (2401 Havenwood Drive) for a secondary living unit (staff report). It was approved, 6-2, with Galante and Ware in opposition.
(59:07) The second public hearing was for zoning case PD26-08 (7204 Mitchell Parkway). They wish to change RE (residential estate) to a PD (RE) plus an electric utility substation (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
(1:06:56) The $1,000,000 corporate welfare deal resolution was with SiNaCa Studios (staff report , resolution/agreement). The Arlington Report has an article by David Moreno at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/24/fort-worth-glass-art-studio-sinaca-nears-agreement-to-relocate-to-arlington/ . There were seven speakers in support and two speakers in opposition. It was approved, 5-3, with Galante, Hunter, and Ware in opposition. [James Ward of the Shorthorn has an article on the vote at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/arlington-city-council-approves-lease-to-move-glass-studio-to-downtown/article_0974b79f-9d9d-4e3e-8351-9a9470c23b45.html .] [David Moreno has a second article in the Arlington Report regarding the field at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/30/sinacas-incentivized-relocation-concerns-longtime-arlington-glass-art-studio/ .]
(1:47:17) Citizen participation. There was one speaker.
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 gets me upset was the fact this was a gigantic project with a large amount of taxpayers' funds 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 next EDC Board meeting.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, October 7, P&Z 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. If approved by P&Z it will go to council on October 27.
On Wednesday, October 7, 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. If approved by P&Z it will go to council on October 27.
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.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet this Wednesday, October 7. The agenda includes continuing one zoning case public hearing (PD26-09) until October 21 and hearing two other zoning case public hearings.
The first public hearing to be heard is 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).
The second public hearing to be heard is 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.
AISD School Board
The board will meet this Tuesday, October 6. The agenda can be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=764952 .
They expect to go into executive session for discussions of personnel and pending and potential litigation.
The open session agenda includes 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.
The three committee and staff reports are:
1. Board Committee Report.
2. Curriculum Audit Progress Report.
3. Teacher Incentive Allotment Report.
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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