September 7, 2026 Newsletter
September 7, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 36
Highlights:
* Public hearings on the city budget and tax rates on Tuesday.
* Public hearing on the AISD tax rate is Thursday.
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, September 7: Labor Day
Tuesday, September 8: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.) Public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
Thursday, September 10: 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 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 x:xxpm)
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.)
Wednesday, October 7: 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 will meet this Tuesday, September 8, for a full slate of meetings. There is a committee meeting at 11:30am. The afternoon meeting starts at 1:00pm and goes into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon session will start no later than 3:00pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee will discuss 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]
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting starts at 1:00pm and goes into executive session. The executive agenda includes:
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
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will start no sooner than 3:00pm. That portion of the agenda includes 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 are:
1. Arlington Housing Annual Report (presentation)
2. Council Priority - Preserve Financial Stability and Resilience (presentation).
The one informal staff report, Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) (staff report , summary , report).
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting's agenda includes 25 consent agenda items, six public hearings, and four ordinances.
The six public hearings are:
1) Zoning Case PD91-09R1 (300 and 330 Loch N Green Trail) (staff report),
2) updated Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) plan and assessment (staff report),
3) updated Anthem Public Improvement District (PID) plan and assessment (staff report),
4) updated Lamar Boulevard PID plan and assessment (staff report),
5) updated Tourism PID plan and assessment (staff report), and
6) adoption of the 2027 budget (staff report).
The four ordinances are: 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).
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 Tuesday, September 8, the city council will hold a public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
On Tuesday, September 8, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD91-09R1, at 300 & 330 Loch N Green Trail. They wish to reduce the setbacks on the north side of the property by five feet to a 15-feet minimum.
On Thursday, September 10, the AISD will hold a public hearing on the tax rate.
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. 287 Business Highway, to change to a planned development (PD) for industrial including auto repair garage (major) on 2.195 acres.
P&Z Commission
P&Z met on Wednesday, September 2. The agenda for that meeting can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/ace1ea45caa822f9237ec09553dfd80d0.html .
(5:45) The first public hearing was for SUP26-02, 2401 Havenwood Drive, a special use permit for a secondary living unit on 0.215 acres (staff report). There were two speakers in opposition and a third speaker making comments. It was approved, 8-0.
(44:45) The second public hearing was for PD26-08, 7204 Mitchell Parkway, changing RE zoning to a planned development, including an electric substation (staff report). There were two speakers in opposition. It was approved, 8-0.
(1:22:31) The third public hearing was for PD26-09, 2245 Carter Drive for a planned development of RMF-22 (multi-family) on 5.899 acres (staff report). It appears to be nine, 4-unit townhomes, for 36 total units. The applicant requested a continuance, which was approved, 8-0.
(1:55:45) The last public hearing is for PD26-10, 7201 U.S. BUS Highway 287), for a planned development, including auto repair garage, major (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
AISD School Board
The board will meet this Thursday, September 10. That agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=760081 .
At 5:00pm the board will go into executive session to discuss personnel, potential and pending litigation, and board members’ duties and responsibilities.
They hope to reconvene in open session at 6:30pm. That portion of the agenda includes 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.
The four committee and staff reports include:
1. Governance Committee Report,
2. Priority update – priority campus identification and support report (presentation),
3. Priority update – marketing plan report (presentation), and
4. 2027-32 District of Innovation Process Report (presentation).
The four action items include:
1. approval of the 2026-27 tax rate (taxpayer impact statement),
2. approval of the 2026-27 key progress measures (presentation),
3. approval of strategic plan key performance indicators (presentation), and
4. approval of 2026-27 campus improvement plan performance objectives (presentation).
South Davis $65 Million School
Voter 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/ .
AISD Budget approved
Following consideration of the adoption of the 2026-27 Budget (presentation , very high level overview), the budget was approved, 7-0. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/17/arlington-isd-trustees-adopt-nearly-60m-budget-shortfall-amid-declining-enrollment/ .
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/ .
AISD Employees will NOT get raises
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article from this meeting stating how employees will NOT be getting raises [but will be getting gains in health insurance benefits] at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/05/arlington-isd-employees-will-not-see-a-raise-as-district-fights-budget-shortfall/ .
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/ .
A Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report explores the possibility of the AISD joining the pay-for-performance teacher program offered by the state. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/01/07/arlington-isd-considers-texas-pay-for-performance-teacher-program/ .
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/ .
The AISD Board and Superintendent have established written goals, including student improvement on the STAAR testing. The Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/arlington-isd-school-board-sets-goals-and-expectations-for-new-school-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 .
Six Flags Corporation returning to Arlington
The Six Flags Corporation will again have its headquarters in Arlington. Chris Moss has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/25/six-flags-corporate-headquarters-loops-back-home-to-arlington-company-announces/ .
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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