August 31, 2026 Newsletter
August 31, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 35
Highlights:
* City council approves gigantic new deal with downtown developer [hidden as a little or no discussion consent agenda item].
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, August 31: Comprehensive Plan District 3 Town Hall, Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00-7:00pm.
Wednesday, September 2: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
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.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, August 25, for a full slate of meetings. There was budget talk in the afternoon. At the evening meeting they approved their and the TIRZ board’s involvement in the super-size downtown land consent agenda item with NO discussion at all.
Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee (agenda) met for three five-minute “open” topics before breaking into executive session for the majority of their meeting. The three five-minute topics were 1) an update on the film incentive program (presentation), 2) an update on small business program (presentation), and 3) Business Innovation Research and Development (BIRD) program (presentation). They then went into executive session to discuss offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) (agenda) met. They elected officers, adopted rules for public comment, heard monthly reports, and held two discussions/presentations (consider an amendment to the regulatory agreement between AHFC and Center Place AHFC and the change in property management at Mayfield Park Apartments).
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5527?view_id=9&redirect=true . All council members appeared to be present.
(20:08) Start of meeting. They started the meeting and went into executive session. The executive session agenda included:
1) Legal discussion regarding SB840
2) Legal issues relative to regulations on single-family residential property
3) Possible sale or lease of city-owned property at 1901 Lakewood Drive
4) Possible lease of city-owned property at 1200 Ballpark Way
5) Possible sale, exchange, lease of real property (1707/1708 New York Avenue)
6) Possible acquisition of real property (2901 E. Abram Street)
7) Possible acquisition of real property (Block 1, Lot 1 of the Willis Subdivison)
8) Offers of incentives to business prospects.
(2:47:43) They reconvened for the open portion of the afternoon meeting. That portion of the agenda included five work session items, one informal staff report, committees’ reports, appointments (list), FY2027 budget, and external committee reports.
The five work session items were:
(2:47:53) 1) Innovate Arlington Comprehensive Plan update (presentation).
(2:55:08) 2) ACTIV Operations and Performance update (presentation). About 3:11:24 it was opened to the council members.
(3:14:56) 3) FY2027 Annual Audit Plan (presentation , plan). About 3:18:50 it was opened to the council members.
(3:21:08) 4) Single-family shared rental property (presentation). About 3:29:10 it was opened to the council members. They appear set on starting a rental registration program for single-family homes. It will go to committee first.
(3:47:57) 5) Council priority – Grow our Economy (presentation). About 3:51:34 it was opened to the council members.
(3:53:57) The informal staff report was regarding trash and recycling cart storage (report).
(3:55:30) Committee meetings.
(3:57:59) Evening agenda items. The consent agenda item #35 deal was the only thing discussed.
(4:02:42) FY2027 Budget. Since the council voted to hold the public hearing at the no-new-revenue rate, and there was the potential of an additional $2.2 million to the budget, the city manager gave the council three potential options.
Option 1
$907K-Real time crime prevention center expanded to 24/7
$159K-Police officer gas mask replacements
$370K-Fire bunker gear replacements
$150K-Expanded homelessness Services
$50K- Arlington Life Shelter
$594K-Additional Facilities Maintenance
Option 2a
For FY2027 & FY2028 additional street maintenance
FY2029 fund 25 new firefighter positions for Fire Station 18
Option 2b
additional street maintenance
Option 3
Adopt the budget and lower tax rate at 0.6298
About 4:35:45 it was opened to the council members.
(5:20:58) Tarrant County polling sites for November. The city attorney will produce a sample resolution regarding Tarrant County cutting polling sites. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/28/arlington-council-to-consider-polling-location-resolution-as-commissioners-court-vote-nears/ .
(5:38:24) External committees.
(5:47:55) Future agenda items.
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the evening meeting contained 36 consent agenda items and two ordinances for first reading. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5530?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(0:00) [recording starts shortly after the meeting had already started] All council members were present. Board appointments and minutes were approved in two separate 9-0 votes. Mr. Hogg pulled his two appointments for a later time (Place 7 and Place 11)
(6:18) Consent agenda. There was one speaker in support for item 7.12 (sidewalk blocks replacement program). There was no discussion of any other items, including the one worth well over nine figures. It passed, 9-0.
Consent agenda item 35, a gigantic deal with the developer, with very little explained (staff report , resolution). The staff report does not say “where” downtown this deal is. The resolution has it on east Main Street and near East Street. The deal appears larger than the original Anthem project [Lincoln Square redevelopment] and will then have the city purchase the land and lease it back to the developer [no property tax revenue?] for 99 years. The development is to be a mixed-use development with a parking garage, 390 apartment units, office space, and businesses on six-plus acres.
(10:22) The two ordinances [first readings] dealt with city-owned facilities used as voting locations (staff report) [making similar rules as the Bob Duncan Center for all such locations] and health code regulations regarding mobile food vendors (staff report). Both items passed, 9-0.
(14:28) Citizen participation. There were two speakers.
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, August 19, P&Z 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. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 8.
On Wednesday, September 2, P&Z 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. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 29.
On Wednesday, September 2, 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. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 29.
On Wednesday, September 2, P&Z 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. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on October 13.
On Wednesday, September 2, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP26-02, at 2401 Havenwood Drive. They wish for a secondary living unit on 0.215 acres. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 29.
On Tuesday, September 8, the city council will hold a public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
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.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z met on Wednesday, August 19. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/7b4b2e2620689c787fcee1b65410234c0.html . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5522?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(11:09) The first public hearing was PD91-09R1 (300-330 Loch N Green Trail) where they wish to reduce the side yard setbacks from 20 feet to 15 feet and 9 inches on the north side (staff report). There were two speakers in opposition. It was approved, 9-0, with stipulations of communication and improving the appearance of the retaining wall.
P&Z will meet again this Wednesday, September 2. There are four zoning public hearings on the agenda. The agenda for that meeting can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/ace1ea45caa822f9237ec09553dfd80d0.html .
The first public hearing is for SUP26-02, 2401 Havenwood Drive, a special use permit for a secondary living unit on 0.215 acres (staff report).
The second public hearing is for PD26-08, 7204 Mitchell Parkway, changing RE zoning to a planned development, including an electric substation (staff report).
The third public hearing is 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, 36 total units.
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).
AISD School Board
The school board met this past Tuesday, August 25 for a special meeting regarding a pair of Level IV grievances. That agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=762619 . No information on the grievances was given. The open portion of the meeting is viewable at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uShrA1XSXfo . The grievance hearings were in closed session.
They also met this past Thursday, August 27 for a regular meeting. The agenda can found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=754476 . It started with a workshop on Academic Growth. That workshop may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKQsre0DII8 . The regular evening open session may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEUWJ19u44A . Board Member Chapa was not present.
In executive session they discussed personnel and pending and possible litigation.
(3:28) Appointments. They were approved, 6-0.
Andrew Babcock – Executive Director of Fine Arts
Ed Henderson – Principal Bebensee Elementary
(9:17) Citizen forum on agenda items had no speakers.
There were three committee and staff reports.
(9:44) Governance Committee.
(10:24) Stakeholder surveys (presentation). About 21:21 it was opened to board members.
(29:55) Community Committee Reports (presentation). About 39:55 it was opened to board members.
(44:42) Public Hearing - Federal Grant Allotments (presentation). There were no speakers.
There are two action items.
(47:39) Approve the purchase of attendance credits (option 3). About 54:55 it was opened to the board members. It was approved, 6-0.
(58:20) Schematic of the new South Davis Elementary School (presentation). About 1:09:09 it was opened to the board members. It was approved, 6-0.
(1:17:32) Consent agenda. There was nothing discussed or pulled. It was approved, 6-0.
(1:18:13) Citizen forum for non-agenda items. There was one speaker. He spoke on TAD.
(1:22:34) End of meeting reports.
The Board Brief by Ms. Haynes can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxuTK0Dayc&t=10s .
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
Debbie Lane Complete
The Debbie Lane project to have four lanes from the Mansfield city limits to State Highway 360 is complete. Amberly Shelby of Arlington Public Works has the story at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2026/August/City-Celebrates-Completion-of-Debbie-Lane-Road-Widening-Project .
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 bonds 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
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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:
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