February 16, 2026 Newsletter

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, February 16: Presidents’ Day Holiday. City offices will be closed.

Tuesday, February 17: Start of Early Voting for Primaries, 8:00am– 500pm.

Tuesday, February 17: Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and CIPAC meeting, 3^rd Floor City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:00pm.

Wednesday, February 18: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 3:00pm.)

Wednesday, February 18: Ash Wednesday.

Thursday, February 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.)

Tuesday, February 24: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)

Friday, February 27: End of Early Voting for Primaries 7:00am7:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 3: Primaries Voting Day, 7:00am-7:00pm.

Wednesday, March 4: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)

Tuesday, March 10: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)

Thursday, March 12: 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.)

From THE LOCKER ROOM

Arlington City Council Update

The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, February 10, for a full slate of meetings.

Committee Meetings

The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee had 4 items discussed. First was multi-family code enforcement tools (presentation , 20 minutes). The committee requested more information on several matters. The second was the introduction to PY2026 Action Plan and CDBG review (presentation , applications , 30 minutes).

Up next was the 9% housing tax credits applications wanting resolutions of “support” (presentation , 20 minutes). All applications were consistent with the city's plans except one that was not consistent with the comprehensive plan [not properly zoned]. The three applicants for the 9% housing tax credit are The Knox Senior Living (1421 S. Watson Road, 69 units), Campbell Place (6700 US 287 Highway, 90 units), and Heritage at Sublett (2120 W. Sublett Road, 71 units). None of the three have any market-rate units. All three scored 170 out of a possible 188 points on the state scoring system.

The one 4% housing tax credit application wants a resolution of “no objection” (presentation , 10 minutes). The 4% housing tax credit property is 1801 E. Arkansas Lane. They wish to build 291 apartment units. The company, Dominion, already has 652 units in Arlington. They have a contract for the gas well property next door which will be capped by the drilling company and sold if all is approved.

The Finance and Audit Committee discussed the FY2025 Year-end Budget Analysis Report (presentation , BAR report).

There was a quasi-committee Arlington Housing Finance Corporation meeting (agenda). They received an update on the proposed development at 1801 E. Arkansas Lane, and a resolution was passed to spend $2.85 million regarding the purchase of the “city deal” at 1220 W. Division Street.

The Municipal Policy Committee discussed an ACTIV Center sponsorship opportunity (presentation) for 30 minutes [The potential deal appears to be with Texas Health Resources for ten years for $1.1+ million. There is also a 30% commission that needs to be paid [and according to my math, knocking the benefit down to about $.77million?]] They also had a long discussion on form-based code updates (presentation). [Some of the presentation consisted of discussing increased density. Some of the presentation also discussed parking, which in my opinion is always the problem with form-based code. Their solution was to reduce parking requirements for the first 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial—in my opinion, a mistake]

Afternoon Meeting

The afternoon meeting began and went into executive session. All council members were present. The video can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5370.

(2:51) The executive session portion of the agenda had legal discussions on:

* Discussion Regarding a Proposed Grant of Rights for the Use of City Interests in Connection with a Private Development on W. Green Oaks Boulevard

* Discussion of Deployment and Implementation of Security Personnel or Devices

* Offers of incentives to business prospects

(1:58:17) Reconvene. The agenda of the open portion of the meeting included three work session items and council external committee reports.

The three work session items were:

(1:58:36) 1. Arlington Economic Development Annual Report (presentation).

(2:11:47) 2. Grow our Economy (presentation ). About 2:22:23 it was opened to comments/question by the council members.

(2:23:49) 3. Preserve Financial Stability and Resilience (presentation).

(2:30:47) Committee Reports. About 2:35:37 the Community Neighborhood and Development committee was opened to council comments/questions. It was about house affordability. [Commentary: House affordability is NOT that complicated. It is simply supply and demand. If you want the price to go down (or stop increasing as much) you must increase the supply. When Dr. Odom-Wesley and this council (like Jim Ross and Long Pham) continue to approve apartments at alarming rates what does that do? 1. It takes away Arlington's limited supply of land to build more houses, and 2. It brings even more people who might truly want to buy a house, thus increasing the demand. I had a gigantic laugh about this. These people have NO clue. This council continues to build apartments then she, Dr. Odom-Wesley, with a straight face, asks about house affordability...]

(2:46:58) Evening agenda items.

(2:50:43) External council committees. The mayor mentioned that he attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors [in addition to a membership fee we are paying for the mayor to go] where one of the three major issues discussed was ICE and the Minneapolis mayor was there to discuss this[Commentary: I guess to discuss how to cause problems, preventing the wonderful decrease in crime]. According to an Arlington Report article by James Hartley (KERA News) at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/02/12/mayor-council-member-wont-consider-partnering-arlington-police-with-ice-for-enforcement-operations/ , (D) Jim Ross, influenced by organizations like U.S. Conference of Mayors will not allow Arlington to cooperate with resources.

The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) discussion brought up the letter the city sent regarding technology-driven transportation. The Fort Worth Report has an article by Eric E. Garcia at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/02/09/will-arlington-evolve-from-nations-largest-city-without-mass-transit-to-regional-hub/ .

(3:01:00) the unofficial start of Future agenda items.

Evening Meeting

The agenda for the evening meeting included 28 consent agenda items, three zoning public hearings (one of three requested a continuance), an anti-discrimination ordinance, and an anti-discrimination resolution. All council members were present. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5371 .

(3:51) Start of meeting.

(7:45) Minutes. They were approved, 9-0.

(8:22) Consent agenda (28 items).

For over a month now, I've been telling you about a $24,000,000 project going on at 1220 W. Division Street. Things appear to be going forward. The consent agenda included three items regarding that project. Consent agenda item 7.25 was an Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) acquisition agreement (staff report) where AHFC will be paying $2.85 million of it for the purchase. Consent agenda item 7.26 was a cash sale contract for the property (staff report). Consent agenda item 7.27 was a contract not to exceed $24,000 regarding the relocation of current residents (staff report) [this appears to be CDBG funds].

Council Member Galante pulled item 7.28, having to do with several board appointments. The rest of the consent agenda was passed, 9-0.

Item 7.28 was continued to review the appointments, 9-0.

(12:18) Public hearing #1 was for SUP25-09 (1012 Gaye Lane) for a secondary living unit (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.

(16:45) Public hearing #2 was for PD25-14 (1112 N. Collins Street) and they wish for a continuance until March 10 (staff report). The continuance was approved, 9-0.

(17:13) Public hearing #3 was for SUP25-08 (3409 Shorewood Ct) for a secondary living unit (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.

(21:11) The anti-discrimination ordinance (ordinance) repealing the action of last September and stating a new ordinance wording (staff report). There were 14 speakers in opposition. The ordinance passed, 7-2, with Hunter and Hogg in opposition. There was a report in the Arlington Report by Chris Moss regarding this vote at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/02/10/arlington-council-passes-revised-anti-discrimination-ordinance-resolution-against-hate/ .

(1:18:57) The anti-discrimination resolution (resolution) condemns discrimination, bias and hatred (staff report). There were two speakers in opposition. This was approved, 9-0.

(1:24:42) Citizen participation. There was one speaker.

Council Leftovers

Filing for the May election has begun. This year we will see the election for Mayor, District 3, District 4, District 5, and District 8.

Election Filings:

Mayor

(i) Jim Ross

Hunter Crow

Steve Cavender

Shaun Mallory

District 3

(i) Nikkie Hunter

Kelly Burke

District 4

Tom Ware

Rojo Meixueiro

Lisa Ventura

District 5

(i) Rebecca Boxall

Brittney Garcia-Dumas

District 8

Jason Shelton

Corey Harris

Melody Fowler

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The City of Arlington proposes to use approximately $3,850,000 in federal HOME-ARP funds toward 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. Following demolition, the city intends to construct a newly built 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 total project investment is estimated at $24,000,000, combining federal, state, local, and private resources. 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. This project directly supports the City's strategic goals to reduce homelessness and enhance community well-being.] There are too many executive session discussions going on and I have NOT been able to get many of the details... This would mean at minimum that $3.8 million of CDBG-HOME federal funds will be used on this rather than on something else. HOME funds, generally speaking, give discounts to residents in need, paying portions of their rents.

Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

The EDC Board and CIPAC will meet this Tuesday at 4:00pm.

The Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) agenda is at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/february-17,-2026-capital-improvements-program-advisory-committee.pdf . They need to pass a report onto the council (staff report , report).

The regular board meeting board agenda is at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/february-17,-2026.pdf . That agenda includes last month's minutes (minutes), standing reports, FIFA update (presentation), two action items, an executive director's report (presentation) and an executive session.

There are two standing reports:

1. Financials (not available at the time of this writing).

2. Industrial Snap Shot (report).

The two action items are:

1. Anthem (old Lincoln Square) Development Agreement (staff report). This is for spending $24,489,509 from FY26-FY31. [Commentary: The spending of EDC funds was NOT part of the original deal. Taxpayer owned funds are being used by the tens of millions of dollars. Again, the city has far too many little pockets of our money stored up that they manage to access when they want something for their buddies instead of giving any tax breaks to the taxpaying citizens.]

2. A professional services contract for surveying the asbestos at previously bought properties (staff report).

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Upcoming Public Hearings

On Wednesday, February 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-8, at 2100 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to change the CC (community commercial) to a planned development plus a car wash. If approved, it will go to the city council on March 24.

On Wednesday, February 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-23, at 2301 N. Collins Street (at Brown Trail). They wish to change the CC (community commercial) to a planned development plus a billiard parlor and package liquor store. If approved, it will go to the city council on March 24.

On Wednesday, February 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on ZA26-01, at 300 W. Park Row Drive. They wish for a straight zoning change from CC (community commercial) to residential medium density (RM-12), usually townhomes. If approved, it will go to the city council on March 24.

On Tuesday, February 24, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-11, 536 W. Randol Mill Road. They wish to obtain a Specific Use Permit for a Tattoo Parlor or Piercing Studio on a property zoned Community Commercial (CC).

On Tuesday, March 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP10-23R4, 408 113th Street. They wish for high impact IM (Industrial Manufacturing) on 2.379 acres.

On Tuesday, March 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-10, 2102 Prestonwood Drive. They wish for a secondary living unit on 0.749 acres.

On Tuesday, March 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD25-14, 1112 N. Collins Street. They wish to change the current CC (community commercial) to a PD-CC use plus a package liquor store.

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P&Z Commission

P&Z will meet this Wednesday, February 18. There will be three public hearings on the agenda. The agenda is at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-amp-development-boards-amp-commissions/planning-and-zoning-commission/posted-agenda/planning-and-zoning-commission-regular-session-02-18-2026.pdf .

Public hearing #1 is for PD25-8 (2100 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard). They wish for a planned development for community commercial plus a car wash (staff report).

Public hearing #2 is for PD25-23 (2301 N. Collins Street). They wish for a planned development for community commercial plus a billiard parlor and package liquor store (staff report).

Public hearing #3 is for ZA26-01 (300 W. Park Row). They wish for a straight zoning change from office commercial to RM-12, usually townhomes (staff report).

# # # # # # # # # # # #

AISD School Board

The AISD Board is scheduled to meet this Thursday, February 19. The agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=728464 .

The meeting will begin and go into executive session with legal discussions on:

* personnel

* potential and pending litigation

* proposed termination of a probationary contract

* legal training on trustee communications

They hope to reconvene at 6:30pm. The agenda includes recognitions, citizen forum on agenda items, two committee and staff reports, five action items, consent agenda, citizen forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting reports.

The two committee and staff reports are:

1. Finance and Academic Committee report.

2. Mid-Year Academic Progress report.

The five action items are:

1. Consider adopting the election notice.

2. Consider adopting staff's budget parameters and assumptions.

3. Consider boundary changes because of the Blanton Elementary closure.

4. Consider the adoption of the AISD Vision

5. Consider the termination of the probationary contract discussed in executive session.

AISD Bond Election

https://www.aisd.net/bond-2026/

[Commentary: I have a great deal of difficulty accepting this bond. AISD has a decreasing student population from 63,000+ to maybe under 50,000 this coming school year. Other districts, in money-saving efforts have closed schools, which makes very logical sense. AISD will be closing its first school (Blanton Elementary) at the end of this school year.

The board went out of its way to add a second (unnamed/unplanned?) elementary school replacement [South Davis Elementary was the first and named school replacement], basically saying, here, raise the tax rate, give us the money and we will decide.

The board tries to claim to make fact-based decisions; however, they seem to be failing. Where are the fact-based decisions on saving the taxpayers’ dollars and being efficient with taxpayers’ funds? Why have they not come up with plans to being more efficient with taxpayers’ funds rather than just raising the tax rate, giving them money, and having no specific plans on a second school replacement.

I say vote NO at least to Proposition A of the AISD Bond package.

AISD Election Filings:

Place 6

(i) Brooklyn Richardson

Jan Tyler

Place 7

(i) LeAnne Haynes

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/ .

There has been a recent Arlington Report article by Drew Shaw about the dismissed David Jarvis lawsuit against the AISD. It can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/31/federal-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-against-arlington-isd-about-first-amendment-retaliation/ .

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 will NOT be posting the Ten Commandments for now. An article by Chris Moss of the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/11/05/arlington-isd-agrees-not-to-post-ten-commandments-amid-lawsuit/ .

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/ ].

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Teachers' Salaries

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Taxpayers' Funds at Risk

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City Council grades:

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