October 19, 2026 Newsletter
October 19, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 42
Highlights:
* City council has a special meeting Tuesday at 5:00pm to extend the Cowboys lease.
* AISD and P&Z also meets this week.
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, October 19: Start of Early voting for the Mid-Term Elections.
Tuesday, October 20: Special City Council meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:00pm. (You must preregister online by ?:??pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, October 20: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 7:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak. Workshop at 5:00pm)
Wednesday, October 21: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 3:30pm)
Thursday, October 22: Economic Development Corporation Board Meeting, 3rd Floor City Hall, 101 Abram Street, 4:00pm.
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.)
Friday, October 30: End of Early Voting for Mid-Term Elections.
Saturday, October 31: Electronic Recycling and Shredding Event, Southeast corner of Cooper and Mitchell, 8:00am – 2:00pm.
Saturday, October 31: Halloween.
Sunday, November 1: End of Day Light Savings Time, fall back one hour, 2:00 a.m.
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.)
Wednesday, November 18: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm).
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, October 13, for a full slate of meetings. They will also meet again this Tuesday, October 20, at 5:00pm for a special meeting. The main purpose is a resolution to extend the Cowboys’ lease. [Commentary: At least the resolution is NOT hidden in the consent agenda.]
This week's Evening Meeting
This Tuesday 5:00pm meeting's agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/c2231dafaf7686c7b6766f0045f178360.html . It includes eight consent agenda items, a public hearing on the Tax Abatement Policy, and a resolution for the Cowboys lease extension.
The city is required to hold a public hearing every two years on their tax abatement policy (staff report). They are not changing the policy.
The resolution for the Cowboy lease extension (staff report , resolution).
Committee Meetings
The Municipal Policy Committee met (presentation1 , presentation2 , policy). They discussed honorary naming opportunities.
The Economic Development Committee met (presentation , policy). Only half the meeting was open to discuss the tax abatement policy update, while in closed/executive session they discussed offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee, Arlington Housing met (agenda). They were to consider approving the adoption of updated rules for public comment and a resolution amending the regulatory agreement of Center Place agreement.
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5562?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council Member Garcia-Dumas did not appear to be present.
(17:17) The afternoon meeting began and went into executive session to discuss:
1. legal discussion regarding storm water maintenance,
2. legal discussion Regarding Federal Grant Compliance,
3. the possible purchase of property located in the Milby Addition, Lot 3A,
4. the possible purchase of a right-of-way in the WD Lacy Addition Block CP,
5. the Possible Purchase of Approximately 14.2 Acres in the WM D Lacy Survey Abstract 929 Tract 5C,
6. the possible purchase of approximately 18.5 acres in the Robert R. Ramey Survey Abstract 1341 Tracts 32A02A and 32A02A3, and
7. Offers of incentives to business prospects.
(3:32:26) They had a very, very long executive session and reconvened. Council Member Garcia-Dumas did not appear present when they reconvened but did show up later.
(3:32:32) The one work session item was enhanced mobility (presentation , chart).
(3:38:26) The one informal staff report supplied various reports regarding flood plains and losses (staff report , Floodplain Program for Public Information Plan (PPI) , Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Plan (RLAA) , Substantial Damage Management Plan (SDP)).
(3:38:54) Committee meetings' reports. On October 7 the Community of Neighborhood Development met to discuss proposed amendments to codes for minimum room sizes. They also discussed single-family rental registration but wish more time to reach out on this subject. [This potential change to single-family rental registration is MAJOR.]
(3:47:18) Evening agenda items.
(3:47:55) The MISD single-member district resolution. Former MISD trustee Raul Gonzalez asked for this item and stated this hurts Arlington. City of Arlington makes up about 38% of MISD students. Jacob Sanchez of the Arlington Report has an article on some of this issue at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/10/06/mansfield-isd-may-change-how-trustees-are-elected-residents-are-asking-why/ .
(3:57:20) Downtown Parking.
(4:04:21) Council External Committee reports.
(4:11:18) Future agenda items.
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting agenda included minutes, 19 consent agenda items, two zoning case public hearings, and an ordinance for youth programs standards of care. The meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5563?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(22:27) Start of meeting. Minutes were approved, 9-0.
(44:40) Consent agenda. There were no speakers. Nothing was pulled for special consideration. It was approved, 9-0.
(47:00)The first public hearing was for approval of a garage conversion, PD26-15, at 6203 Tempest (staff report). It was approved, 8-1, with Galante in opposition.
(55:27) The second public hearing was for approval of light industrial with auto garage, major zoning, PD26-10, at 7201/7205 U.S. Hwy 287 Business (staff report). It was approved, 8-1, with Garcia-Dumas in opposition.
(1:00:40) The ordinance for youth program standards of care (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:01:53) Citizen participation. There were four speakers registered. One spoke of wanting a resolution for an ICE detainee. Another was not present. There was a TAD Board candidate. Then the last wanted to have High Oak Park completed.
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 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)
The EDC Board will meet this Thursday, October 22, 4:00pm. The agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/october-22,-2026.pdf .
Approve Minutes from September (minutes).
Standing Reports:
a. financial (report).
b. real estate (industrial).
Outstanding project updates.
Five action items:
a. renewal contract w/M4 Realty Advisors (staff report).
b. electing officers (resolution).
c. Antron Compact performance agreement (staff report , resolution).
d. modification to demolition contract (staff report).
e. purchase of 1423 Altman Drive (staff report).
Executive Director's Report.
Executive session.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, October 20, the city council will hold a public hearing for Tax Abatement Policies.
On Wednesday, October 21, P&Z will hold a public hearing on ZA26-04, 5400 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, to change to airport overlay flex hybrid on 5.322 acres. If approved by P&Z, it would go to council on November 10.
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. If approved by P&Z, it would go to council on November 10.
On Wednesday, October 21, 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 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.
On Tuesday, October 7, 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 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 ???, 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 will meet on Wednesday, October 21. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/d1612fcd8ccdc618b831616315960dcd0.html .
The agenda has one zoning case to be continued and three others to be heard.
PD26-16 at 511 North Davis Drive will be continued indefinitely.
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).
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.
PD26-18 at 1400 Blue Danube is for a planned development light industrial plus auto garage, major on 1.392 acres (staff report).
AISD School Board
The board met this past Wednesday, October 14, for a closed/executive session for training (agenda). You were not invited. This workshop may be in closed meeting as it will involve the deliberation of official and employee duties (Texas Government Code section 551.074).
The board will meet this Tuesday, October 20 (agenda).
There will be a workshop at 5:00pm on Talent to Learn – Opportunity to Learn Index. That will be followed by an executive session for personnel, pending and potential litigation, and a performance review of the internal auditor.
They hope to reconvene in open session at 7:00pm for recognitions, open forum on agenda items, committee and staff reports, a public hearing, discussion/action items, consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting reports.
The reports section will have any board committee reports then four staff reports:
1. Early Literacy Improvement Plan Report.
2. Special Education Report.
3. Long Range Facility Planning Report.
4. Priority Campus Monitoring and Response Report.
Public Hearing – Targeted Improvement Plans (TIP)/Turnaround Plans (TAP).
Two Discussion/Action items:
1. Consider approval of strategic plan key performance indicators.
2. Consider approval of the capital projects using interest earnings.
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
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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