August 24, 2026 Newsletter
August 24, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 33
Highlights:
* City council to approve gigantic new deal with downtown developer [hidden as a little or no discussion consent agenda item] and change the rules for city-owned facilities used for voting to match current Bob Duncan Center rules.
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 24: Comprehensive Plan District 5 Town Hall, Wellspring on Main, 2201 W. Main Street, 6:00-7:00pm.
Tuesday, August 25: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 26: Budget Town Hall, City Council Chambers.
Thursday, August 27: 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.)
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 x:xxpm)
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)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council will meet this Tuesday, August 25, for a full slate of meetings. The first of two committee meetings starts at 9:00am. The afternoon meeting starts at 11:30am, but will go into executive session first. The open portion will start no sooner than 1:45pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee (agenda) meets at 9:00am for three five-minute “open” topics before breaking into executive session for the majority of their meeting. The three five-minute topics are 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 will then go into executive session to discuss offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) (agenda) will meet at 10:15am for approximately an hour. They will elect officers, adopt rules for public comment, hear monthly reports, and have 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 begins at 11:30am and goes into executive session. The executive session agenda includes:
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.
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will start no sooner than 1:45pm. That portion of the agenda includes five work session items, one informal staff report, committees’ reports, appointments (list), FY2027 budget, and external committee reports.
The five work session items are:
1) Innovate Arlington Comprehensive Plan update (presentation)
2) ACTIV Operations and Performance update (presentation)
3) FY2027 Annual Audit Plan (presentation , plan)
4) Single-family shared rental property (presentation)
5) Council priority – Grow our Economy (presentation)
The informal staff report is regarding trash and recycling cart storage (report).
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting contains 36 consent agenda items and two ordinances for first reading.
Consent agenda item 35, a gigantic deal with the developer, will 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 [Lincon 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.
The two ordinances [first readings] have to do 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).
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 use approximately $3,850,000 in federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds 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)
The EDC Board was scheduled to meet this past Thursday. That agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/august-20,-2026.pdf .
The agenda included:
approving the minutes (August 6),
standing reports
financial (report)
eligible industries snapshot (report)
real estate market – office space (report),
updates on outstanding projects,
Impact Ventures Partnership discussion (presentation),
one action item [we assume it passed]
approve the FY2027 budget (staff report),
executive director's report (presentation),
and an executive session.
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, August 19, 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 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.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z met this past Wednesday, August 19. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/7b4b2e2620689c787fcee1b65410234c0.html . The meeting has not yet been posted online. I will need to report on it next week.
The first public hearing was PD91-09R1 (300-330 Loch N Green) where they wish to reduce the side yard setbacks from 20 feet to 15 feet and 9 inches (staff report).
The second public hearing was SUP25-13 (500 E. Abram Street) for a specific use permit for a banquet hall (staff report).
AISD School Board
The school board will meet this 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 is given.
They will also meet this Thursday, August 27 for a regular meeting. That agenda should be posted on Monday.
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
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.]
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) = thomas.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
To be added to/deleted from our mailing list please e-mail your request to: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com