The 17th annual State of the City was held on October 19th where Arlington’s success over the past year was celebrated by members of the community. Mayor Jim Ross delivered the address focusing on different areas of accomplishments the city has seen, and highlighted some new projects coming to Arlington.
This year, Mayor Ross focused on the power of unity and community as the theme for his address was “WE ARE ARLINGTON”.
TOURISM
Arlington has a great tourism scene and with future developments, it’s only getting better. With our ever-growing Entertainment District, people are coming from all over the US to enjoy music, sports, and family-fun!
Over the past year, we had some big performers come to Arlington like Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Globe Life Field has brought the Entertainment District of Arlington to a new height and we must thank the Texas Rangers for that. This year celebrates 50 years of the Texas Rangers being in Arlington. They have been strong supporters of not only the City but of the Chamber. Along with Globe Life Field, the Mayor gave special highlights to Six Flags, Choctaw Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Loews Hotels.
Future plans include the National Medal of Honor Museum, which broke ground earlier this year, will open in 2024. In 2026, Arlington will be hosting the World Cup and the International Firefighters Association Convention. Lastly, as most of you know, Arlington will be hosting a XFL team and Choctaw Stadium will be the new Headquarters for all team practices. (Thank you, Dwayne, you rock!)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our business community brings Arlington success and a booming economy. With businesses like General Motors, who invested $55 million into their Arlington facility this year, and Prologis, who recently invested $45 million into a new business park, Arlington is bound to continue growing. Together Arlington’s commercial businesses have contracted $1.3 billion in commercial construction permits.
Mayor Ross acknowledges small businesses are the backbone of our community, and applauds them for what they provide to the Arlington public. Canales Furniture has given back so much and is one of the city’s biggest supporters. This year, Canales found the perfect home in Arlington for their Legacy store and largest distribution center. We are proud to have such a wonderful family creating their entrepreneurial legacy right here in Arlington.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Neighborhoods are monumental to our city’s success. Businesses are drawn towards locations with an education to workforce pipeline and great neighborhoods.This year alone crime has decreased by 4%, property tax has reduced by 2¢, and city employees have received an 8% raise.
Over the past two years, we have seen quite a few neighborhood improvements throughout Arlington. The city has issued nearly 1300 permits for new single-family homes, Viridian is continuing to grow their neighborhoods and an Active Adult Center is set to open in 2024.
One thing that is top of mind for visitors and local residents is public transportation. Via has given Arlington residents affordable city-wide ride sharing options, providing over 1.3 million rides. With the help of our neighboring elected officials, Via will soon be moving towards regional options for riders. In the coming months, Via Arlington will join forces with Mansfield and Grand Prairie to form tri-city transportation. Moving people in and out of these three cities will give more members in neighboring communities the chance to experience how working together can only make each community stronger.
DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON
The Downtown district has seen impactful growth over recent years, and more exciting developments are surfacing. The city has plans for more urban living, retail, restaurants, and office space as well as actively working on the Sidewalk Project to improve walkability and accessibility. Arlington will also be getting a new community restaurant, the Taste Project, where customers can pay what they can afford or donate to support the non-profit’s goal of feeding, educating and serving Tarrant County’s food insecure residents.
Some hot spots in Downtown Arlington that have seen major growth over the past year include Ann’s Natural Grocery & Nutrition, Theatre Arlington and the Arlington Museum of Art. Downtown continues to thrive with the help and support of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
ARLINGTON TOMORROW FOUNDATION
The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has been contributing to a thriving Arlington since 2007. Their support has helped over 500 projects and the organization has given over $42 million in grants and contributions to the community. In their 15 years in Arlington, we have seen the city flourish with their help.
As ATF has been such an integral part of the community, Mayor Ross awarded the Inaugural Mayor’s American Dream Award to Carolyn Mentesana, the executive director of the organization.
EDUCATION
Furthering the educational success of Arlington is crucial to our future. UTA’s continued accomplishments in research and diversity, TCC’s campus development, Arlington ISD’s $966 million bond for expansion, along with our neighboring city’s success makes our community stronger. To continue this success, the Mayor’s Education Coalition brings educators from the city’s schools to sit at the same table where they discuss solutions to common issues and how to collectively overcome obstacles.
Mayor Ross firmly believes that we are better together. With this coalition, all areas of the community see success and development. He demonstrated this principle by surprising attendees and ending his address with an AISD and surrounding school districts group performance of “Wavin’ Flag (The Celebration Mix)”. Over 12 of the greater Arlington schools came together to display unity and the strength we have as a community. This performance allowed attendees to celebrate that WE ARE ARLINGTON!
The full event is available to stream on YouTube. You can watch the Annual State of the City Address here.