Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
FY2026 Financial Audit and Auditor Appointment
Auditor David Boring will present the agency's annual financial audit to the board. This review helps ensure financial transparency and accountability for the housing authority.
Information Security Program and Risk Assessment Compliance
The board will consider adopting an Information Security Program and Risk Assessment to comply with federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act standards, protecting sensitive data and establishing corporate security policies.
FY 2027 Annual Operating Budget
The city council adopted the annual municipal budget for FY 2027 and set a property tax rate of $0.755000 per $100 valuation, resulting in a slight decrease for median homestead tax bills.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan Amendments
The Waco Housing Authority is proposing updates to its Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan. A public hearing is scheduled to allow residents and program participants to share feedback before the board considers final approval.
Parks and Recreation Planning and Advisory
Staff will provide updates on fall athletic leagues, community center operations, pool fee structures, and major seasonal events like Waco Wonderland. These programs impact local recreation and community engagement.
Park Development Projects Update
The commission will review progress reports on several local park development projects, including Chapel Park, China Spring Park, Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park, and Virginia DuPuy Park. These updates keep the community informed on local infrastructure and recreational space improvements.
Rising Images Delinquent Account Write-Offs
The board is reviewing a proposal to write off uncollected delinquent accounts across five housing communities: Raintree, Picadilly, Cimmaron, Hunnington, and Misty Square apartments. This housekeeping action helps clear uncollectible debt from the agency's financial ledgers.
Residential Property Compliance
The commission will evaluate five additional properties—1905 Webster Ave, 1901 Connor Ave, 3900 Mockingbird Ln, 3316 N 15A St, and 2320 Ethel Ave—for building standards compliance.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Fire Stations
The council discussed the potential installation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Waco fire stations to provide safe infant surrender options.
Cordova Springs Residential Redevelopment
The massive redevelopment of the former Floyd Casey Stadium site is moving forward with infrastructure completion and vertical home construction under way. The project introduces diverse housing types and price points to South Waco.
Adoption of City Council Civility Pledge
Waco leaders adopted a formal resolution committing to maintain high standards of mutual respect, transparency, and civil discourse during public meetings and community interactions.
National League of Cities Endorsement for Council Member Barefield
The City Council expressed strong unanimous support for District 1 Council Member Andrea Barefield's national leadership bid, endorsing her candidacy for 2nd Vice President of the National League of Cities.
Animal Shelter Capacity and Operations Review
The council approved $214,000 in continued funding for the Animal Birth Control Clinic to provide affordable spay and neuter services, pet food pantries, and vet care. Residents also raised concerns during public comment about animal dumping and stray populations.
Barron's Branch Public Improvements and Master Development Agreement
The council approved a master development agreement with Hunt Development Group worth up to $183.8 million to advance downtown revitalization and park infrastructure.
Advisory Board Annual Reports and Governance Review
With several board terms expiring, members discussed leadership succession, vice-chair selection, and the formation of specialized committees. These changes will help guide the museum through its upcoming expansion and strategic planning phases.
Museum Capital Improvements
The advisory board is reviewing architectural concepts and a $10 million state funding expenditure plan due to the Texas Department of Public Safety in November. These funds will target museum upgrades, life-safety improvements, and exhibit enhancements.
Groundwater Overpumping Settlement
McGregor's city council just agreed to a record $175,000 penalty because SpaceX overpumped groundwater at its testing facility. Since the city actually owns the site and the wells, local taxpayers are stuck with the bill, even though SpaceX has since reined in its water usage.
Commercial and Residential Rezoning Across Multiple Corridors
Several rezonings were approved across Waco to allow for commercial expansion on Robinson Drive and China Spring Road, as well as multi-family and office spaces on Harrison Avenue, North 4th Street, and Gurley Lane.
Subdivision Plats for New Housing
The commission approved new subdivision plats adding over 160 single-family lots in the Ritchie Road and China Spring areas, helping address local housing demand.
Poehls Addition Preliminary Plat Expansion
The commission reviewed and approved multiple subdivision plats adding dozens of new single-family and multi-family housing lots across Waco, supporting housing availability.
Residential Duplex Development at Speegleville Road
The commission is reviewing a proposal to build a 50-unit duplex community on 6.3 acres near Oak Road and Speegleville Road. This project involves rezoning land to a planned unit development, which has previously drawn scrutiny over density and drainage.
Historic Preservation Workshop Planning
The city is planning a major community workshop for January to promote historic preservation, gather public input, and highlight at-risk properties.
At-Risk Historic Properties and Demolition Trends
Commissioners discussed the continuous loss of historical structures in Waco neighborhoods, focusing on a specific home at 918 N. 13th St.
AJGA Waco Junior Open Incentive Request
The commission discussed a potential financial incentive to help bring the AJGA Waco Junior Open tournament to Waco in spring 2027.
Convention Center Branding Project Replacement
The board discussed replacing an outgoing member on the ongoing convention center branding project.
Board Quorum and Membership Stability
City staff highlighted several boards facing attendance challenges and frequent meeting cancellations due to a lack of a quorum, prompting council discussion on member outreach and reappointments.
Jackson Avenue Sidewalk & Lighting Project
The board will consider a $900,000 investment to install new sidewalks and street lighting along Jackson Avenue from 3rd Street to 8th Street.
Placemaker Pro Mixed-Use Development Project
Placemaker Pro is seeking over $3.4 million in TIF and affordable housing funds to support a major mixed-use development featuring at least 150 residential units and 9 commercial units.
TIF Zone Management
Waco plans to close out an unused 1986 tax increment zone, returning over $1.1 million to local taxing partners, while extending and updating TIF No. 4 to fund long-term projects like Riverway.
Trinity Heights Brownstones Development Funding
Pleasant Street Partners is asking for up to $1 million in TIF funds to help build a 12-unit condo project on Elm Avenue, promising at least $4.4 million in new capital investment.
Better Block Foundation Cole Avenue Placemaking
The board will consider investing up to $196,000 to bring in the Better Block Foundation to activate a city-owned property at 2423 Cole Avenue through community engagement and placemaking.
Downtown Revitalization
Waco is modernizing its downtown zoning laws by establishing a new Form-Based Code district across 88.55 acres. This shift helps shape building aesthetics, pedestrian pathways, and mixed-use development to foster a more vibrant, walkable city center.
Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center First-Year Operations
The newly opened Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center recorded nearly 30,000 visitor visits in its first six months, providing free and low-cost educational programs for youth and families.
Speegleville Road Bridge Replacement
The city awarded a $12.8 million contract to replace the aging Speegleville Road bridge over the Middle Bosque River. Funded in part by federal appropriations, the project will widen the road to four lanes while working to minimize traffic disruptions during construction.
Office Rezoning at 501-511 Herring Avenue
Get ready for new neighbors, Waco! The city just approved a rezoning that will allow for a new development with 63 homes in East Waco. This means more housing options are on the way.
Police Department Vehicle Lease Agreement
The city is considering spending up to $241,200 next fiscal year to lease ten undercover vehicles for police investigations.
Transit System Performance Review
Waco's asking for your input on how roads should be planned for 2025 and beyond. This is your shot to influence future transportation projects around the city.
Visitor Economy Strategy
Waco is asking residents for ideas to boost tourism and support local businesses. If you want to help shape the city's future attractions, now's your chance to speak up at local meetings.
BU/US 77 Corridor Improvements
Waco's gearing up for a transportation glow-up! They're investing in smart roads and new transit options to make getting around easier and more modern.
Melody Grove II RAD/Section 18 Redevelopment
The board approved submitting a financing plan to HUD to convert public housing assistance to Section 8 project-based vouchers for Melody Grove II.
City Attorney Personnel Review
The City Council is meeting to discuss personnel matters involving the City Attorney. This is a standard administrative review process.
City Manager Personnel Review
The City Council met behind closed doors to review and discuss the performance and employment of City Manager Ryan Holt.
FY 2026-2027 Property Tax Rate Adoption
The City Council finalized the property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year at $0.755000 per $100 valuation. While the rate is unchanged from last year, property owners will experience an effective tax increase of 3.60 percent due to higher property appraisals.
Downtown Redevelopment Project & Master Development Agreement
The council approved a master development agreement with Hunt Development Group worth up to $183.8 million to advance downtown revitalization and park infrastructure.
Personnel Appointment
Waco's got a new hire to make the city a more attractive spot for tourists and residents alike. This person's job is to brainstorm and implement ideas to boost Waco's appeal.
Public Safety Labor Agreements
The council advanced labor agreements for city firefighters and police officers, ensuring settled wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Downtown Redevelopment Infrastructure
Get ready, Waco! Downtown is about to get a major glow-up with a big redevelopment project. Think new construction and a spruced-up Riverwalk. Big changes are coming!
Annexation of Buster Chatham Road Property for Future Utility Planning
Residents from Buster Chatham Road and surrounding areas strongly opposed a city-initiated annexation and potential future wastewater treatment plant, raising alarms about water contamination, flood zones, property devaluation, and severe traffic strains on rural roads. City staff emphasized that the annexation only brings city-owned land into municipal boundaries and does not approve construction or bypass state environmental permitting.
Waco Surf Desperado Master Planned Community
Waco Surf is expanding with a massive new project featuring a second surf lagoon and 3D-printed homes by ICON. The council approved a master development agreement to guide this unique resort and residential expansion.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting
Waco's got a shiny new solid waste transfer station and landfill! This upgrade is all about making trash disposal smoother and cleaner for everyone in the city.