Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in development with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Short-Term Rental Regulation and Neighborhood Compatibility
Neighbors near Inverness Drive pushed back against a short-term rental special permit, arguing that commercial rentals disrupt the tight-knit, single-family character of their subdivision. Supporters highlighted the property's accessibility features for travelers with disabilities, prompting commissioners to continue the item for further neighborhood discussions.
HUD-Code Manufactured Housing Compliance
In response to recent state legislation under Senate Bill 785, Waco is updating its zoning code to allow HUD Code Manufactured Homes as a permitted use by right within Rural Estates (R-E) zoning districts.
Miguel House Boutique Hotel Development
Remember that old H-E-B building downtown? Get ready, because it's coming back to life! Garden City Grocery is reopening it, and it's going to bring more buzz to the heart of Waco.
Quiet Zone Construction
Tired of loud train horns at all hours? Waco's finally kicking off its quiet zone project to cut down on the noise. This means fewer disruptive train whistles echoing through town.
Housing Tax Credit Program Resolutions of Support
Three affordable housing developments requested city resolutions of support and policy waivers to apply for state tax credits.