Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Historic Landmark Preservation Commission Membership Criteria
To address recurring quorum challenges, the city proposed expanding residency requirements for the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission to include people who work in Waco but live anywhere in McLennan County.
Student Housing Development
Big changes are coming to West Waco with a massive new housing development called West Lake Village. This project could significantly alter the neighborhood's landscape and population.
2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan Funding
The city is planning how to distribute federal HUD grants for housing, homelessness prevention, and community development for the upcoming year.