Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with critical priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Data Center Development Concerns
Multiple residents voiced strong opposition during the hearing of visitors regarding a proposed mega data center in nearby Ross, citing concerns over water consumption, energy use, noise, and heat.
Facility Safety and Fire Protection
Waco's Fire Station #4 is getting a major upgrade with new construction starting soon. This means faster emergency responses for residents.
Severe Weather Response
Waco is opening up warming centers to keep residents safe and warm this winter. It's a proactive move to ensure everyone has a place to go when the temperatures drop.
Employee Health Insurance Plan Adjustments & Shortfall
Rising medical and prescription costs are threatening a $4 million shortfall in the city's health fund. HR is proposing a 7% employee premium bump and dropping weight-loss drugs for non-diabetic use to balance the budget.
Public Health Investigation
Uh oh, movie night might get a little creepy. City officials are investigating reports of mice at the local Cinemark theater. Hope they can sort this out before your next blockbuster.
911 Response Times
A resident expressed concern over delays in 911 response times after experiencing a five-minute wait during an emergency.