Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
City Manager Personnel Review
The City Council met behind closed doors to review and discuss the performance and employment of City Manager Ryan Holt.
City Attorney Personnel Review
The City Council is meeting to discuss personnel matters involving the City Attorney. This is a standard administrative review process.
Public Safety Labor Agreements
The council advanced labor agreements for city firefighters and police officers, ensuring settled wages, benefits, and working conditions.
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.
Quarterly Investment Report
Waco reviewed its $910 million investment portfolio, reporting strong quarterly earnings and discussing policy updates to improve yields through commercial paper.
East Bank Sanitary Sewer Line Repair and Infrastructure
City staff provided updates on ongoing repairs to the collapsed 42-inch East Bank sanitary sewer line along MLK Jr. Boulevard, targeting a November completion.
Surveillance Technology Policy
Waco is caught in a tug-of-war over Flock license-plate cameras, with some residents so fed up with the surveillance that they’re actually vandalizing the equipment. It’s a classic debate: are these cameras keeping our streets safer, or are they just turning our city into a digital fishbowl?
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.
Fiscal Year 2027 Outside Agency Funding
City leaders reviewed funding requests for 15 outside partner agencies, discussing various budget options ranging from flat funding to cuts.
Credit Card Convenience Fees
The city is looking at adding a 1.5% fee for paying with credit cards to offset the $1.3 million it currently spends on transaction fees. Residents can still use free options like cash, checks, or bank drafts.
Multifamily Housing Density Expansion on S. New Road
The commission approved a land use change and rezoning for 18.67 acres near South New Road to allow higher-density multifamily housing. Staff noted the plan helps meet housing demand while maintaining a buffer against existing single-family neighborhoods.
Youth Council Administrative Reform
Want to make a difference in Waco? The city is looking for new blood for the City Council! Applications open this Wednesday, so if you've ever thought about shaping local policy, now's your moment to step up.
Investment Advisory and Municipal Financial Products Contracts
Waco is changing up how it manages its nearly $1 billion portfolio and bond funds by bringing in specialized advisory firms to increase investment yields.
Data Center Zoning
Waco's planning commission is considering new rules for data centers, which could mean they won't be allowed everywhere automatically. Some residents are concerned about how these massive facilities might impact our water and environment.
Local Elections
Waco voters made some changes in local elections! A city council seat in Lacy Lakeview flipped, with someone against a data center taking a spot and the current supporter losing out. Looks like the data center debate is heating up!
City Council Election Results
Your vote counts! Waco voters decided to keep Mayor Jim Holmes and District 1 Council Member Andrea Barefield in their seats for another term. Barefield pointed to her track record on community projects and infrastructure as key to her victory.
Downtown Infrastructure Financing
Waco's trying to get a massive $20.7 million grant to fix up those notoriously bad bridges. If they get the money, it could mean smoother, safer drives for everyone.
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.
Water Infrastructure Funding
Waco's getting a million bucks from the feds to improve how it reuses water at Flat Creek. This is a big win for making sure the city has enough water, especially as it grows.
Environmental Impact of Data Centers
Waco is starting to look at how all those new data centers could impact our local environment. City leaders are discussing the potential downsides, so if you care about keeping Waco green, pay attention!
Wilson Avenue Residential Rezoning Opposition
Neighbors successfully pushed back against a proposal to rezone a Wilson Avenue property for two-family housing, arguing it didn't fit the single-family character of their neighborhood.
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.
Landfill Closure
Waco's city landfill is shutting down soon, meaning trash disposal is about to get different. The city is exploring new waste management strategies, and residents will be updated on how these changes will affect them.
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.
Hotel Carmichael Opening Timeline
Waco is opening a new STEAM Center, and they're celebrating with a big community event! This means more awesome learning experiences are coming your way.
Road Closures
Waco is closing down several roads, so you'll want to check the city's advisory before you head out. Don't get caught in unexpected traffic jams!
City Manager Appointment
Waco has a new city manager, Ryan Holt, who's already been working for the city. He's taking over the top administrative role, and residents are curious about what his leadership will mean for Waco.