Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wichita Falls public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues
Falls Ranch RV Resort sewer improvements cost-sharing
The city is partnering with the RV resort developer to build off-site sewer upgrades the area needs before any new development can happen. The developer pays a proportional share, and the city says the work also opens capacity for other businesses — but a citizen demanded a public breakdown of who pays for what.
Howmet Aerospace Facility and Workforce Expansion
Howmet is investing $70 million to expand its Wichita Falls plant, adding about 200 full-time jobs for roughly 1,100 total positions. The council's nomination lets the company pursue state Enterprise Zone incentives.
Homelessness and homeless veterans
A homeless veteran spoke about how hard it is to find real help, and Council Member Brooks described a homeless encampment he visited and organizations like Home for Freedom and Catholic Charities that place veterans in housing. The mayor pledged to connect the speaker with those resources.
Community division and council accountability
Several speakers accused the mayor and council of dismissing parts of the community, citing canceled meetings, social media behavior, and unequal treatment ahead of Election Day. Others praised recent community-policing efforts like the Bridge the Gap tournament.
City Manager Transition and Appointment
The council authorized the city attorney to investigate the severance deal with former city manager Jeffery Jenkins and potentially sue to recover funds. The city says it kept its rights on fraud and wrongdoing when he left, and new facts have emerged.
Sheppard Air Force Base Runway 33L South Repair Project
The city is applying for state grants and committing local sales tax funds to help repair the runway overrun at Sheppard Air Force Base, protecting crucial military training missions.
Fire Department Administration Relocation & Station Improvements
The city is buying a building on Lamar Street to move Fire Department administration out of Station 1, freeing up much-needed living space for firefighters at the downtown station.
Flood Mitigation and FEMA Floodplain Remapping
The city is hiring engineers to study flooding issues along East Plum Creek and the Wichita River to develop long-term solutions and secure state or federal funding grants.
East Lawn Memorial Park Municipal Takeover Due Diligence
The council initiated due diligence to potentially take over the severely neglected, privately owned East Lawn Memorial Park cemetery to ensure proper maintenance and historical preservation.
SkyBox Datacenters Proposed Campus
SkyBox presented updates on its massive industrial data center campus in the business park, sparking resident debates over power grid capacity, water usage, and economic benefits versus tax incentives and community disruption.
Huntington Lane RV Park Rezoning
Residents strongly opposed rezoning 11.1 acres on Huntington Lane for an RV park, citing concerns about neighborhood character, traffic congestion, and community safety.