Waco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Historic landmark property improvements (1002 Webster Avenue)
The former First Baptist Church building is a designated historic landmark, so any exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the commission. The applicant was seeking permission to make improvements to the building.
Certificate of Appropriateness for additional landmark property
A second landmark-designated property was the subject of a proposed improvement requiring the commission's review before work could proceed.
Strong fiscal year for hotel occupancy tax collections
Hotel tax collections hit $7.88 million in FY26 — nearly 110% of target and 6% above the prior year — money that funds tourism marketing, the convention center, and local attractions. The FY27 target has been raised to $7.72 million.
Tourism incentive requests for 2027 events
Three organizations sought hotel-occupancy-tax-funded incentives totaling $35,500 to bring events to Waco in 2027: the Texas Innovation Invitational, QuiltWeek Waco, and the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference. Together they're estimated to generate roughly 3,700 hotel room nights, much of it in off-peak months.
AJGA Waco Junior Open Incentive Request
IRONMAN 70.3 Waco sold out with 3,225 athletes and drew its largest checked-in field in four years, generating an estimated 5,232 hotel room nights and over $1.1 million in dining spend. IRONKIDS was rained out, but companion events like Beast of the Brazos and Waco Wild West added thousands more room nights.
The Pines at Waco duplex development
A developer wants to build 24 duplex buildings (48 units) on about 6.3 acres near Oak Road and Speegleville Road, down from 25 buildings after neighbors raised concerns. The hearing was continued from September to allow revisions.
Commercial and Residential Rezoning Across Multiple Corridors
A 7-1 vote to rezone a corner at Garden Drive and University Parks to commercial raised fears that nearby office and residential parcels could follow. Staff argued the limited corner scope and remaining O-2 buffer prevent broader commercial spread.
Expansion of Sober Living Housing in Sanger Heights
Two facilities serving people recovering from addiction came before the commission: a new 34-bed New Chapter Community recovery housing campus in Sanger Heights and a renewal for Senecore's long-running 60-bed treatment center on Herring Avenue. Both won unanimous recommendations.
Coffee shop/café zoning definition
A proposed ordinance would define 'coffee shop/café,' allow the use in most commercial and office districts, and exempt coffee shops from the 100-foot alcohol buffer near single-family and duplex zoning — as long as alcohol stays under 25% of sales.
Transitional shelter special permits
Two shelter-related items were on the docket: a new Transitional Shelter II special permit near 18th and Gorman, and a renewal for the Cenikor Foundation facility on Lyle Avenue. These decisions affect where supportive housing and recovery services operate in the city.
Summer Reading Challenge and Youth Literacy Programs
The annual Summer Reading Challenge saw increased participation and completion rates across all age groups, supported by local business sponsorships and community partners.
West Waco Library Flooring and Facility Improvements
The West Waco Library reopened following a capital improvement project to replace flooring throughout public areas and meeting rooms. The updates help modernize the branch and provide a better environment for library visitors.
Demolition Permit Delay for 606 N. 15th Street
A scheduled review regarding a demolition permit delay for a property at 606 N. 15th Street was postponed due to the meeting cancellation.
Kate Ross Sidewalk Replacement Phase II Contract Award
The housing authority is reviewing a construction contract with Texas Corridor Contracting LLC to replace aging sidewalks at the Kate Ross community. This project aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for residents.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan Amendments
The housing authority is proposing updates to its Section 8 Administrative Plan to streamline operations and ensure compliance. These changes affect local voucher holders and landlords participating in the program.
Rising Images Delinquent Account Write-Offs
The board will consider authorizing write-offs for uncollectible delinquent accounts across several local apartment complexes managed by Rising Images, Inc.
FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget Approval
The board is scheduled to review and approve the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year starting October 1, 2026.
Animal Shelter Capacity and Operations Review
Local rescue advocates and residents spoke out about an overwhelming crisis of stray, dumped, and chained animals in Waco, pointing out understaffed animal control services and long wait times for owner surrenders.
Executive Search Firm Proposals Review
The board is evaluating proposals from executive search firms to assist in recruiting leadership for the housing authority.
East Waco Redevelopment and 25th Street Activation Initiatives
The city is hiring the Better Block Foundation for $196,000 to lead a community engagement process and a 12-month pilot activation at 2423 Cole Avenue to revitalize the 25th Street corridor.
Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Outreach
The city is working to improve local business participation and accessibility through its e-procurement portal and community outreach initiatives.
City of Waco Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (ADM-1)
The committee reviewed municipal employment policies designed to ensure fair treatment, prevent discrimination, and protect workers who report violations.
Creekside Village Veteran Housing Phase I
Mission Waco is developing Creekside Village, where 15 percent of Phase I housing units will be reserved for veterans. The project highlights ongoing efforts to address veteran homelessness in the community.
Sustainable Action Work Group and Annual Reporting
The board is scheduled to hear updates from its Sustainable Action Work Group, which focuses on local environmental issues and policy recommendations.
BU/US 77 Corridor Improvements
Updates from TxDOT and the MPO covered major highway construction projects and current grant efforts, including PROTECT grant initiatives and travel demand modeling. These efforts directly influence local traffic flow, safety, and infrastructure funding.
City Website Veteran Resources
Partnering with the VA, upcoming claims clinics in Mexia and Waco aim to streamline benefit approvals and prioritize first responders.
Waco Area MPO Complete Streets Policy
The Policy Board scheduled discussions on MPO redesignation, policy considerations, and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure effective regional transportation planning and governance. These discussions help shape how federal and state transportation funds are managed across the Waco area.
Setback and Parking Variances for 920 Sherman Street
Property owners are seeking various exemptions from city zoning rules regarding yard setbacks and fence heights to accommodate new construction or site improvements.
2026 Boards and Commissions Annual Report
The board plans to discuss the preparation of its annual report to the Waco City Council, highlighting key accomplishments and focus areas.
Public Health District Operations and Program Updates
Staff were scheduled to present an update on local public health emergency preparedness capabilities and response planning.
FY2026 Financial Audit and Auditor Appointment
The board is reviewing the annual financial audit prepared by Forvis Mazars, LLP, and will consider appointing the firm for the upcoming 2026-2027 term. This ensures financial transparency and compliance with reporting requirements for the higher education authority.
Information Security Program and Risk Assessment Compliance
The board will consider adopting an Information Security Program and Risk Assessment to comply with federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act standards, protecting sensitive data and establishing corporate security policies.
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.
Park Development Projects Update
The commission was scheduled to review the upcoming fiscal year's budget priorities and ongoing park development projects across Waco.
Parks and Recreation Planning and Advisory
The commission reviewed updates on park developments, recreation programs, and budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year.
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.
Cordova Springs Residential Redevelopment
Developers and city staff provided an update on the massive Cordova Springs residential neighborhood at the former Floyd Casey Stadium site, highlighting diverse housing options and strong sales.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Fire Stations
The council discussed the potential installation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Waco fire stations to provide safe infant surrender options.
Adoption of City Council Civility Pledge
Waco leaders adopted a formal resolution committing to maintain high standards of mutual respect, transparency, and civil discourse during public meetings and community interactions.
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.
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.
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.
Groundwater Overpumping Settlement
McGregor's city council just agreed to a record $175,000 penalty because SpaceX overpumped groundwater at its testing facility. Since the city actually owns the site and the wells, local taxpayers are stuck with the bill, even though SpaceX has since reined in its water usage.
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.
Convention Center Branding Project Replacement
Updates regarding facility management by Legends Global and ongoing branding initiatives were reviewed by the board.
Tourism Incentives and Marketing Strategy
The commission evaluated funding requests and incentives to attract sports and tourism events, such as the upcoming T’GIS Waco Junior Open in 2027.
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.
Better Block Foundation Cole Avenue Placemaking
The board reviewed a funding agreement up to $196,000 with the Better Block Foundation to lead community engagement and placemaking initiatives at a city-owned property on Cole Avenue.