Waco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
Convention Center Branding Project Replacement
Updates regarding facility management by Legends Global and ongoing branding initiatives were reviewed by the board.
Commercial Rezoning for Waffle House on S. 7th Street
A 0.7-acre vacant parcel at 722 S. 7th Street was rezoned from office-residence to community commercial to clear the way for a new Waffle House location. The site sits near downtown amid mixed commercial and residential uses.
Parking Authority Annual Report
The board was scheduled to review and approve the annual report covering parking operations and board activities from July 2024 through December 2025.
Brazos Higher Education Student Loan Note Program (2026-2028)
Brazos Higher Education Authority is seeking city approval for its upcoming tax-exempt bond issuances to fund affordable student gap loans for Texas families. City leaders reviewed the program's strong financial performance and confirmed that the bonds carry zero debt or financial liability for Waco taxpayers.