Waco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.