Waco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Park Development Projects Update
The commission was scheduled to review the upcoming fiscal year's budget priorities and ongoing park development projects across Waco.
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.
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.
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.
Trinity Heights Brownstones Development Funding
Pleasant Street Partners requested up to $1,000,000 in TIF funds to help build a 12-unit condominium project on Elm Avenue, bringing new housing and capital investment to the area.
Melody Grove II RAD/Section 18 Redevelopment
The housing authority is considering a financing and redevelopment plan for Melody Grove II to convert public housing assistance into Section 8 project-based vouchers.
Waco Surf Desperado Master Planned Community
Waco Surf is expanding with a new surf lagoon, community amenities, and 3D-printed homes. The City Council approved a master development agreement and sales tax sharing arrangement to support this unique tourist and residential destination.
South Terrace Management Transition and Construction
Management of South Terrace is transitioning to ResProp while construction-related matters are being addressed.
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.
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.
Affordable Housing for Adults with Disabilities on South 17th Street
A developer and local nonprofit Friends for Life are building specialized affordable housing for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Amendment 2 to Convey 2050: Metropolitan Transportation Plan
The board evaluated public comments and potential adoption of Amendment 2 to the long-range Convey 2050 transportation plan.
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.
At-Risk Historic Properties and Demolition Trends
As downtown redevelopment moves forward, city officials and community members are holding listening sessions to collect oral histories and memories from alumni of the former Indian Spring campus. Leaders stressed the importance of curating these stories respectfully rather than letting local history fade.
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.