Waco · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Executive Search Firm Proposals Review
The board is evaluating proposals from executive search firms to assist in recruiting leadership for the housing authority.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown Revitalization
Waco is modernizing its downtown zoning laws by establishing a new Form-Based Code district across 88.55 acres. This shift helps shape building aesthetics, pedestrian pathways, and mixed-use development to foster a more vibrant, walkable city center.
Office Rezoning at 501-511 Herring Avenue
Get ready for new neighbors, Waco! The city just approved a rezoning that will allow for a new development with 63 homes in East Waco. This means more housing options are on the way.
Riverwalk project
Catalyst Urban Development is updating its riverfront project plans to replace a planned hotel with mixed-use apartments, offices, and restaurants, aligning with city riverwalk construction.
Airport Operations and Capital Improvements
The board reviewed ongoing airport operations, runway rehabilitation projects, and capital improvement proposals for fiscal year 2027 at Waco Regional Airport.
Data Center Development Concerns
Multiple residents voiced strong opposition during the hearing of visitors regarding a proposed mega data center in nearby Ross, citing concerns over water consumption, energy use, noise, and heat.
Personnel Appointment
Waco's got a new hire to make the city a more attractive spot for tourists and residents alike. This person's job is to brainstorm and implement ideas to boost Waco's appeal.
Surveillance Technology Policy
Waco is caught in a tug-of-war over Flock license-plate cameras, with some residents so fed up with the surveillance that they’re actually vandalizing the equipment. It’s a classic debate: are these cameras keeping our streets safer, or are they just turning our city into a digital fishbowl?
Severe Weather Response
Waco is opening up warming centers to keep residents safe and warm this winter. It's a proactive move to ensure everyone has a place to go when the temperatures drop.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting
Waco's got a shiny new solid waste transfer station and landfill! This upgrade is all about making trash disposal smoother and cleaner for everyone in the city.
Employee Health Insurance Plan Adjustments & Shortfall
Rising medical and prescription costs are threatening a $4 million shortfall in the city's health fund. HR is proposing a 7% employee premium bump and dropping weight-loss drugs for non-diabetic use to balance the budget.
Voting Rights and Representation
Get ready for a potential shake-up in how Waco picks its city council and school board members! A court ruling is looking at how districts are drawn, and it could change who gets to represent you and your neighborhood.
Litter Enforcement
Tired of trash near the suspension bridge, especially after those 'tortilla tossing' events? Waco residents are pushing for real enforcement to keep the area clean, not just one-off cleanups.
Job Fair
Waco's city government is hosting a job fair to help residents find employment. It's a great opportunity to meet local businesses and explore new career paths.
Recycling Program Updates
The advisory board planned to review recycling updates and hear from Sunbright Recycling representatives.
Landfill Operations
Waco's getting a new landfill starting Monday, and the old one's closing this Saturday. This means you'll need to know the new spot for your trash disposal. Don't get caught with garbage on Saturday night!
Public Health Director Appointment
Waco has a new Public Health Director, and this appointment is a major move for the city's health programs. Get ready for potential shifts in how public health is managed!
Data Center Expansion
Waco is looking at a big data center expansion, but some folks are hitting the brakes. They're worried about the strain on our power and water, and whether this tech boom is worth the potential hit to our quality of life.
Landfill Closure
Waco's city landfill is shutting down soon, meaning trash disposal is about to get different. The city is exploring new waste management strategies, and residents will be updated on how these changes will affect them.
Hotel Carmichael Opening Timeline
Waco is opening a new STEAM Center, and they're celebrating with a big community event! This means more awesome learning experiences are coming your way.
Public Health Investigation
Uh oh, movie night might get a little creepy. City officials are investigating reports of mice at the local Cinemark theater. Hope they can sort this out before your next blockbuster.
Data Center Zoning
Waco's planning commission is considering new rules for data centers, which could mean they won't be allowed everywhere automatically. Some residents are concerned about how these massive facilities might impact our water and environment.
Office Closure
Waco city offices are shutting down this Tuesday. Make sure to get your city business done beforehand or wait until Wednesday!
City Manager Appointment
Waco has a new city manager, Ryan Holt, who's already been working for the city. He's taking over the top administrative role, and residents are curious about what his leadership will mean for Waco.
City Manager Hiring
Waco's down to four candidates for City Manager, and this hire is a huge deal. The person chosen will be in charge of running the city's daily operations, so expect big changes.
Criminal Charges Against City Employee
A Waco city employee is in hot water, facing multiple charges for allegedly assaulting three minors over several years. This raises some serious questions about who's watching out for our kids and how the city handles its employees.
Gaming Regulation
Waco is officially banning those 'eight-liner' gambling machines. City council made the call, so if you frequent these spots, your gaming days in Waco are numbered.
Food Truck Regulations
Waco's getting serious about food trucks in the new year. New regulations are coming in January, so if you love grabbing lunch from a mobile vendor, you'll want to know how this might change things.
Warrant Amnesty Event
Waco is holding a special Halloween event where you can clear old misdemeanor warrants without getting arrested. It's a chance to settle up with the law before the holiday fun begins.
Eight-liner Ban
Waco might be saying goodbye to those 'eight-liner' machines found in some local spots. City council is looking at a ban that could shake things up for businesses that have them.
Property Acquisition
Waco wants to buy the old Indian Springs Middle School to kickstart a downtown makeover. This move is all about bringing new development and a fresh look to the city center.
Gambling Machine Ban
Waco City Council is considering a ban on those popular 'eight-liner' gambling machines. This move could shake up local businesses and potentially impact crime rates in the area.
Solid Waste Transfer Station
Waco's got a shiny new solid waste transfer station, and it's a game-changer for getting rid of trash. Expect faster, smoother operations when you need to dispose of your waste.
City Manager Resignation
Waco's City Manager is out! They're spilling the tea on why they decided to pack up and leave their job. Get ready for some behind-the-scenes drama.
Landfill Construction
Waco's brand new landfill is opening up on October 1st! Get ready for a new place to dump your garbage.