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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Park Development Projects Update
The commission was scheduled to review the upcoming fiscal year's budget priorities and ongoing park development projects across Waco.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transit System Performance Review
Waco's asking for your input on how roads should be planned for 2025 and beyond. This is your shot to influence future transportation projects around the city.
Police Department Vehicle Lease Agreement
The city is considering spending up to $241,200 next fiscal year to lease ten undercover vehicles for police investigations.
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.
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.
City Attorney Personnel Review
The City Council is meeting to discuss personnel matters involving the City Attorney. This is a standard administrative review process.
City Manager Personnel Review
The City Council met behind closed doors to review and discuss the performance and employment of City Manager Ryan Holt.
Public Safety Labor Agreements
The city and the Waco Professional Fire Fighters Association were scheduled to negotiate terms of their collective bargaining agreement, affecting city employment policies and public safety operations.
Organizational Assessment and Operational Priorities
Consultants from Gallagher Consulting evaluated district operations, identifying key priorities, risks, and challenges to improve efficiency.
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.
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.
Historic Preservation Workshop Planning
Planning for an educational workshop aimed at promoting historic preservation efforts and community engagement in Waco.
Quarterly Investment Report
Finance officials reported on the city's $921.7 million investment portfolio, generating $8.4 million in interest income for the quarter.
East Bank Sanitary Sewer Line Repair and Infrastructure
City staff provided updates on ongoing repairs to the collapsed 42-inch East Bank sanitary sewer line along MLK Jr. Boulevard, targeting a November completion.
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?
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.
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.
Multifamily Housing Density Expansion on S. New Road
The commission approved a land use change and rezoning for 18.67 acres near South New Road to allow higher-density multifamily housing. Staff noted the plan helps meet housing demand while maintaining a buffer against existing single-family neighborhoods.
Fiscal Year 2027 Outside Agency Funding
City leaders reviewed funding requests for 15 outside partner agencies, discussing various budget options ranging from flat funding to cuts.
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.
Credit Card Convenience Fees
The city is looking at adding a 1.5% fee for paying with credit cards to offset the $1.3 million it currently spends on transaction fees. Residents can still use free options like cash, checks, or bank drafts.
Youth Council Administrative Reform
Want to make a difference in Waco? The city is looking for new blood for the City Council! Applications open this Wednesday, so if you've ever thought about shaping local policy, now's your moment to step up.
AI Enablement and Workflow Modernization Contract
The housing authority is looking at hiring a consultant to upgrade its document management and introduce AI tools to streamline operations.
Line of Credit Extension for Grassroots Community Development
The board was scheduled to evaluate whether to extend a line of credit to Grassroots Community Development, which supports local housing and community initiatives.
Investment Advisory and Municipal Financial Products Contracts
Waco is changing up how it manages its nearly $1 billion portfolio and bond funds by bringing in specialized advisory firms to increase investment yields.
City Council Election Results
Your vote counts! Waco voters decided to keep Mayor Jim Holmes and District 1 Council Member Andrea Barefield in their seats for another term. Barefield pointed to her track record on community projects and infrastructure as key to her victory.
Local Elections
Waco voters made some changes in local elections! A city council seat in Lacy Lakeview flipped, with someone against a data center taking a spot and the current supporter losing out. Looks like the data center debate is heating up!