Arlington Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted 3-17-2015 | Page 64
While the city does not directly provide
elementary or secondary education
services or facilities, the relationship
with schools in the city is crucial
to sustaining a quality educational
system and providing adequate school
facilities. Since school facility location
choices interact with land uses
decisions, cooperation between the
city and school administrations is vital
to ensure that schools are adequately
located. Similar relationships must also
be maintained with the University of
Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County
College, as they have similar roles in
providing higher education facilities
within Arlington.
Perceptions about the quality of local
schools influence how residents view
the community as a whole. While
school quality can be subjective,
the perceived quality can affect
housing prices and housing values.
The Arlington Independent School
District, for example, is responding
to districtwide needs by reinvesting
in facilities and programs. A $663.1
million dollar bond election passed
in 2014, and proceeds will be used
to build new facilities, address
safety and security districtwide,
upgrade technology infrastructure
and equipment, provide fine arts
equipment, and address transportation
issues.
Human Services
The need for health and human
services has increased as a result of
the nationwide economic downturn
that started in 2008. The segment of
the population 55 years and older has
grown the most since 2000, and the
amount of services this age group will
require will continue to increase. This
is a natural trend, considering the Baby
Boomer generation is now entering
their 60s, and advances in health care
allow many more people to live well
into their 80s and beyond.
The city actively addresses many issues
through its 5-year Consolidated Plan
and Annual Action Plan, which lists
the proposed projects that will be
implemented with funds provided
from the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development. Many
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