FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 23

Looking Forward

Looking Forward - Consider the Possibilities

generating new revenues by pursuing request for proposals to identify

Fiscal Year 2012 looks like it will, as in past years, be a period of

Arlington’s management team will also investigate possibilities for

continued economic uncertainty. While Arlington’s economy appears

a potential business and first-class hotel for the City-owned property

to be recovering, the strength and permanence of this recovery is

adjacent to the Convention Center; and we will continue to be good

unknown. So as we look forward to FY 2012, we do so with a spirit of

fiscal stewards. For example, we will use a federal stimulus grant to

“Hopeful Realism.”

make much-needed improvements to the City Office Tower, a project

that is expected to yield 15 percent savings in energy usage and

Arlington has long prided itself on the ability to approach issues

realistically. We enjoy strong policy and fiscal leadership, effective

reduce CO2 emissions by 19 percent.

management, and productive, creative employees. We have a clear

understanding of current challenges, and continue to seek innovative,

we realize that we must embrace the change that is inherent to those

long-term strategic solutions to balancing our budget.

challenges, stay hopeful about the future, and make decisions that

have the least impact on how we deliver services to our citizens. It

We have been pleased to see that sales tax remains strong,

As we continue to face challenges from the economic climate,

thanks in large part to the success of the City’s Entertainment

will continue to be necessary to work smart, make the best use of

District. The City works diligently to nurture strong relationships

the resources available to us, and always be ready to respond as new

with the businesses in that district, as is evidenced by our 40-year

opportunities and challenges present themselves.

history with the American League Champion Texas Rangers. We

are also engaged in celebrating new economic growth in the City,

City of Arlington to meet these challenging times and maintain our

like the opening of the University of Texas at Arlington College Park

vision of Arlington as a pre-eminent city that provides an exemplary

Event Center in February 2012, and the myriad of restaurants and

environment in which to live, learn, work, and play.

businesses that have chosen to locate in Downtown Arlington.

In 2012, the City will continue cultivating partnerships in the

community and looking for creative ways to collaborate on projects
and identify funding sources. A good example of this endeavor is
the creation of a Keep Arlington Beautiful Friends Group, a group of
volunteers that will seek grants and sponsorships, and will provide
community outreach designed to further the effort to enhance and
preserve neighborhoods.

The quality of our neighborhoods is an enduring focus for City

staff. This priority encompasses many departments and requires
a team approach to providing housing assistance, recreational
programs, and learning opportunities within our community. With its
focus on literacy and youth, the Library intends to purchase a mobile
computer lab, making technology and library resources accessible to
the majority of Arlington’s neighborhoods.

tulate, and Consider the Possibilities”

23

So it is with “Hopeful Realism” that we prepare and position the