City of Arlington , Texas Fiscal Year 2020
Looking Forward
The City Council ’ s five strategic priorities , Champion Great Neighborhoods , Enhance Regional Mobility , Invest in Our Economy , Put Technology to Work and Support Our Youth and Families , remain unchanged for Fiscal Year 2021 . Each year , projects are planned , and funding is allocated with goal of achieving these Council Priorities at top of mind .
Great neighborhoods contribute to a higher quality of life and greater investment in our economy . Programming in our newly opened East Library and Recreation Center will continue to be developed in FY21 to address the changing dynamics and needs of the community . The City ’ s first joint facility will provide an opportunity for considerable expansion to the already high level of center programming offered by both the Library and Parks and Recreation departments . We will remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining our award-winning parks system , our medians , our libraries and other public facilities .
Economic Development plays an important role in the vitality of Arlington ’ s economy . The City will continue to pursue economic development efforts that aim to bring employment , entertainment and educational opportunities to our community while reducing the tax burden for our homeowners . In FY21 , the newly created Economic Development Corporation will establish its economic development goals for the next five years . The updated strategy will provide recruitment , redevelopment , marketing and entrepreneurship priorities for the EDC Board , City Council and staff .
Arlington recognizes the importance of providing adequate roadway , bicycle and pedestrian , and aviation infrastructure to ensure residents and visitors can travel safely and efficiently . A citywide expansion of Via , the “ on-demand ” ride-share service , will be piloted in FY21 increasing flexibility and access to a wider range of destinations . In addition , a RAPID On-Demand Autonomous Vehicle Pilot is also planned . The project will combine the City ’ s expertise with on-demand rideshare and AV testing to demonstrate the integration of a shared , dynamically routed Level 4 AV fleet into an existing public rideshare transit system .
Another key focus of FY21 and encompassing of all five Council Priorities , is the social and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic . In FY21 , the city will work to close the digital divide by strengthening Wi-Fi at our public facilities and creating the East Innovation Zone , which will provide access to economic mobility opportunities to area residents by bridging the digital divide , create a tech-centered outdoor community space and building sustainable partnerships with area providers . The City ’ s Housing Department will continue to aid in eviction prevention , and the Information Technology Department will make numerous improvements to our technology infrastructure to ensure our employees can continue to provide the same level of high-quality service in any situation .
Looking forward to FY21 and beyond , the City of Arlington is prepared to achieve great things , to realize the goal of being a live , learn , work and play city – a true American Dream City .
23