The City of Arlington received the 2016 Audrey Nelson Award for its work with the Development Corporation of Tarrant County to develop housing for first-time homebuyers . The construction of new , affordable , single-family housing is part of the initiative to transform the Central Arlington Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area . The new , energy-efficient homes have improved quality and cost of living within the community .
The International Association of Chiefs of Police recognized Deputy Police Chief LaTesha Watson with its ’ 40 Under 40 Award .’ The award was developed to recognize 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership in their profession . Watson , who oversees the East Police Division , was hired by APD in 2002 and quickly rose through the ranks , serving in a variety of capacities .
The Arlington Police Department ’ s ‘ RAISE ’ program received the 2016 TML Municipal Excellence Award . RAISE consists of team agencies partnering together to address the issues repeat victims of family violence face by offering a support system that develops a safe and healthy climate for them .
Assistant City Attorney David Barber was recognized by the Texas City Attorney ’ s Association with the Galen Sparks Award for Outstanding Public Service . The award , granted each year to an assistant city attorney , recognizes distinguished career achievements in municipal law . Barber , who has been with the City for 28 years , was singled out for drafting Arlington ’ s first Code of Ethics and his work on city ordinances .
The City ’ s Stormwater division received statewide recognition for its Royce Drive / Chimney Court Drainage Project . The Texas Public Works Association named it ‘ Project of the Year ’ at its annual conference . The project included drainage improvements , reconstruction of drainage walls , sanitary sewer improvements and rebuilt streets , curbs and gutters .
City Accreditations
For the fourth year in a row , Arlington ’ s traffic safety program was recognized by the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center . The program educates people on distracted driving and works to reduce impaired driving .
Arlington was one of five cities with populations of 100,000 or more to receive the U . S . Conference of Mayor ’ s 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award . The City ’ s Fire Department was recognized for its Community Health Program , a no-cost in-home preventative care service . Specially selected physician-trained paramedics make proactive , preventative “ house calls ” to patients . The program dropped ER visits by 60 % and hospitalizations by 85 %, while also lowering 911 calls .
The Midwest Section of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association recently awarded the City of Arlington a Planning Project Award for the City ’ s Comprehensive Plan , 99 Square Miles . The Strategic Planning Team completed the comprehensive plan in-house , and it was adopted by City Council in 2015 . In addition , Senior Planner Christina Sebastian won from the Midwest Section .
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