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 Quality Education , remained unchanged for FY 2018 . City leadership believes these are still the areas of focus that will propel Arlington wisely into the future .
As in previous years , significant investments are planned for public safety and information technology in FY 2018 . This includes the replacement of police digital video recorders and police and fire mobile data computers . IT , in conjunction with its client departments , is also undertaking several large projects in 2018 . Among those are the upgrade of AMANDA , which is our key development services and code compliance software , the full deployment of our body-worn cameras and new electronic citation devices , as well as the migration of Fire ’ s electronic medical records and redesign of the City ’ s website . Enterprise-wide , IT will also complete several large network infrastructure upgrades .
Great neighborhoods contribute to a higher quality of life and greater investment in our economy . In FY 2018 , Code Compliance will continue to focus on code violations by proactively addressing violations and increasing outreach to the community . Community Development and Planning has once again implemented the popular Neighborhood Matching Grant Program . The goal of the program is to provide financial support for resident and communitybased programs and activities that foster civic pride , enhance and beautify neighborhoods , and improve neighborhood vitality and participation . The program benefits the City of Arlington by making neighborhoods more attractive , raising the level of community pride , increasing civic participation by residents , and encouraging collaboration and formal
organization of and among neighbors , neighborhoods and city government .
Economic Development and targeted investment remains a key focus in FY 2018 . The muchanticipated new Downtown Library will open in June , bringing with it a sense of excitement and rejuvenation to the Downtown core . The Community Development and Planning Department will harness this excitement and take the opportunity to update the Downtown Master Plan . The Office of Economic Development will also continue its focus on business recruitment and retention including targeted outreach of direct foreign investment .
Arlington recognizes the importance of providing adequate roadway , bicycle and pedestrian , and aviation infrastructure to ensure
residents and visitors can travel safely and efficiently . In 2018 , Arlington will implement a new rideshare service , Via , as an alternative to the now completed pilot of the Metro Arlington Xpress commuter bus service . This “ on-demand ” service increases flexibility and access to a wide range of destinations . The Milo autonomous shuttle pilot initiative in the City ’ s Entertainment District will carry on throughout the next year . In addition , several large regional transportation projects , including the I-30 and SH 360 Interchange will continue .
Looking forward to FY 2018 and beyond , the City of Arlington is poised to achieve great things , to realize the goal of being a live , learn , work and play city – a true American Dream City .
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