Property Tax Rate Held Flat in Approved City Budget

Arlington, TX · September 17, 2026

Pour that second cup before checking the North Texas Giving Day leaderboards — the 18-hour sprint to support neighborhood non-profits runs from now until midnight.

The Lead

On Tuesday evening, the Arlington City Council held its second and final vote to formally adopt a $765.8 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Unlike two years ago when rates ticked upward, this adopted plan holds the municipal property tax rate steady while channeling fresh revenues straight into essential infrastructure and emergency staffing. Over two-thirds of general fund spending heads directly toward police and fire operations, funding increased patrol deployment along primary commercial corridors and stabilizing public safety response times. Public works crews also receive dedicated backing to accelerate scheduled street rehabilitation and arterial repaving across older neighborhoods. Water and stormwater rates will see small planned adjustments to finance drainage upgrades along local tributaries. The new spending plan officially takes effect October 1, when city departments roll out the updated staffing rosters and capital equipment.

Local Pulse

State Certifies City for Digital Media Expansion Business The creative designation helps recruit video game and animation studios, expanding local high-tech employment opportunities across town.
Museum Previews Major Community History Exhibition Community Curators partnered with 75 neighborhood groups to gather untold local stories ahead of next month's milestone debut.
Junior High Students Lead Campus Mental-Health Campaign Schools Peer-led initiatives launched across secondary campuses this week to provide listening sessions and reduce stigma among students.

Today's Outlook

High 99°F · Low 81°F — Overcast
- Heavy cloud cover won't cut the heat, so stay hydrated during afternoon errands.

What's On Around Town

Today

Texas Authors Book Club Fielder House Museum (1616 W Abram St), 6:30–7:30 PM · Free Discussing Dallas' infamous 1960s jewel heist with fellow local history buffs.
Pumpkin Nights Opening Night Howell Farms (4016 W Division St), 6:30–10:30 PM · Paid Ten thousand hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate an immersive half-mile walking trail.
Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox Globe Life Field, 7:05 PM · Paid Deciding game of the three-game series with postseason positioning on the line.
The Cowsills Arlington Music Hall (224 N Center St), 7:30 PM · Paid Sixties harmony-pop icons deliver classic radio staples live on stage.

Tomorrow

Fall Family Fish Night Cliff Nelson Recreation Center (4600 W Bardin Rd), 6:00–8:00 PM · Free
Levitt Fall Concert: Jay Pérez & Grupo Pression Levitt Pavilion, 7:10 PM · Free

Saturday

West Main Arts Fest Downtown Arlington, Noon–6:00 PM · Free
Levitt Fall Concert: Patrick Pombuena Community Orchestra & Blue Tongue Levitt Pavilion, 7:10 PM · Free
International Observe the Moon Night UTA Planetarium & Observatory (700 Planetarium Pl), 8:30–10:30 PM · Free

Spotlight & Story

River Legacy Living Science Center
- Inspired by a makeshift tree fort architects Eddie and Neal Jones spotted in the park's woods, this 12,000-square-foot cedar-and-glass pavilion rises into the Trinity River canopy. Its angled rooflines and exposed trusses mirror the branching post oaks just outside.

Arlington Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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