FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2011 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 2
Message from the Mayor
task, requiring skill and negotiation, and a deep commitment to the
changing needs of our community.
Auditing and reporting the City of Arlington’s financial status is an
equally important responsibility. To that end, staff throughout the
organization works closely with Finance to ensure transactions
are correctly calculated and posted. Council and I receive regular
briefings on the City’s financial position and have the opportunity to
make budget adjustments as needed.
In 2011, we had reason to celebrate. Arlington hosted a World Series,
becoming one of the first cities to host a Super Bowl and World
Series within a 12-month period. In fact, our Entertainment District is
one of the most important economic drivers in the City. While total
tourism output has declined by 6.4 percent for all of the United States
since 2008, in Arlington it is up 8.4 percent. Overall crime is down
and continues a steady decline that began four years ago. Viridian,
a multi-phase, multi-year 2,300-acre $2 billion development project
was launched in May, and General Motors recently broke ground on a
major expansion.
Dear Reader,
The Arlington City Council and I are honored to present the 2011
Popular Annual Financial Report: Challenge, Change, Celebrate,
Congratulate, and Consider the Possibilities. Just as we believe it is
our responsibility to be good stewards of our City’s resources and
make decisions in the best interest of the citizens of Arlington, it is
also incumbent upon us to do our work in an open and transparent
manner. This report allows us to do just that, and is an essential
element of responsible government.
There is a sense of optimism as 2011 ends. I’m proud of the work
that has been done by Council and staff, and offer this report on the
financial status of our great City. I invite you to join us as we take a
look back and celebrate our successes.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Cluck, M.D.
Arlington Mayor
[email protected]
817.459.6121
In a sense, 2011 represented a turning point for Arlington. Against
the backdrop of a national economic recovery, which seems fragile at
best, we see signs of real progress and success.
Although budget decisions have not been easy,
In this
Arlington has fared better than other cities across
Message From the Mayor.................... 2
North Texas and across the nation. This fiscal year
City Council........................................ 3
ended with a $3 million dollar budget surplus.
Message From the
This budget surplus was accomplished due to
City Manager’s Office.......................... 4
innovative approaches in service delivery and key
Strategic Performance Plan................. 5
investments that have secured our revenue base.
A Look Back........................................ 6
It is also the result of our ability, Council and
Strategic Planning Cycle...................... 8
staff, to work diligently to manage the demands
Community Profile.............................. 9
of a $400 million budget. It is a challenging
Popular Annual Financial Report for 2011
2
report
Neighborhoods...................................10
Economic Development......................12
Capital Investments............................14
Strategic Support...............................16
Achievements in Service.....................18
Financial Highlights........................... 20
A Look Forward................................. 23
“Challenge, Change, Celebrate, Congra