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