FY 2018 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2018 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 23
Repor t
Looking Forward
I
n 2019, the City Council broadened one of its strategic priorities to Support Youth and Families rather
than just to focus on quality education. The four remaining priorities, Champion Great Neighborhoods,
Enhance Regional Mobility, Invest in our Economy, and Put Technology to Work remained unchanged.
As in previous years, significant
investments are planned for public
safety in FY19. The Police Department
is adding 13 new positions, eight
police officers, one police sergeant
and four civilian investigators. Four of
the police officers and a sergeant are
to enhance the AISD School Resource
Officer Program, and another two
police officers are for additional
security at our recently opened
Downtown Library and Central Plaza.
The City is extremely proud of its
new facilities and wants to ensure
they’re safe for all to enjoy. The final
three police officers are the result of
the culmination of the 2015 COPS
Grant, which offset the initial costs
of adding officers to our ranks. The
Fire Department is also adding three
new positions, one per each shift, to
increase staffing at Station 17. Other
public safety investments include
funding for several police technology
enhancements and for the planned
replacement of a heavy fire apparatus.
Great neighborhoods contribute
to a higher quality of life and greater
investment in our economy. In FY19,
Code Compliance will continue
to focus on code violations by
proactively addressing violations
and increasing outreach to the
community. Planning & Development
Services has once again implemented
the popular Neighborhood Matching
Grant Program. The goal of the
program is to provide financial
support for resident- and community-
based programs and activities
that foster civic pride, enhance
and beautify neighborhoods, and
improve neighborhood vitality and
participation. Additionally, the City
will begin work on a five-year, $189
million bond program approved by
Arlington voters in November 2018.
This program will provide funding
for streets and sidewalks, park and
recreation centers, fire stations and
other public facilities..
Tourism plays an important role
in the vitality of Arlington’s economy.
The Convention and Event Services
Fund will pay for outside professional
services to study the City’s capacity
to partner with a private developer to
construct a hotel in the Entertainment
District.
Arlington recognizes the
importance of providing adequate
roadway, aviation, and bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure to ensure
residents and visitors can travel safely
and efficiently. In 2019, Arlington will
expand Via, the City’s “on-demand”
rideshare that increases flexibility
and access to a wide range of
destinations. The next phase of our
Autonomous Shuttle Program in the
City’s Entertainment District will take
to the streets next year. In addition,
several large regional transportation
projects, including the IH-30 and
SH-360 interchange will continue into
FY19.
Looking forward to FY19 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.
Financial
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