Page 23 - Microsoft Word - FY 2022 Adopted Budget Document

Business Plan Return to Table of Contents
Return to Table of Contents

Communication and Legislative Affairs has divisions in Executive Support, City Secretary’s Office, Vital Statistics,
Office of Communication, Action Center, Intergovernmental Relations and Document Services. Due to the varying types of work,
Communication and Legislative Affairs collaborates with departments throughout the City for communication efforts, open
records requests, customer service, intergovernmental relations, City Council agenda management, legal postings, revenue
enhancement, records management, administration for boards and commissions and managing special projects. The
department also directly serves the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Mayor and Council. The Communication and
Legislative Affairs Department not only facilitates interdepartmental projects to enhance cooperation within the organization, but
also takes the lead in connecting City government to Arlington’s residents through City Council meetings, City-wide and district-
specific tele-townhalls, social media, the City’s website, answering calls from residents on a variety of topics and writing articles
that tell the story of the work that the organization does. The City's Intergovernmental Relations Division develops the state and
federal legislative agendas, monitors legislation and activities at the state and federal levels, collaborates with other local
governments and non-governmental organizations on area legislative needs and projects, and manages the City's state and
federal lobbyists. The department also manages resources such as printers and copiers as well as distributes mail throughout
the organization with the goal of improving work efficiencies and effectiveness. Communication and Legislative Affairs.

The Office of Economic Development (OED) strives to support the
growth of Arlington’s existing businesses and attract new opportunities that
will contribute to the economic vitality of the City. The ultimate goal of the OED
is to foster opportunities that will increase the City’s revenue, provide high-
quality employment opportunities for Arlington residents, and contribute to the
overall prestige and future growth of the City of Arlington.
The Economic Development Strategy, first implemented in 2015, continues to
guide the Office’s recruitment, retention, marketing, and outreach efforts. In
FY 2021, the City had many economic development successes as well as
challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nanoscope Technologies moved their headquarters from Bedford, Texas to the former East Arlington Branch Library. The
company develops novel devices and therapies for biomedical applications. Amazon announced six new delivery stations in the
region including one in Arlington that will create new full-time and part-time job opportunities. PH Casters, a caster and wheel
manufacturer that has operated in the City for over 25 years, broke ground on a $15 million industrial facility that will house the
company’s manufacturing plant, office and warehouse operations under one roof.

In November, Arlington voters appoved the adoption of an additional
quarter-cent City sales and use tax during the general election. The quarter-
cent sales and use tax will fund Arlington's Economic Development
Corporation to undertake such projects as authorized by Chapter 505 of the
Texas Local Government Code. The fund is estimated to generate $15-17
Million per year.

With the addition of the EDC fund, TIP Strategies of Austin, Texas was
chosen to update the City’s economic development strategy to guide staff
with future goals. The EDC Board of Directors held meetings in February
and March, and approved bylaws for the EDC and an Administrative Services Agreement. The EDC Board also hired an
executive search firm, The Pace Group, based in Dallas to help with recruiting an Executive Director.

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones experieced a busy year with mutiple projects approved for funding including Ann’s
Health Market and the creation of TIRZ #7.

During the year, Staff attended multiple small business webinars to provide COVID-19 relief resources to Arlington businesses.
The department continues to send monthly email blasts to 8,000+ business contacts with business resources including SBA
Loan updates, grants for businesses, MWBE programs and workshops from partner organizations.

FY 2022 Adopted Budget and Business Plan 12 City of Arlington, Texas