Page 19 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Business Plan

The City's public safety planning is accelerating in anticipation of major events in 2026, including the debut of the Fédération
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup and INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington. Ongoing preparations, which
began in 2025, are also being supported by the continued presence of high-profile events such as Dallas Cowboys football and
Texas Rangers baseball games.

Public outreach will be expanded with the implementation of the “Learn Not to Burn” fire safety education program in local
schools. In emergency medical services (EMS), new medical direction is introducing innovation and clinical insight, further
enhancing the quality of care provided. Community healthcare initiatives remain vital in connecting residents to the services
they need.

From a technological standpoint, the department is advancing with the deployment of new tools including an inventory and
resource management system, Deccan software for dispatch and response analysis, AI-assisted call-taking and quality
assurance for patient care reports, and the rollout of a modern quartermaster program to improve logistics and accountability.

The Grants Management Department remains steadfast in its
mission to foster community development through strategic grant
acquisition, innovative programming, and rigorous compliance oversight.
The department is structured around two distinct yet complementary
divisions: the Community Development Division and the Center for Grants,
Innovation, and Compliance, both serving as foundational pillars of the City’s
grant infrastructure.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the compliant
administration of federally awarded funds from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ensuring those resources are
leveraged to achieve maximum community impact. Its work focuses on housing rehabilitation and preservation, public services,
homeless support, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives. Each year, the division allocates and
manages funding from key HUD programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions
Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, to meet the evolving needs of Arlington’s neighborhoods.

In parallel, the Center for Grants, Innovation, and Compliance is dedicated to identifying, pursuing, and securing competitive
grant opportunities that align with the City’s strategic goals and Council priorities. This division also supports citywide compliance
efforts and promotes innovative solutions to strengthen program delivery and operational effectiveness across departments.
Grants Management is committed to fostering strong and inclusive partnerships with residents, neighborhood associations,
schools, businesses, and community-based organizations. Through collaborative engagement and data-informed decision-
making, the department ensures equitable access to services and resources that enhance quality of life and expand opportunity
for all Arlington residents.

In addition to managing programs and funding, Grants Management leads the development of several essential plans and
reports that guide the City’s long-term housing and community development strategy, including:

• Five-Year Consolidated Plan
• Annual Action Plan and Budget
• Housing Needs Assessment
• Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Guided by principles of transparency, responsiveness, and innovation, the Grants Management Department continues to play
a critical role in shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Arlington.

FY 2026 Proposed Budget and Business Plan 13 City of Arlington, Texas