A Year of Growth
Texarkana, Texas, experienced a meaningful year filled with visible progress across neighborhoods, parks, and public facilities throughout the city. Through strategic investment, collaborative partnerships, and consistent momentum across every municipal department, Texarkana established itself as a growing regional hub with a high quality of life and a bright economic outlook.
Much of that momentum was evident in our parks and recreation system, where the City made substantial investments in the spaces that bring families, athletes, and visitors together. In partnership with Symmetry Sports, the City opened the new Swanger Sports Complex and completed upgrades at the Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complex. These projects were part of the City’s $14.7 million Sports, Promotion, Tourism, and Economic Development Bond Initiative. Since opening in the spring, both complexes have already hosted numerous local and regional tournaments, inviting families to gather and visitors to explore Texarkana.
The Southwest Center also underwent a major renovation, including a fully restored gym floor and new bleachers to support youth sports and community programs. One of the year’s most notable partnerships came from the Texarkana Pickleball Club, whose members raised an impressive $135,000 to help expand pickleball facilities. The City matched their contribution with $120,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds, enabling the construction of new outdoor courts and expanded parking for one of the region’s fastest-growing sports.
Texarkana also saw significant strides in economic development. Working alongside AR-TX REDI, Texarkana College, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, and the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, the City secured $2 million from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation to support entrepreneurship and workforce growth. These funds fuel programs including The Assembly Line business incubator, the REDI Set Move talent recruitment initiative, and the Pitch It entrepreneurial competition. All designed to help small businesses and startups thrive locally.
The City also strengthened its organizational foundation for long-term development by reestablishing the Industrial Development Corporation and creating a new Community Development Corporation, each with updated governance structures to better coordinate economic and community investment efforts.
Workforce development made notable progress as well. Through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Job Training Grant and in partnership with Texarkana College, 37 students received specialized training that prepares them for well-paying jobs in environmental and industrial fields, building the skilled workforce needed to support local industry.
Infrastructure remained a top city priority. Texarkana completed one of its most extensive roadway improvement efforts in decades, rebuilding or repairing more than 30,000 linear feet of streets through a combination of in-house construction, contracted projects, and voter-approved bonds. These improvements may not always be glamorous, but having a solid, updated infrastructure will make everyday travel smoother and safer while preparing the city for future residential and commercial growth.
Public safety experienced a transformational year. The City invested more than $1 million across all five Texarkana, Texas Fire Department fire stations, providing upgraded flooring, lighting, paint, bathrooms, kitchens, and new washer-extractors and dryers to better clean and maintain protective gear. Fleet modernization continued with the arrival of two new fire trucks. A $2.8 million investment and the purchase of nine battery-powered rescue tools, including three full sets of jaws of life.
Other important advancements in emergency services included the police department awarding six officers the department’s Life Saving Award for their quick thinking and decisive actions that directly saved lives. These TTPD recognitions highlight both the courage of these officers and the department’s dedication to providing ongoing, high-quality training. The department also continues to support neighboring jurisdictions with specialized expertise and equipment, strengthening public safety throughout the region.
With community and City Council support, the police department made substantial upgrades to enhance safety for officers and the public. Improvements included replacing outdated 22 The Texarkana Pickleball Club raised $135,000, and the city contributed $120,000 to build new outdoor courts and parking at Southwest Center for the growing sport.
The new Swanger Sports Complex opened in partnership with Symmetry Sports, providing baseball and softball facilities for the community. body armor, upgrading service weapons, and renewing contracts for body-worn and in-car cameras, ensuring officers have the tools needed to protect the community effectively and safely.
Texarkana Water Utilities launched the Advanced Metering Infrastructure System in partnership with Texarkana, Arkansas,marking a significant step toward more efficient water service. The City’s $21.3 million Water and Sewer Revenue Bond supports critical work, including identifying and replacing lead and copper service lines, improving water pressure for residents, and upgrading the Waggoner Creek wastewater treatment plant.
Behind the scenes, important progress continued as well. The city earned the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the tenth consecutive year and recently received the Texas Comptroller’s Traditional Finances Transparency Star. The team also updated its public resource guide to make financial information more accessible and understandable to residents.
These efforts—large and small, visible, and behind the scenes—reflect our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant and welcoming community. The progress we see today didn’t happen overnight, nor will it stop here. Texarkana is moving forward with purpose, and the work being done now is laying a strong foundation for the future.
