TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
The Texarkana, Texas Fire Department received two new quint fire trucks as part of more than $3.8 million invested across all five stations.
A YEAR OF GROWTH BY BROOKE STONE, CITY OF TEXARKANA, TEXAS, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF TEXARKANA, TEXAS
T exarkana, 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,
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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