Arlington City Council

Steve Cavender was the sole candidate for the May election to not attend the forum.

The more than 20 acres expands territory already owned by the city to make a 41 acre plot.

One goal is to make downtown more walkable and appealing to visitors and connect the area to the entertainment district.

The ordinance is a revised version of one passed in 2021, which was struck down in September after a federal grant funding scare.

Council members say the ordinance reaffirms protections and ensures the safety of federal grants. Advocates say it is stripped of its power.

Among the eight grants, all but one would be renewing grant funding from the year prior.

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program has been used by the city for around three decades. Police say it helps them pay officers to patrol the most dangerous portions of the city's highways.

The mayor's seat and four council spots are up for grabs this year. Candidates have until Feb. 13 to file for a spot on the May 2 ballot.

The new rules for development in downtown, which are expected to replace traditional zoning based on specific uses, could include changes to building height, sidewalk width and neighborhood aesthetics.

Rising costs contributed to the decision to increase the fare for both services.

The city could end its monthly pass for Handitran in favor of a system where riders would buy bundles of credits that would be exchanged for rides.

The decision came after more than 50 people addressed the council, all but 11 of them in support of reinstating the ordinance.