Texarkana · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Street repair schedule transparency
A board member asked whether the city's website posts a schedule of street bond repairs; the city manager said no but agreed to provide a proposed timeline that can then be posted publicly.
Mayoral Election
Texarkana, Arkansas, has a mayoral race with two candidates on the ballot, and the winner will help set city policy for years. Before you vote, it’s worth knowing who’s running and what they stand for.
Election Voter Guide
Texarkana Gazette has a 2026 voter guide for the Ward 4 seat on the Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors, showing who’s running for that local seat. It’s a basic election resource, not a policy change—so the main impact is helping Ward 4 voters know their choices before they cast a ballot.
Local Election Announcement
T.J. Wall is running for the Ward 4 seat on Texarkana’s Arkansas Board of Directors, so voters in that ward will see a new name on the ballot. It’s an early sign of how the local election is shaping up, and the winner will help make city decisions that affect taxes, services, and neighborhood priorities.
Future of the A&P tourism tax
The A&P hospitality tax process is under fire after early funding went to the water park (via P23 Consulting) and a bass tournament without public notice, while longtime local events like Juneteenth and the Scholars youth program were told no 2026 funds existed. Directors and citizens are demanding bylaw fixes and a special meeting so local applicants can seek the funds freed up when the bond proposal failed.
Planning Commission Approvals
Texarkana’s Arkansas-side planning commission just approved a new subdivision and a convenience store in College Hill. That means more housing and a new place to grab snacks, but also more traffic and neighborhood change to watch. The source doesn’t include details like project size, timeline, or traffic fixes yet.
Bond Election
Texarkana voters just approved a bond for street and drainage fixes. That means roadwork ahead and, ideally, fewer flooded streets. The tradeoff is that the debt gets paid back over time.
City Council Member Criticism
Ward 3 residents in Texarkana are continuing to publicly criticize City Director Steven Hollibush, keeping pressure on their council representative. If you live in Ward 3, your rep is under fire, and the fallout could shift how the council operates.
Zoning Decision / City Council Meeting
Texarkana’s City Council took up zoning requests and heard from residents at its latest meeting. The source doesn’t spell out which parcels or outcomes, but if you live near an affected area, this is the kind of decision that can shape what gets built next door. Check the meeting record for specifics before assuming your street is in the clear.
Municipal Elections
Texarkana, Arkansas, is holding municipal elections to choose the local leaders who’ll make decisions about city services, spending, and rules. If you want a say in who runs things, this is your chance to vote.
City Council Election
Texarkana voters in Ward 2 will choose a city director who will help set the city budget and decide local services. The election matters because the winner gets a direct vote on how your tax dollars are spent and what city government prioritizes.
City Council Election Candidate Profiles
Texarkana, Arkansas voters in Ward 6 have a city board seat on the ballot, and candidates are introducing themselves before the election. The winner will represent the neighborhood on city decisions like services, budgets, and local priorities.
City Council Public Comment
Texarkana’s Arkansas-side City Council is taking public comment on the area called “Hobo Jungle.” If you live nearby or use that spot, the feedback could shape what the city does there next.