The first step toward more affordable housing in Amarillo is complete. At its February 10 meeting, Amarillo City Council unanimously approved the first reading of four resolutions in support of affordable housing projects across the city. The backing of city council helps property owners apply to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for nine percent housing tax credits – meaning property owners can offer reduced rental rates to prospective tenants. The next step is for the council to consider the second and final reading of the resolutions during its meeting Tuesday (February 24) at 3 p.m. at city hall. TDHCA will then consider all applicants statewide and award the tax credits. “The more we are able to work with state and federal authorities, the easier it will be for our residents to have lower rental costs,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. “These are important initiatives that will expand and improve living opportunities for all our residents.” The affordable housing initiatives are spread throughout the city.  “There is no impact on city tax revenue from these resolutions,” said City of Amarillo Assistant Director of Planning Drew Brassfield. “Council approving these resolutions is a step in the application process to the state for the property owners.” Tentative rental rates for the affordable housing projects range from $600 to $1300 a month.

Construction of a new sewer main on Bell Street and Hillside Road is temporarily adjusting traffic patterns. The turn lane southbound on Bell Street leading to the westbound lanes on Hillside Road will be temporarily closed. The temporary closure is to allow for installation of a sewer main at 6104 Hillside Road. The project is expected to last through March 6. The temporary traffic adjustment is intended to safely route vehicles around the construction zone while minimizing public disruption. Motorists are encouraged to follow all posted signage and exercise caution when traveling through the area. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

As development continues along South Georgia Street, the City of Amarillo is continuing reconstruction efforts designed to increase roadway capacity and improve drainage along the corridor. The Georgia Street Reconstruction Project expands Georgia Street from Hollywood Road to Burk Lane, approximately 1.5 miles. The project includes pavement widening, drainage improvements and utility relocations. Construction began in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion in November 2028. Traffic patterns on Georgia Street will be temporarily adjusted beginning Thursday, February 19. Georgia Street will be fully closed from SL 335 to just south of Daytona Avenue, including access to the intersection of Tampa Bay and Georgia Street. The full closure is necessary to allow crews to safely set up and complete concrete paving operations. This phase requires the use of large machinery that must operate continuously to ensure a smooth, durable roadway surface. Completing this work all at one time is the most efficient method and will help reduce the overall construction timeline and future disruptions. Local southbound traffic on Georgia Street will continue to have access to Nashville Avenue, Bismarck Avenue and Daytona Avenue, with limited access to Augustus Drive. Southbound through traffic will detour at Farmers Avenue to Western Street, then to SL 335 and back to Georgia Street. Northbound traffic will detour at SL 335 to Western Street, then to Farmers Avenue and back to Georgia Street. Detour signage will be posted in advance. The adjusted traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through May 31, 2026. The reconstruction project is intended to support continued growth in the area while improving traffic flow and drainage capacity along the corridor. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted signage and use caution when traveling near the work zone.

Amarillo City Transit (ACT) has drafted the Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan. And ACT is asking the Amarillo community to help review the plan that will help improve transportation options for all.  The plan focuses on transportation options for seniors, individuals with disabilities and people with reduced incomes. The Amarillo community can participate in the review of the plan with two community review meetings at the ACT Multimodal Transfer Station at 509 S. Bowie St. Meetings are February 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and February 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  “ACT is in the review phase of this plan, and we are asking the community once again for input,” said ACT Director Chris Quigley. “The experiences and firsthand knowledge of transportation challenges of residents are critical to ensuring this plan reflects real community needs. Feedback is appreciated, and will help shape the future of mobility in Amarillo.” In addition to the community review meetings, residents may provide feedback online at: https://www.amarillo.gov/amarillo-city-transit/coordinated-transit-plan/ Light refreshments will be available. Limited free transportation to the community review meetings is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a ride, call (806) 378-6844 and indicate the request is for a community review meeting.  For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.