News

Christopher Post has been named Amarillo Civic Center Complex General Manager.  Post, who has been with the City of Amarillo for 19 years, succeeds Bo Fowlkes, who retired.  Post has served in numerous capacities with the Amarillo Civic Center, including assistant general manager, director of operations and event supervisor.  “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of general manager for the Amarillo Civic Center Complex,” said Post. “This venue is a cornerstone of our community, and I look forward to building on its strong foundation to enhance our guest experience, strengthen community partnerships and support the growth of events and entertainment in Amarillo.”  Post is an Amarillo native and graduate of Palo Duro High School, Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.  “My objective is to work toward improvements, both physical and operational, to enhance the guest experience and expand the complex to ensure its ability to serve future generations of our community,” Post said.  For more information on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, go to: www.amarillociviccenter.com. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

The City of Amarillo is making publicly available the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office report regarding its investigation of the May 2026 fire that originated at the City of Amarillo Landfill. The State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the independent origin and cause investigation at the request of Mayor Cole Stanley. The City obtained the completed report through a public information request and is making the report available in the interest of transparency. After receiving an initial copy of the report in September, the City sought to confirm that it had the version appropriate for public release due to a “SENSITIVE” stamp located on the document. The City subsequently learned that the same report had been released in response to a media public information request and is therefore making it publicly available without further delay. While confirming the version provided, the City also requested clarification of a date discrepancy in Section 1.3 of the report and was advised that a correction had been made. The version being released still references Saturday, May 16, 2026. For clarity, the landfill fire began on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and spread beyond the landfill on Monday, May 18, 2026, as reflected in the report’s synopsis. Because the report was independently prepared by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, questions regarding the investigation, methodology, or conclusions contained in the report should be directed to that agency.

 Beginning Friday, October 2, you won’t need a plane ticket to meet someone at the gate at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA).  Gateside by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) PreCheck will be available at RHAIA. RHAIA is one of 13 initial airports nationwide to offer Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows approved, non-ticketed individuals access to the post-security area.  Eligible TSA PreCheck members can apply for a Gateside pass and once approved, go through security to meet arriving passengers, walk family or friends to their gate, visit someone during a layover or enjoy dining and shopping beyond security.  Apply online one to three days before your planned visit using your Known Traveler Number.  Learn more and apply at: www.tsa.gov/precheck/gateside-tsa-precheck  Gateside by TSA PreCheck is available to people who are eligible to access TSA PreCheck screening, including TSA PreCheck members, certain federal employees and other trusted travelers. Availability may be limited during peak travel periods.  The program is administered and managed entirely by TSA, including the application, eligibility, approval and screening processes.  For questions about program-specific requirements, including eligibility, applications, approvals, identification requirements, and participation limits, contact TSA at tsamedia@tsa.dhs.gov. 

 Amarillo City Council approved a series of agenda items related to the City of Amarillo (COA) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget during a special meeting Tuesday, officially completing the latest city budget process.  All votes were 4-1.  The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $2,063,963 which is a 2.58 percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $1,295,675.  Council approved a tax rate of $0.43070, which is greater than the current rate. The tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 2.9 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $9.  Council approved an ad valorem tax rate of $0.32412 per $100 of property valuation for maintenance and operations expenses and $0.10658 per $100 of property valuation for existing debt expenses resulting in a total ad valorem rate of $0.43070 per $100 of property valuation.  The special meeting can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEnB-uqYVg  The budget can be accessed online at: www.amarillo.gov/finance/financial-information/  For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. 

The challenges, trials and tribulations faced by Antonio Graves not only helped prepare him for his current job, but also led to his life calling.  Graves, a case manager with the Coming Home program in the City of Amarillo (COA) Community Development Department, has overcome many life obstacles:  Mental health issues, substance abuse issues, incarceration, homelessness, suicidal thoughts and the loss of family members. At one point in his life, he was the victim of a shooting that nearly took his life.  “At one time in my life, I was unstable. That would be the best way to put it,” said Graves, an Amarillo native who turns 62 in October. “I felt alone and unimportant. I had anger issues and made poor choices.  “My Dad always told me I was going to hell and would bust it wide open.”  As it turns out, going through hellish times led Graves to a higher calling, not only for himself but to help others going through similar troubles.  Graves has been with the COA Community Development Department and Coming Home for just more than a year. Coming Home, launched in 2018, is a multifaceted outreach and supportive housing program that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  That is just part of Graves’ story. About eight months ago, he began his own ministry – Full Armor Ministries, which includes meeting men released from incarceration and providing resources – free of judgment.  “I know it sounds a little crazy being where I am now, but if I had not been through all the hell I went through and survived, I would not be able to help people,” Graves said. “I believe in a higher power. Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it.”  The turning point for Graves, who accepted the call