COA Budget Workshop Set for Friday
Amarillo City Council has a budget workshop for fiscal year 2025/2026 scheduled for Friday. The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be held in council chambers in Room 3400 of city hall, 623 S. Johnson St. Council members and city staff will discuss and review the proposed City of Amarillo (COA) budget. No votes will be taken. The workshop is open to the public and will be live streamed via the COA website at www.amarillo.gov/view-city-council-meetings/ and via the COA YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/CityofAmarillo
COA Seeking Public Input for Next Police Chief
The City of Amarillo (COA) is providing the opportunity for public input and feedback regarding the selection of the next chief of the Amarillo Police Department. COA is offering an online survey to help guide the selection of the next Chief of Police. Public participation will help identify the qualities, experience and public safety priorities that matter most to the Amarillo community. The survey is anonymous and will be open through August 29. English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Amarillo-Police-Chief Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/Amarillo-Police-Chief-Espanola
COA Earns Gold Award for Transportation Planning
The City of Amarillo (COA) Planning Department recently received the Gold Award from the American Planning Association/Texas Chapter in the category of Transportation Planning. COA took the gold for its campaign of Safe Streets for All: Action Plan for Safer Amarillo Streets (SS4A). The SS4A campaign is historic for Amarillo. This is the first long-range transportation plan, focusing on reducing traffic fatalities through traffic calming, complete street design and safer intersections. The plan utilizes predictive analytics to identify high-injury corridors and crash hotspots, incorporating community input to emphasize high-risk areas. “This award highlights the potential of combining data, innovation and community voices,” said Shari Kendall, Community Engagement Manager for the COA Planning Department. “The SS4A Plan serves as a roadmap for a safer, healthier and more connected Amarillo.” Public engagement was central to this effort, with 6,919 residents participating through surveys, workshops, pop-up events and online mapping. Community feedback helped identify and prioritize initiatives, including safer school zones and major intersection retrofits. The plan enabled the city to secure funding for three major projects to date. The SS4A campaign was adopted by city council in April. For more information on the SS4A plan, go to: bit.ly/4mGcbzV For the complete list of American Planning Association/Texas Chapter award winners, go to: texas.planning.org/community-outreach/chapter-awards/chapter-awards-2025/
Heroes Fly High at AMA-CON 2025: Nine Dogs Find New Homes at APL Signature Event
Among the thousands who attended AMA-CON 2025 earlier this month at the Amarillo Civic Center, many dressed as their favorite superhero – cape included. But not all heroes wear capes. The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) took advantage of the large audience provided by AMA-CON 2025 (an annual pop culture event of Amarillo Public Library) to highlight its primary mission – finding homes for shelter animals. Thanks to the combined efforts of AAMW, Amarillo Public Library (APL) and the Amarillo Civic Center, nine dogs found their heroes, or more specifically, new owners and new homes at AMA-CON 2025. “AMA-CON is a great way to connect our community with shelter pets,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “It gives our dogs a chance to get out, enjoy some enrichmentand meet potential adopters while also reminding the public about the many wonderful animals waiting for homes at the shelter.” AAMW has hosted a special adoption event at AMA-CON the past few years, allowing attendees/potential owners to meet and interact with shelter dogs, including taking the dogs on a walk on a leash around AMA-CON. “AMA-CON is one of the signature events for Amarillo Public Library and something we and the Amarillo community look forward to every year,” said APL Coordinator of Public Relations and Programming Stacy Clopton. “Incorporating the goal of AAMW of finding homes for shelter animals only adds to the enjoyment and appeal of AMA-CON.” “AMA-CON highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the joy that comes from connecting pets with people,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “Events like these not only help animals find homes but also help raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and community involvement.” To see all animals available for adoption at AAMW go to: amw.amarillo.gov/ For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.
City Council Sets Special Meeting to Discuss AEDC Board Vacancy
The Amarillo City Council will hold a Special Meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, in Council Chamber Room 3400 at City Hall, 623 S. Johnson Street, to consider the vacancy on the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board. The meeting will include discussion and appointment to the vacant position. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the City’s website at www.amarillo.gov/view-city-council-meetings and on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/CityofAmarillo.