During their regular meeting Tuesday, the Amarillo City Council has adopted a legislative agenda for 2025-2026 that outlines the city’s stance on State and Federal priorities. The City of Amarillo supports legislation that enhances the city’s ability to solve problems and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Amarillo city leaders generally oppose legislation that increases the city’s costs, reduces the authority and local control, and imposes unfunded mandates.
The legislative agenda includes positions on a variety of topics, including transportation, pro-family policies, property tax, debt and sales tax, development matters, public health, broadband internet, technology, open meetings and public information, virtual court, disasters and emergencies, economic development, mental health, public safety, panhandling, civic center complex, elections and ballot language, merit-based hiring practices, public advertising, water resources, nuclear power, traditional gender policies, and legislative communication.
Federal legislative priorities include advocating for more funding to improve the access road and internal roads for the federally-owned land north of Amarillo, supporting legislation that invests in defense and energy, supporting legislation funding essential transportation, supporting federal emergency management efforts, supporting federal grant programs that improve police and fire safety and emergency management operations, supporting expanding broadband access and expanding cybersecurity protections, supporting legislation maintaining or increasing funding for Community Development Block Grants and HOME Partnership funds, and supporting federal funding solutions for flood resilience.
Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley said he plans to make sure Amarillo constituents are represented with the legislative priorities.
“My plan is to be able to take just the first step with the City Council approving, along with the staff advising. So, this is what our staff sees. This is what our City Council sees.
“Now we go to our other 26 counties that are around us in the panhandle and we gain support from them. [We ask them] ‘Do you see these as issues? Do you support these measures?’
“I campaigned on public safety, infrastructure and customer service. But you know what? What I put as my advertising model was faith, family and freedom.
“As a culture and a community in the best state in the world, the values that we hold in the community and the leadership that we’re pushing for? Those come down to faith, family and freedom," Stanley said.
Analyzing the City of Amarillo's Legislative Priorities
Key Themes and Areas of Focus
The City of Amarillo's legislative priorities reflect a strong emphasis on local control, economic development, infrastructure, and public services.
Local Control and Self-Governance
Opposition to state mandates: The city opposes state-imposed restrictions on local control, particularly regarding revenue caps, zoning, and energy codes.
Support for municipal authority: Amarillo advocates for maintaining municipal authority over zoning, development, and public services.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure: The city prioritizes increased funding for transportation projects, including the completion of Loop 335 and the expansion of I-27.
Support for local businesses: Amarillo supports local tax incentives, development programs, and the expansion of Palo Duro Canyon State Park to boost economic growth.
Technology and infrastructure: The city seeks to expand broadband access, improve technology infrastructure, and ensure municipal control over municipal rights of way.
Public Services and Quality of Life
Support for public safety: The city advocates for increased funding and resources for emergency services, law enforcement, and fire departments.
Mental health and social services: Amarillo supports legislation to increase funding for mental health services, crisis intervention, and programs for new mothers and families.
Public health: The city prioritizes public health initiatives, including support for the Amarillo Hospital District, informed consent for medical procedures, and air quality monitoring.
Additional Key Areas
Environmental concerns: The city opposes climate change-related energy code policies and supports water resource management.
Government transparency: Amarillo advocates for open meetings, public information laws, and the use of technology to improve communication with constituents.
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