At Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, city officials reviewed the latest crime data, traffic safety measures, and infrastructure updates, providing insight into ongoing efforts to improve public safety and city services. Councilmember Place 3 Tom Scherlen was absent, but Councilmember Place 1 Josh Craft shared a message of gratitude from Scherlen, thanking the community for their continued support.
Crime Rates Decline in Amarillo
One of the key topics of discussion was a report from the Amarillo Police Department (APD) on crime trends. Acting Chief Jimmy Johnson presented encouraging statistics showing an overall decline in both property and violent crimes in 2024. Violent crimes dropped by 5.3%, while property crimes saw a more significant 14.2% decrease. This contributed to a total crime reduction of 12.5% compared to 2023.
Johnson highlighted the department’s efforts to curb crime through proactive measures, including specialized enforcement units, intelligence gathering, and community engagement programs like Student Crime Stoppers. Additionally, the APD recovered 164 stolen items using license plate reader technology, which has become a valuable tool in crime prevention and property recovery.
Crime hotspots remained consistent, with most incidents concentrated in the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) zone, an area historically prone to higher crime rates. Johnson reassured the council that while isolated high-profile incidents may capture public attention, they do not necessarily indicate new crime trends.
Traffic Safety and Intersection Timing Under Review
Assistant City Manager and Public Infrastructure Director Donny Hooper addressed concerns about traffic accidents and intersection signal timing. His report showed that Amarillo recorded 2,084 traffic accidents in 2024, with 20 of them resulting in fatalities. Speed was a factor in 50% of these accidents, while failure to yield or stop at signs accounted for another 20%.
Councilmembers also discussed the timing of traffic signals. Public Works Director Alan Harder explained that national standards require a yellow light interval of at least three seconds, increasing with higher speed limits. The red clearance interval—the period during which all lights are red before changing—is set at a minimum of one second, ensuring safe crossing times.
Despite public concerns about prolonged red lights, Harder clarified that it is impossible to shorten the yellow-change interval below the three-second mark and that no Amarillo intersections have red clearance times shorter than one second.
In an effort to improve traffic flow, the city had applied for a grant to install automated signal systems that detect approaching vehicles and adjust traffic lights accordingly. Though the grant was denied, Hooper assured the council that this remains a priority for the city.
Mayor Cole Stanley addressed speculation that higher accident numbers might influence grant funding. He emphasized that public safety remains the city’s top priority, stating, “Everyone up here wants to lower those traffic fatalities as much as possible.”
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Plan Moves Forward
Director of Planning Emily Koller, alongside representatives from the Goodman Corporation, presented the final update on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) plan. Funded by a $240,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2022, the plan incorporated feedback from nearly 7,000 residents, making Amarillo one of the most engaged communities in the program.
The study resulted in 16 proposed safety projects, with the city already securing funding for the Safer Speed for Schools initiative. This project aims to enhance traffic safety around five schools: Margaret Wills Elementary, San Jacinto Elementary, Olsen Park Elementary, Hamlet Elementary, and Crockett Middle School.
A draft report of the SS4A plan is now available on the city’s website for public review.
Proposed Code Updates and Parking Expansion Plans
The council reviewed potential updates to Chapter 8-5 of the Amarillo Municipal Code, which pertains to public health regulations. The proposed changes would clarify language regarding grease traps and lower food establishment permit rates for schools.
Another topic of discussion was the possibility of converting a city-owned building next to the new City Hall into a parking facility. Hooper presented a plan to retrofit the building, rather than demolish it, to create 66 additional parking spaces at an estimated cost of $1.25 million. While the council acknowledged the need for additional parking, they requested further analysis of downtown parking patterns before moving forward with the project.
Other Council Actions
The council approved all items on both the consent and non-consent agendas. This included granting a variance to allow the sale of beer and wine at the Big Texan RV Ranch and finalizing budget amendments for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
As the city continues addressing public safety, traffic improvements, and infrastructure needs, the council remains committed to data-driven decision-making and community engagement. The next meeting is expected to include further discussion on proposed code updates and additional parking solutions.
