Jim Ross, Mayor, City of Arlington
In an interview with Invest:, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross discussed how the city’s approach to relationships sets it apart. He said it will continue to focus on providing year-round entertainment options and maintaining Arlington’s unique culture while addressing residents’ needs and preparing for future growth.
What makes Arlington stand out as a unique city in North Texas?
I believe it is our understanding that relationships truly set Arlington apart. Arlington is an older city, so we do not have all the new, shiny buildings that other cities might. However, what we do have is a city culture that is deeply rooted in relationships. When everything is based upon relationships, you tend to thrive from an economic development standpoint, from a community standpoint, and from an inclusivity standpoint. It is really something special. I have never been part of a community that excels as much as Arlington does in developing and nurturing relationships. It’s a unique strength.
How does the city plan to position itself within the North Texas economy to retain and attract high-tech industries?
Everything here begins with recognizing the importance of relationships. We will continue focusing on building those connections. Arlington operates with the philosophy that we do not want to grow at the expense of other North Texas cities. If Plano, Fort Worth, Frisco, or Mansfield prospers, so does Arlington. We genuinely see ourselves as part of one big family.
To attract businesses, we use a strategic trifecta. First, we have a strategic planning department within the city that helps us develop and implement comprehensive plans. Next, we have an Economic Development Corporation, which was funded for the first time during my first year as mayor. While the corporation existed before, we have only been funding it for the last three and a half years. Finally, we have an economic development group within the city, which works in tandem with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Together, these groups ensure that we are moving collectively in the right direction, carefully strategizing which types of businesses we attract and how we bring them here.
How does the city plan to support year-round activity and engagement in the Entertainment District, which is one of Arlington’s main attractions?
The Entertainment District is indeed unique. We have large-scale sports events that are seasonal, involving the Cowboys, the Rangers, and the United Football League, among others. To maintain consistent activity, we collaborate closely with our partners in the Entertainment District, focusing on what we can offer during the off-season to keep the area vibrant. For instance, we have introduced events like the Grand Prix of Arlington, which brings IndyCar racing to the streets surrounding AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. This event is specifically scheduled during an off-season to attract visitors.
Additionally, we are hosting the Lone Star Cook-Off for the first time in Texas in May. It will feature outdoor country and western music, combined with a massive barbecue festival modeled after Chicago’s Windy City Cook-Off. Like the Grand Prix, it is planned during an off-season to draw crowds. Other events like monster truck rallies, motocross competitions, concerts, and various festivals also contribute to year-round activity. Some events are held in conjunction with downtown, while others are centered in the Entertainment District. Our goal is to create an environment where we are hosting significant events continuously throughout the year.
More importantly, we are working toward creating an atmosphere where people can live, work, eat, and play in the Entertainment District without needing a car. We are developing the area to ensure we have the necessary density in terms of multifamily and single-family homes, office space, retail, and dining establishments. This supports consistent growth, and it is exciting to see the district evolve beyond just being a destination. People love being able to live in the Entertainment District, go out for a meal, enjoy entertainment, or attend a sporting event, and all without ever needing to drive. That is a huge draw for other businesses, as they want to be part of a culture that supports urban living where people can live, work, eat, and play seamlessly.
What are your thoughts on the city as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup?
The World Cup is approaching in a couple of years, and we are preparing for a major economic impact. Preliminary figures indicate an economic boost of more than $400 million for the North Texas community, which is tremendous. Arlington will host nine games, more than any other North American city in the 2026 World Cup. I believe AT&T Stadium in Arlington was chosen because FIFA and others recognize that North Texas brings a complete package. Our region, from Frisco and Plano to Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth, offers something unique, which is a diverse community and top-notch infrastructure. Our AT&T Stadium is only 15 minutes from Dallas Fort-Worth Airport, which is among the best airports in the world. This combination is rare.
Hosting nine games within a single month is equivalent to hosting nine Super Bowls, so we are addressing some major challenges. We are collaborating with local, regional, state, and federal partners to ensure everyone’s safety and to streamline the movement of people within Arlington’s Entertainment District. We want to offer visitors an unparalleled experience of the World Cup.
In addition to the project to connect with the Fort Worth bus routes, are there further plans to improve transportation for residents and businesses?
Indeed, we have ambitious plans. People often say Arlington is the largest city without public transportation, but that is not true as we have considerable public transportation. However, we have not joined a specific transit authority due to the unique regional challenges in North Texas. Unlike cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles, North Texas lacks true regional transportation integration. In North Texas, there are three separate transit authorities, and large cities like Arlington and Grand Prairie are not part of any of them.
High-speed rail offers a promising step toward regionalizing transportation by connecting Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth, the three largest cities in North Texas. This will significantly improve regional accessibility. We also have our ride-share program, VIA, and one of the country’s largest autonomous vehicle programs, partnered with VIA and the University of Texas at Arlington, to serve the city. Additionally, we are exploring new initiatives, such as a gondola system that would connect high-traffic areas in our Entertainment District and downtown via an above-ground network. I am excited about the potential this brings.
Another recent development is one of the country’s first air taxi programs. It brings the futuristic concept of air taxis to Arlington, allowing people to travel across the city by air. This is part of our focus on adopting advanced technology to move people efficiently, rather than relying solely on traditional bus routes, which tend to lose appeal over time.
Are there any new policies to increase affordable housing for residents?
Affordable housing presents a challenge due to the high costs developers face in building homes. This makes it difficult for young or older homeowners to find affordable options. We are exploring ways to reduce costs, including modular homes and innovative approaches to affordable housing development. It is essential to balance affordable housing with a strong business environment, and we are committed to both. We are working to make the cost of developing homes more accessible for the average person.
What is your vision for Arlington, and what are your top priorities over the next few years?
Our primary goals align with what our community values: affordable housing, a safe environment, and quality education. Arlington has recently seen a significant reduction in violent crime, making it a safer place for residents. Education is another key area, and we have established the Mayor’s Education Coalition. This initiative brings together public, charter, and private schools, as well as homeschooling and higher education, fostering collaboration to benefit all students.
These three elements — affordable housing, safety, and education — are the foundations of our future. We are committed to supporting our residents’ needs and enhancing Arlington as a place to live, work, and raise families.
