Our City’s progress and the exciting journey we have embarked upon to become “Future Ready” fill me with pride. Our investment in a brighter tomorrow has enabled us to elevate the standards of our infrastructure and services, enhancing our quality of life for generations to come. Together, we are reshaping Tyler into a nationally renowned community with a thriving business landscape, toptier healthcare, exceptional educational institutions, and beautiful public spaces and neighborhoods.
The “Tyler 1st” plan encapsulates our forward-thinking efforts where we prioritize capital projects and programs to create a lasting legacy. The opening of the W.T. Brookshire Convention Center in 2023 marked a significant milestone in this journey that closed decades of dedication by numerous mayors, council members, and staff. The first phase of this project culminated with the complete renovation and reopening of the historic Mayfair Dance Hall Building: a building that embodies past and future combined with a rich music history marked by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more of the greats.
We understand the importance of enhancing our public spaces, making them a haven for residents and visitors alike. We have rejuvenated Pollard Park with
new additions like pickleball and basketball courts and new playground equipment. This year, we are upgrading W.E. Winters Park to become the trailhead of the new section of Legacy Trails. The extended trails will one day connect the most southern and northern points of our City for all walks of life to travel.
As our community experiences remarkable growth, we are readying our streets and traffic systems. The City has budgeted $26.9 million from the Half-Cent fund for street reconstruction projects and Phase Four of the Traffic Signalization Modernization Project. Part of modernizing our traffic system involves new equipment that helps our Fire Department respond to emergencies more quickly. The emergency preemption equipment (installed on all 149 traffic signals in the City) prompts stoplights to give the approaching fire engines the right-of-way.
To support our growth and better protect and serve our residents, we increased funding for Tyler’s Police and Fire Departments. Public safety is always our top priority, and we understand the importance of having well-trained professionals in those fields. To be competitive in the workforce, we have included a market pay adjustment for Police and Fire to recruit and retain the best first responders in the nation.
The future of Tyler is brighter than ever, with a nod to our cherished history. The Tyler of tomorrow will enhance the beauty that we see today. These changes are a deliberate reflection of our unique identity and the invincible spirit of Tyler, Texas.
I am honored to be your neighbor and proud to serve as your mayor on this remarkable journey toward a “Future Ready” Tyler.
Don Warren Mayor | City of Tyler, Texas
This year marks an incredible milestone for our community. Together, we have made significant strides towards making Tyler Future-Ready through our investments in our people, our infrastructure, and in Tyler’s natural beauty.
Throughout the past year, we have witnessed the fruition of several projects that were years in the making. At the forefront of our collective achievements stands the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, a place where we can gather together, collaborate, and foster new connections. The successful reconstruction of Cambridge Road and the grand reopening of Pollard Park also attest to our commitment to continuously improve the quality of life for all Tyler residents.
However, we are not done. Not even close! Looking forward, we have exciting plans that ensure our City will only continue to improve. While great headway has been made this year in infrastructure, we remain dedicated to bettering our water and traffic systems. As Tyler grows, we are steadfast in our focus to safety, continuous improvement and efficiency.
As we look to the future, we also honor the past. Recently, we reopened the doors of the historic Mayfair building to serve our community and foster the talents of tomorrow. We have also announced new projects and have received funding to continue the revitalization of Downtown Tyler by creating more pedestrian-friendly and community-oriented spaces.
As we march together towards the future, I invite each and every one of you to join me on this transformative journey. Together, let us invest in our City, in our community, and in our future.
Edward Broussard City Manager City of Tyler, Texas
District 2 is located on the west side of Old Jacksonville Highway between Districts 1 and 3, and includes the annexed Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. It is home to Tyler’s burgeoning tech sector and our vibrant downtown entertainment district.
District 3 is located on the northwestern bounds of the city limits. Rich in history, it is home to the Texas College campus: the oldest institution of higher education in Tyler.
District 4 is located on the northeastern side of Tyler between McDonald Road and East Gentry Parkway. It is home to Tyler’s historic Azalea District, Bergfeld Park and Amphitheater, Brick Street Village, Hillside Park and Tyler Junior College.
District 5 is located south of McDonald Road and east of Paluxy Drive. It houses The University of Texas at Tyler, which brings almost 10,000 students to Tyler annually.
District 1 is located between Old Jacksonville Highway and South Broadway Avenue in the southern part of the city. It is home to several miles of hiking and biking trails, including those at Faulkner Park and the newly developed Legacy Trails trailhead.
District 6 is located between Paluxy Drive and South Broadway Avenue. It is home to the Village at Cumberland Park, Tyler’s newest restaurant and retail destination. It houses the popular Southside Park and Rose Rudman Recreational Trail, one of the most utilized trails in Tyler.
Left to Right: James Wynne, District 4; Broderick McGee, District 2; Stuart Hene, District 1; Mayor Don Warren; Shirley McKellar, District 3; Brad Curtis, District 6; Lloyd Nichols, District 5.he Municipal Excellence Awards, presented by the Texas Municipal League, are a time of celebration for Texas cities that excel in the complex world of municipal governance. These awards honor programs that showcase outstanding management skills, promote resident engagement, and deliver exceptional service.
In 2023, the City of Tyler proudly received the Municipal Excellence Award for cities with populations of more than 25,000 for its innovative city-wide editorial process.
Tyler’s highly effective process encompasses marketing campaigns for all departments and links actions to measurable outcomes. The Communications Team collaborates with each department annually to establish marketing objectives. They also create a comprehensive work plan with regular check-ins and updates throughout the year.
Since implementing this process, the City’s content creation has increased by an impressive 72 percent. Crisis communication has also vastly improved. Employees outside of the Communications Team have even been empowered to become communication ambassadors for their respective departments, promoting a culture of teamwork across the organization.
The program’s success has not gone unnoticed, as the Communications Team has shared their city-wide editorial process with other municipalities through state and national conferences and one-on-one sessions.
City Manager Ed Broussard expressed his pride in the City’s achievement. “I am immensely proud of our Communications Team for receiving this well-deserved award,” said Broussard. “Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence have helped us effectively communicate with our community.”
We are thrilled to have been recognized with this prestigious honor, which serves as an inspiration for us to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of municipal governance.
• The Mayfair Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• The City of Tyler was designated as a “Music Friendly City” by the state of Texas
• 37th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence
• 16th Consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
• MarCom Platinum: Government Video, “2023 State of the City”
• MarCom Gold: Special Event Video, “Discover Downtown Tyler”
• MarCom Gold: Documentary Video, “Tyler’s First Police Academy Class”
• MarCom Honorable Mention: Video Promotion, “2023 Tyler Film Festival Commercial”
• 14th Consecutive year as Tree City USA
• 17th Consecutive Gold Star Affiliate Award from Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation
• 7th Consecutive Tree City USA Growth Award
• TML Municipal Excellence Award Finalist for Keep Tyler Beautiful’s Park Restroom Murals project
• Bergfeld Park has been designated as a “Great Public Space” by the American Planning Association
• 9th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Planning Excellence
This year, we will invest $42 million from the Half-Cent Sales Tax fund to modernize our traffic signals, enhance the safety of our streets and increase our drainage capacity. Some of the projects funded include the South Tyler Mobility Study, Year 4 of the Intelligent Transportation Master Plan, drainage improvements to various neighborhoods and other street and pedestrian safety upgrades.
The southside of our City continues to grow, and with it, traffic congestion. To accommodate existing and future demands, we are completing the South Tyler Mobility Study to evaluate existing travel behavior patterns and improve connectivity and traffic flow on South Broadway Avenue.
In 2019, we retimed seven traffic signals on South Broadway through the Intelligent Transportation Master Plan, reducing delays by 32%. Last year, we retimed 18 intersections along Loop 323 and Old Jacksonville Highway, reducing delays by 22%. Between both years, we have updated 70 out of 146 traffic signals and have saved our commuters a total of 409,000 vehicle hours.
As part of the Master Plan, we also installed emergency vehicle preemption software on all traffic signals and all Tyler Fire Department vehicles to enhance safety on emergency runs and reduce response times.
Tylerites can expect smoother commutes, safer streets and smarter traffic lights thanks to these initiatives.
In November 2023, we completed the reconstruction of Cambridge Road, an investment of $9.5 million. The roadway now accommodates two lanes of traffic with a center turning lane and a five-foot ADA-compliant sidewalk, improving mobility, safety and drainage in the area.
Then, in December, we completed the road reconstruction project on Donna Drive and Melinda Lane. The $944 thousand project replaced water mains, water service lines, curb and gutter, storm sewer drainage systems, and asphalt pavements and installed new driveway approaches.
In 2023, we reconstructed, crack-sealed or overlayed 65.5 miles of roads for a total investment of $9.7 million. This year, we will invest $4.2 million to complete 61 miles.
In a display of historical preservation and future innovation, Tyler’s iconic Mayfair Building once again pulses with life. With its illustrious past now seamlessly intertwined with cutting-edge updates, the grand reopening on April 4, 2024, brought in a new era of excitement and potential.
Partygoers were met with the sounds of one of Tyler’s most popular bands, The Tuxedo Cats, as the night began. Guests mingled, drank signature mocktails, and captured moments beside life-sized cutouts immortalizing legends Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley: icons who once graced the stage of The Mayfair.
From its inception in 1927, The Mayfair was a cornerstone of entertainment that hosted everything from concerts and festivals to the occasional wrestling match. Following
the renovations, the building now serves as a dynamic extension of the Rose Complex. It’s integrated with the neighboring W.T. Brookshire Conference Center and Tyler Rose Garden. This multipurpose venue boasts the capacity to host intimate gatherings or grand spectacles, with seating for up to 300 in a dinner style arrangement or 500 in an auditorium format.
The former dance hall was renovated to preserve its historical elements, including the original floors, windows, stage, and green room. The dressing room has been transformed into a small museum that displays items found during construction, like a vintage amplifier and record player, an unopened bottle of whiskey from the Prohibition era, and the mirror that Elvis once sat in front of for a photograph.
The revitalization doesn’t end there. New structural enhancements ensure the building’s longevity, while expanded storage and ADA-compliant facilities cater to the needs of all patrons. Plus, roll-up doors lead to a future spacious deck and food truck park.
The Mayfair’s unique stories and its community relevance have earned it a spot in the esteemed National Register of Historic Places alongside the Tyler Rose Garden. As it stands on the cusp of a new chapter, The Mayfair epitomizes Tyler’s commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing a future brimming with promise and possibilities.
Tyler, Texas, is rapidly expanding. As a result, we need highly trained police officers and firefighters to guarantee the safety and well-being of our community. Both Tyler Police and Fire Departments launched in-house academies committed to providing exceptional training to our City’s new recruits. We are training our recruits to respond the “Tyler way” with passion, purpose, and putting people first. We are enabling them to serve and protect our community to the best of their abilities.
The Tyler Police and Fire Academies are intensive six-month programs that cover the wide range of circumstances our first responders address on a daily basis, providing comprehensive training to prepare them to handle emergencies with expertise and confidence. The academies are highly selective, seeking only the most dedicated and committed individuals to join our ranks. Once accepted, our cadets are trained to handle challenging situations, safely use equipment, and operate emergency vehicles with skill and precision. Physical training is an essential component of the programs. Our graduates are physically fit and prepared for the demands of the job. Ultimately, the academy is focused on building trust between our first responders and the community we serve. Although challenging, this is an incredibly rewarding experience that prepares them for a career in public service.
The Tyler Police and Fire Academies demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. Our Police Department is ranked in the top 3% of the nation’s law enforcement agencies and our Fire Department in the top 1% of all fire departments in the country.
The Tyler Fire Department welcomed two new Engines and a Tower Truck to our fleet this year. We spent $2.7 million to attain the new vehicles. The two engines will replace engines that have been in our fleet for more than 14 years. They are past their service life. The Tower Truck is the first of its kind in Tyler. It helps our first responders make rescues in a safer, more efficient manner. The addition of the Tower Truck also allowed us to add four extra firefighters to our team.
Tyler Parks and Recreation is redefining outdoor leisure with a vision to unite and inspire our community. With a sprawling network of 28 City parks, Pollard Park is just one of the most recent examples of innovation and inclusivity.
Located at the heart of the historic Pollard neighborhood, Pollard Park has long been a staple of outdoor enjoyment. In a testament to our commitment to progress, this beloved space has undergone a drastic renovation. The park’s revitalization was unveiled during a grand opening ceremony in December 2023. A crowd of community members and students from the neighboring elementary school were eager to enjoy the new amenities.
The new and improved features at Pollard Park include new basketball courts, renovated tennis courts, and dedicated pickleball courts catering to sports enthusiasts of all ages. The playground, which was the oldest in the City until recently, now shines with inclusive elements that allow children of all abilities to play together. We also installed new benches and picnic tables among the trees, providing ample space for visitors to sit and relax. For furry companions, the park now boasts a new fenced dog area to guarantee that every member of the family finds their favorite spot. Connecting it all, a walking trail meanders through the park. Renovated restrooms adorned with a stunning mural elevate even the most mundane of necessities.
We are also proud to announce the expansion of the Legacy Trail system: a project designed with future-ready connectivity in mind. This exciting addition extends the trail network farther north, fostering a more vibrant and accessible community for everyone.
The new journey begins at the soon-to-be-established Stewart Park on Frankston Highway. The spacious 12-foot-wide trail welcomes hikers and cyclists. The trail winds its way up Old Noonday Road, through the scenic W.E. Winters Park, and concludes at Peete Elementary School on Bellwood Road.
In the future, this 2.2-mile extension will seamlessly integrate with the existing 4.5-mile Legacy Trail to create a comprehensive network that stretches from the southwestern reaches of Tyler to the north. The expansion incorporates 1.7 miles of shared-use path and a halfmile of dedicated sidewalks to promote inclusive and safe accessibility for everyone.
The Legacy Trails expansion and the recent enhancements to Pollard Park strengthen connectivity and ready Tyler for a future of outdoor recreation and healthy living. These projects provide unparalleled opportunities for individuals and families to explore the beauty of Tyler, engage in physical activity, and connect with nature and the community.
The City of Tyler’s Bergfeld Park has been designated by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association as a “Great Public Space” through its Great Places in Texas program. This recognition makes Bergfeld Park the second Great Place in Texas to be designated in the Rose City, following the Tyler Rose Garden. The park has been serving Tyler and the surrounding areas as a public space for 110 years. The program acknowledges unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities: streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is committed to providing reliable, high-quality water services to our customers. To achieve this goal, TWU is undertaking several key initiatives that focus on modernization, efficiency, and improved customer service.
We are completing several projects to invest in the long-term sustainability of our system. These include the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and the Shiloh Road Elevated Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation.
Our decades-old Golden Road Water Treatment Plant must modernize to guarantee continued safe and reliable operation. We are conducting a thorough electrical assessment to identify essential component replacements and update electrical schematics. This proactive approach ensures the plant’s ability to deliver high-quality drinking water for years to come.
We are also rehabilitating the Shiloh Road Elevated Water Storage Tank to address water pressure in the area. This project encompasses replacing the booster pump station, piping, valves, and electrical components. Once completed, the isolated tank will function in its own pressure zone to significantly improve water pressure for nearby residents.
Billing, water taste, and water odor are significant customer concerns. We are working to enhance billing accuracy and reliability with our Water Meter Replacement Program. TWU is actively replacing faulty water meters with new Neptune ® smart meters. This program prioritizes the initial replacement of 8,000 malfunctioning meters, followed by a phased approach to upgrade the remaining meters.
TWU is actively piloting solutions with a contractor to improve the overall taste and smell of the delivered water. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional water service to all of our customers.
We are participating in a national initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) to inventory all materials of your service lines. To learn more, visit CityofTyler.org or scan the QR code.
13
Sanitary sewer pipes are being rerouted to prevent erosion and improve the ease of access for maintenance.
7,196
Linear feet of pipe are being replaced through open-cut excavation.
90
Manholes are being constructed.
336
Sanitary sewer mains are being rehabilitated by TWU.
503
Sanitary sewer main points are being repaired.
13 Access chambers are being assembled.
TWU is also continuing efforts to improve the wastewater and sewer systems, per the Consent Decree with the EPA that was entered into in 2017.
We developed a master plan for both wastewater treatment plants to tackle critical improvements to increase each plant’s capacity as Tyler’s population continues to grow. Proposed projects in the master plan include facility upgrades, new aeration basins, and odor-control measures.
TWU is committed to modernizing infrastructure, improving efficiency, and ensuring public health and safety. With these efforts, Tyler’s residents can rest assured that their water distribution and wastewater systems are sustainable for future generations.
e are building Tyler’s future cityscape today, and it begins in the heart of our community. Within the next three years, Downtown Tyler will undergo a transformation to become a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly and livable community space through a County-City partnership.
Our revitalization project will provide a more connected and cohesive Downtown, with a focus on enhancing our quality of life through the creation of green spaces and streetscapes.
The revitalized square will be a beautiful central park, which will serve as a gathering spot for community members and visitors alike. The park will have multiple amenities, including seating areas, water features, bathrooms and a small food truck park. The east side of the square will be an open space to allow for large community events and festivals.
Smith County has jumpstarted the transformation with the construction of a second parking structure with 500 spaces. This will be followed by the construction of the new County Courthouse, which will be an architectural masterpiece at the center of Downtown.
We are also prioritizing improving mobility for all forms of transportation. Streets will be
reconfigured to allow for two-way traffic, and roundabouts will be installed to slow down, but not stop, the flow of traffic. We will also widen sidewalks and install new street furniture, lighting, and landscaping. All these changes will make the area more pedestrian-friendly and a place you go to, not through.
The project will continue to promote economic development and attract new businesses to the area, encouraging the creation of new mixed-use developments, as well as the renovation of existing buildings to bring about new retail, office, and residential spaces. These initiatives will help generate new jobs and opportunities for local residents while also making Downtown Tyler a more attractive destination. We have already begun to see the impact from private investments rehabilitating historic buildings once abandoned.
Investing in Downtown Tyler is an investment in the future of our City. By creating a more livable, walkable, and connected Downtown, we are positioning ourselves for long-term economic growth and success. We look forward to sharing a thriving and vibrant Downtown!
City of Tyler completes west side street improvements and construction of West Side Green Space
Smith County Completes Courthouse Construction FALL
Smith County Parking Structure Project Begins FALL
• City of Tyler begins street improvements on east side Winter 2023 2024 2026 2027
• Smith County completes Parking Structure Project
• Smith County Courthouse Construction Begins
• City of Tyler begins west side street improvements and construction of West Side Green Space
• Smith County begins demo of old courthouse and construction of East Side Greenspace
• Smith County completes demo of old courthouse and construction of east side green space
• City of Tyler completes street improvements on east side
Next year… under construction
