Year in Review

YEAR IN REVIEW

COLLEGE STATION’S 2023: A Year of Transformation

As we say goodbye to 2023, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the significant strides and remarkable developments shaping College Station’s landscape. The year was marked by impactful initiatives across many city departments, from revitalizing historic sites to pioneering technological advancements and fostering community engagement.

HISTORICAL RENOVATIONS

AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

At the heart of the City’s transformation lies the rejuvenation of College Station’s historical sites.

The old 1207 Texas Avenue, once a fire station, underwent a thorough renovation. It now houses the Economic Development and Tourism Department, featuring a modern visitor’s center and event space.

The updates included necessary modernizations to meet codes and revamping mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.

The former fire station bays are now an attractive event space, complemented by an inviting outdoor plaza for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s expansion showcased the City’s provision of reliable infrastructure and commitment to environmental stewardship. Completed in June, the $39 million project significantly amplified the plant’s treatment capacity. Notably, the expansion contributes to environmental quality by efficiently removing odorous compounds and safeguards Alum Creek’s aquatic life by delivering high-quality overflow.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

The year 2023 also witnessed the completion of several capital projects, including the Carter Creek Gravity Line, Rock Prairie Elevated Storage Tank, Aggie Field of Honor Cemetery Shop, and improvements to Steeplechase and Central Parks, among others.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ expansion plans heralded a $1.6 billion initiative, reinforcing College Station’s position in the global biomanufacturing landscape. Fujifilm has collaborated with the City to bolster its facilities and enhance the reliability of its electric infrastructure, ensuring robust support for its groundbreaking biomedical innovations.

Did you Know...?

The year 2023 also witnessed the completion of several capital projects, including: Carter Creek Gravity Line, Rock Priarie Elevated Storage Tank, Aggie Field of Honor Cemetery Shop, Steeplechase Park Improvements, Central Park Improvements, Egremont Court, Holleman/Wellborn Railroad Intersection, Woodson Village Utility Rehab, and Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Centrifuge.

FIRE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The College Station Fire Department achieved commendable strides in enhancing Emergency Medical Services. Streamlining dispatch policies and adding dedicated ambulances at strategic stations improved response times, ensuring prompt and effective care during peak emergencies. The improvements were made possible by the City Council’s support and the department’s dedication, epitomizing the City’s commitment to elevating public safety standards.

Did you Know...?

In FY23 College Station revised the interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan to move from an automatic aid system to a mutual aid system. This reduces the number of trips our emergency response teams are making to Bryan, increasing their capacity to serve the citizens of College Station and saving dollars for future taxpayers.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY WELLNESS

A new wellness committee highlighted the City’s focus on fostering employee well-being.

The collaborative effort to plan and promote wellness initiatives across departments reflects the City’s commitment to nurturing a culture of holistic wellness among its workforce. The representative committee ensures a comprehensive approach by prioritizing future programming based on employee needs, with plans for enhanced benefit and wellness programs in 2024.

Did you Know...?

The City of College Station received the Texas Veterans Commission Employee Service Award for our commitment to hiring veterans.

PARKS AND RECREATION: ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

In 2023, the Parks and Recreation Department brought many great events and programs to the community, catering not only to residents but to the tens of thousands of visitors attracted by our highly successful sports tourism industry.

The department’s operational excellence shone through hosting 28 athletic tournaments and many special events. The meticulous upkeep of 56 developed parks, 42 miles of scenic walking trails, and adorning Central Park with over a million dazzling Christmas lights were among the standout achievements.

Noteworthy among the marquee events was the poignant hosting of ‘The Wall that Heals,’ a profound three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from Washington, D.C. Additionally, the City showcased the annual State 7-on-7 tournament, featuring 128 Division I and II high school football teams from across Texas.

The Recreation team welcomed over 8,000 enthusiastic participants at various facilities and 87,000 visitors to enjoy our two public pools during

the scorching summer months. Dedicated to encouraging community engagement, the team organized 56 programs at three community centers, engaging 700 active seniors in laughter, play, and socialization. Standout events and programs included the entertaining Starlight Music Series, the joyous Easter Eggstravaganza, the charming Lick Creek Park in the Dark, the inclusive Challenger Bowling, and our commitment to the Bird City USA initiative.

The Parks and Recreation Department consistently enriched the lives of residents and visitors, offering community engagement, diverse recreational opportunities, and a variety of events throughout the year.

POLICE DEPARTMENT ENGAGEMENTS AND

COLLABORATIONS

Did you Know...?

It takes 6.2 minutes or less for a College Station police officer to respond to a priority 1 call, better than the national standard.

College Station’s Police Department offers many programs to connect with the community, aiming for better understanding and stronger ties among citizens and law enforcement.

One standout initiative, the Citizens Police Academy, runs twice yearly and provides a comprehensive 13-week course exploring every facet of police operations. From patrols to criminal investigations, attendees gain hands-on experiences and insights into the department’s inner workings.

Community events such as National Night Out, Breakfast with Blue Santa, the College Station Easter Celebration, and Family Fish strengthen community bonds. National Night Out brings neighbors and police together to build connections and address concerns.

Meanwhile, Breakfast with Blue Santa and the Easter Celebration attract families with fun activities, gifts, and vibrant atmospheres, encouraging positive relationships with the community. Family Fish, a fishing event with educational displays, saw a significant increase in attendance, highlighting its growing impact.

Additionally, the Junior Citizens Police Academy engages youths interested in law enforcement, nurturing their passion and potentially inspiring future law enforcement officers. The events collectively reflect the department’s commitment to fostering relationships and engaging with the community.

The department has initiated several programs to address the demand for mental health support. Twenty-four officers are trained as Mental Health Peace Officers, and collaboration with MHMR brings a mental health professional, Robert Pugh, to work alongside the department and offer enhanced support and resources to those in need.

ENHANCING SAFETY IN NORTHGATE

The Police Department implemented ordinance adjustments to enhance safety in the Northgate Entertainment District.

The district’s bustling atmosphere frequently leads to congestion and an environment prone to increased assault offenses. To mitigate the issue, the department successfully pushed to remove outdoor dining boxes from City property. The strategic move aims to unclog pedestrian walkways, reducing congestion and increasing safety in the area.

Establishing noise limitations for the district’s bars is another pivotal ordinance modification. The proactive step seeks to reduce overall environmental noise, creating a safer working space for law enforcement and safeguarding the community.

STRATEGIC URBAN DEVELOPMENT

College Station’s urban development saw notable progress through zoning modifications and strategic planning initiatives. The City implemented policies to redefine housing norms, altering its residential landscape.

Defining Shared Housing: An innovative distinction emerged with establishing Shared Housing to set apart dwellings exceeding traditional occupancy limits. The classification regulates properties surpassing occupancy norms in designated zones, preventing their increase in areas intended for single or two-family residences.

Middle Housing District: The introduction of the MH Middle Housing zoning district showcased the City’s commitment to diverse housing options. The zoning allowed for housing choices such as duplexes, townhouses, and multiplexes. Rezoning over 1,700 properties marked a significant stride in addressing housing shortages and fostering affordability through a more comprehensive array of options.

High Occupancy Overlay: The creation of the HOO High Occupancy

Overlay zoning district marked another milestone by facilitating increased residential density, primarily for Shared Housing. Rezoning over 1,100 properties aligned with the City’s vision of efficient land use and expanding housing prospects in specific areas.

Shared and Middle Housing is aimed at addressing housing shortages and enhancing affordability. Those efforts, accompanied by the High Occupancy Overlay district, correspond with the City’s vision for a diverse and sustainable housing landscape.

INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The City’s economic development landscape demonstrated growth and strategic initiatives across various sectors, strengthening our progress.

The initiation of Amazon Prime Air’s drone delivery service in late 2022 marked a technological milestone and created about 50 jobs, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and new employment opportunities.

Strategic retail endeavors took center stage as the City invested in destination entertainment by recruiting Tiger Woods’ Popstroke to the Century Square area. Concurrently, development in south College Station and the rise of Costco were complemented by the sale of adjacent properties, paving the way for commercial retail prospects through collaboration with developers.

The redevelopment of the former Sears service building adjacent to Post Oak Mall and Wolf Pen Creek showcased the City’s dedication to revitalizing key areas. The year also brought 26 new retail businesses, with 13 strategically placed in targeted areas and eight in previously vacant spaces, encouraging a vibrant and diversified retail landscape.

The City’s commitment to industry support and community engagement remained steadfast. Initiatives such as the Heart of Aggieland Visitors Pass connected visitors with local retailers, resulting in an impressive 444 downloads in 2023. The facilitation of Capital Farm Credit’s acquisition of the former Viasat building for its headquarters bolstered our industry presence while preserving the company’s foothold in the Brazos Valley.

The City’s extended collaboration with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies through Texas Enterprise Zone applications and campus street renaming further solidified our commitment to forging mutually beneficial relationships. Moreover, our extended lease agreement with the International Leadership School of Texas at the former Police Department building generated revenue. It aligned with our mission to support educational endeavors, with nearly $380,000 projected for each of the next two years.

The real estate front saw strategic moves, including contracts for future developments. The City is in the feasibility period for selling about 28 acres to Levcor Acquisition, signaling promising growth prospects. Additionally, selling about five acres in the College Station Business Center to CRT and ongoing pursuits for real estate contracts underscores our commitment to driving sustainable development and economic expansion. The initiatives set the stage for a vibrant and promising future, marking 2023 as a year of strategic growth and collaborative progress in the City’s economic evolution.

CITY HALL AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

College Station City Hall has evolved beyond a mere administrative center to become an energetic hub that resonates with employees and citizens. Even before its construction, plans were underway to infuse elements that would instill pride in the workplace and invite and engage the community. The year marked significant strides toward those goals, with several additions enhancing City Hall’s allure and functionality.

The I Heart Aggieland sign stands tall on the northwest lawn, an eyecatching and interactive art piece that captures our community’s spirit. Its strategic location along Texas Avenue rendered it an instant attraction for locals and visitors. The sign’s popularity soared, even appearing on ESPN’s national broadcast of Texas A&M’s football game against Mississippi State.

Autumn brought the City’s 85th Anniversary celebration, a milestone marked with a grand birthday bash. The highlight was unveiling the History Wall, an expansive tapestry chronicling the community’s journey from the 1830s to the opening of the present City Hall. The multidimensional historical narrative, resulting from year-long collaborative efforts, showcases the City’s rich heritage on the second floor. The celebration included historical artifact displays, a kids’ scavenger hunt, delectable fare from local food trucks, and

more. The artifacts will grace City Hall through January 2024, showcasing our heritage to visitors. City Hall also now pays homage to past leaders with the Mayor Wall adorning the north end of the lobby. The living tribute is updated as new mayors take office.

CITY HALL: A VIBRANT HUB

Since its opening in late 2021, College Station City Hall has undergone a remarkable transformation, now serving as a thriving center for an extensive range of events unfeasible in the former space. From city-led initiatives such as Neighborhood Seminar Suppers to pivotal public input meetings covering topics such as middle housing, future baseball fields and community-driven gatherings such as the non-profit board recruitment hosted by United Way’s non-profit board recruitment and the prestigious Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra board meeting, City Hall has emerged as a heart of community engagement. Adding 1207 in August significantly broadened the venue’s capacity, enabling a more expansive array of community functions.

Statistics vividly portray the evolution, showcasing a substantial surge in the quantity and diversity of events at City Hall and 1207 and starkly contrasting with the limitations of the previous venue.

TOTAL: 75 TOTAL: 242

City Hall’s transition into a versatile event hub reflects its pivotal role in nurturing community involvement and embracing diverse aspirations. As it evolves, City Hall promises an increasingly vibrant tapestry of events to enrich the community.

OLD CITY HALL NEW CITY HALL

ENHANCING CITYWIDE COMMUNICATION

In the fast-paced rhythm of city life, keeping track of community events and activities can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack. The previous iteration of the City’s web calendar had limitations, falling short of encompassing our community’s full spectrum of happenings.

In response, the City enhanced public communications by revamping the citywide web calendar. The goal was to craft a more inclusive, user-friendly platform, reimagining it from scratch in partnership with a new vendor.

Beyond a cosmetic makeover, the upgrade marks a pivotal change in how the City engages and connects.

PUBLIC WORKS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Public Works accomplished maintenance across five miles of streets, revamping curbs, gutters, and sidewalks and completing essential repairs and overlays. Streets such as Gilchrist, Poplar, Merry Oaks, Summerglen, Southwood, and Lawyer benefited.

Over 380 work orders were fulfilled for repairs and preventive maintenance, using in-house crews and contractors. Annual evaluations are based on the paving condition index to set priorities.

Did you Know...?

5.08 miles of streets were rehabbed by our streets maintenance crews in 2023.

Traffic and Systems Enhancements: Critical positions were filled in Traffic Engineering and Traffic Systems, including a senior traffic engineer, graduate traffic engineer, intelligent transportation systems supervisor, and technicians. The divisions are vital for planning and maintaining the City’s traffic systems, including signals and markings.

Fleet Management Improvements: Despite supply chain challenges, Fleet Maintenance received 11 vehicles ordered in FY 21 and 30 in FY 22, with FY 24 vehicles scheduled for timely delivery. Challenges in parts and equipment acquisition persist but have notably improved, reducing the impact on vehicle maintenance.

Water Department’s Resilience: During the severe drought, Water Services delivered superior quality water consistently during 62 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures and minimal rainfall. The City’s robust system and dedicated employees ensured residents received exceptional water.

Expanding Water Infrastructure: Adding a third elevated storage tank increased water storage capacity by three million gallons, or 60%. Its seamless integration into the system showcased the City’s preparedness, resulting in no customer complaints regarding water quality or pressure. The smooth operation benefits citizens and lowers homeowners’ insurance rates.

As College Station fortifies its infrastructure, these accomplishments are pillars for a stronger, more resilient community foundation.

UNVEILING FY 23

FINANCIAL METRICS

Did you Know...?

In 2023, the Fiscal Services Department received three State of Texas Comptroller Fiscal Transparency Stars. The department was also awarded their 41st Consecutive Excellence in Financial Reporting GFDA Award & 34th Consecutive Distinguished Budget GFOA Award.

In FY 23, the City’s financial trajectory spoke volumes, revealing a story of a vibrant university town navigating a period of rapid inflation and other economic challenges. The figures delineate a narrative of economic health and vitality.

$412.4 M

FY23 APPROVED BUDGET

FY23 OVERALL GROWTH IN SALES TAX

+6.44%

$505.7 M

FY23 FINAL BUDGET AFTER AMMENDMENTS

FY23 OVERALL GROWTH IN PROPERTY TAX

Single Family – 18.6%

Multi Family – 9.8%

Commercial – 18.3 %

UNASSIGNED FUND

FY22 FUND BALANCE: $50.9M

as of Sept. 30, 2022

FY23 FUND BALANCE $10.6 M

as of Sept. 30, 2023

Year over Year category increases (Market Value)

FY23 BOND RATING

SIX ACCREDITATIONS

College Station is proud to be one of the few cities in the United States with nationally accredited departments in Fire, Parks, Police, Public Safety Communications, Public Works, and Water.

DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION

Fire

Parks and Recreation

Police

Public Safety Communications

Public Works

Water

Commision on Fire Accreditation International

Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreations Agencies, National Recreation and Park Association

Commision on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies

Commision on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies

American Public Works Association

American Public Works Association

As College Station bids farewell to the transformative year of 2023, it stands at the threshold of continued progress and innovation.

The year’s achievements emphasize the City’s dedication to growth, sustainability, and community well-being, laying a strong foundation for a thriving future.

COLLEGE STATION’S 2023: A Year of Transformation