Stronger Together through Civic Engagement: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

A pollster recently told me she’s been blown away by how prepared voters are for the 2020 general election. They’re not only crystal clear about their choices for federal and state candidates but for every county and local measure on the November ballot. Granted, this might be a common trait of early voters, but she still believes that this year’s level of commitment to voter self-education is noteworthy.

This is noteworthy, particularly to people like me who believe that informed civic engagement makes local communities stronger. So before you go to the polls, be sure to educate yourself. In Arlington, the ballot includes Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 races for Arlington City Council, a sales tax increase in support of economic development initiatives, and a new tax rate in support of the Arlington Independent School District.

Arlington City Council voted earlier this year to place a quarter-cent sales tax increase on the ballot, which would raise the rate to 8.25%. If approved, the City would apply the additional revenue to an economic development fund. 

Arlington ISD is asking voters to approve a new property tax rate increase of 8.84 cents per $100 of assessed value.  The funds would be used to increase teacher and staff salaries and to invest in instructional programs.

For more information, we like VOTE411.org, a non-partisan online resource created by the League of Women Voters. If you’re looking for Downtown Arlington polling locations and hours of operation, click here. You’ll also find other useful information and a link to the Tarrant County Voter Guide compiled by the City of Arlington. 

Arlington is a great place to live because so many people are willing to commit to the complicated, sometimes messy, always rewarding work of making it great. When you go to the polls, take a moment to acknowledge the commitment made by all of the candidates. Each and every one stepped off the sidelines and into the game, aiming to make a difference through public service. You’re doing the same when you step into the voting booth, aiming to make a difference through civic engagement. 

Batter Up and Tailgate Like a Local!   

Just up the street from Downtown Arlington, the Los Angeles Dodgers are facing the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball’s championship series, topping off a season has been one for the record books. Already 2 games in, and tied, this neutral World Series is proving one for the record books. 

Rather than hopscotching across the country as in previous years, the 2020 World Series has nestled in Globe Life Field in front of a socially-distanced crowd. Regardless of your team preference, fans in the stands and locals agree: Downtown restaurants have the perfect place (over 25 patios!) for game-watching and pre- and post-game celebrations.
Friday, Oct. 23        Dodgers vs. Rays, Game 3    7:08 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24    Dodgers vs. Rays, Game 4    7:08 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25    Dodgers vs. Rays, Game 5*    7:08 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27    Rays vs. Dodgers, Game 6*    7:08 p.m. 
Wednesday, Oct. 28    Rays vs. Dodgers, Game 7*    7:09 p.m.
*if necessary

Before you fan up, check out Downtown Delivers to find the perfect patio and Downtown Outdoors to guide you there. #ExploreDTArlington

An Invitation to Downtown Stakeholders: The Blender    

On November 2 from 3:00-4:00 p.m., we’re hosting our first live stream Downtown Stakeholder event, another way that our businesses, owners, and residents can connect with resources, services and each other. This event, which we’re dubbing The Blender, will be held quarterly and is designed as an informal gathering where we’ll share 2021 Workplan and project updates, plus leave open plenty of time for networking, mutual idea and information-sharing. Stakeholders will also learn about all their available benefits and how to take advantage of them. Contact Katie Gosa, BID Services and Communications Manager, anytime with questions or suggestions. 

Downtown Outdoors: Let’s Hear it for the Boys     

Tell Dad he can put off his honey-do list because you’re spending the weekend outdoors in Downtown Arlington! On Saturday, Oct. 24, take him to the annual Exotic and Classic Car Show at The Man’s Shop.

While Dad is checking out the cars, Mom can cruise next door to check out the open-air shopping in the backyard of Collected Treasures as they celebrate their biannual Main Street Antique Junk Fest from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. After everyone's had their local showcase fill, grab some lunch on your favorite Downtown patio. 

On Sunday, Oct. 25, Sunday Fundays at UU welcomes you back to Urban Union to root the Cowboys on to victory against Washington. BYO lawn chairs to set up around a really big screen between Legal Draft and Cartel Taco Bar. Visit the Downtown events calendar for details about both events.