Local leaders gathered this morning for the annual State of the Cities Chamber Breakfast, where Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman and representatives from Texarkana, Arkansas and Nash, Texas delivered updates on exciting developments and achievements across the region.
From downtown revitalization to public safety upgrades, the message was clear: Texarkana is on the move.
Downtown on the Rise
One of the morning’s highlights was news of $12.5 million in new investment fueling the ongoing transformation of downtown Texarkana. Among the most anticipated projects is the Assembly Line TXK Incubator, which will breathe new life into the old Discovery Place building. Slated to open in mid-2026, the incubator is a partnership between local colleges and AR-TX REDI, aiming to support new startups and local entrepreneurs.
The city also secured a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant, designed to provide certifications and job readiness for unemployed or underemployed residents—focusing on high-demand skills in environmental cleanup and redevelopment.
Public Safety & Infrastructure Investments
Texarkana, Texas continues to make public safety a top priority. This year saw the addition of:
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Two new fire trucks
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$1 million in station upgrades
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A new K-9 and handler
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Enhanced body and dash camera systems for police
In terms of street work, city crews have been busy:
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Over 10,600 potholes patched
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More than 1,500 work orders completed in 2024 alone
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$19.8 million invested in roadway upgrades, with more improvements in the pipeline for fiscal years 2025–26
Parks & Recreation
The city’s recreation spaces are also getting a boost. The Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complex is complete and will celebrate its grand opening later this month. Meanwhile, the Swanger Baseball Complex is expected to be finished by May.
Welcoming New Neighbors
Texarkana, USA was recently named one of the “Most Welcoming Places in America” by relocation program MakeMyMove, drawing more than 6,800 applications from across the country. New residents have already arrived from 10+ states, bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the region.
A helpful New Resident Guide is now available at: texarkanatexas.gov/930/New-Resident-Guide
Looking Ahead
City officials also touched on what’s to come, including:
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A new Economic Development Strategic Plan
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Expanded cross-department collaboration
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Planning for the State Line Corridor in coordination with the local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
For a full recap of the city’s progress and future goals, check out the 2024 Annual Report and Q4 Economic Report at:
🔗 texarkanatexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=378
🔗 Q4 Economic Report
