Building what’s next: 2025–2026 Half Cent Sales Tax Annual Work Plan adopted

From upgraded intersections and expanded trails to critical drainage improvements, projects funded through the City's Half Cent Sales Tax continue to shape how residents move and connect across Tyler.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the City Council received a presentation on the 2025-2026 Half Cent Sales Tax Annual Work Plan and adopted the plan.

Each year, the Half Cent Sales Tax Board develops a proposed annual work plan and budget. The plan outlines new projects for the coming fiscal year, ongoing work still under construction, and identifies future projects that may move forward as funding becomes available.

Projects in the program are prioritized through studies and community feedback to tier projects by year, to show when funding could be available and the project could begin. This structure allows the City to plan several years in advance while maintaining flexibility to respond to changing priorities, costs and community needs.

Highlights from the 2025-2026 Annual Work Plan include:

• Airport improvements such as the Runway 13-31 Rehabilitation and relocation of the Air Traffic Control Tower.

• Drainage upgrades, including Downing Street Overflow Channel, and Persimmon Drive drainage improvements.

• Street and mobility projects, such as the Bass Pro Way and Centennial Drive Extensions, the Downtown Improvement Project and annual street maintenance.

• Parks and trail projects, including the Legacy Trail Phase 3 Design and the Midtown-to-Downtown Trail Study.

• Public safety facilities, such as the design and relocation of Fire Station #2, a new Fire Training Facility, and continued progress on the Tyler Police Training Center.

• Traffic and pedestrian safety projects, including the pedestrian improvements along major corridors and continued work under the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Plan.

Before adoption, residents were invited to review the proposed plan and share feedback on the identified projects. Community input plays a key role in shaping the program each year, ensuring that City investments reflect the priorities and values of Tyler residents. Each spring, the City issues a Call for Projects, inviting community members to identify problem areas or suggest improvements for consideration in future plans. This ongoing engagement helps ensure that the Half Cent Sales Tax program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.