Arlington citizens witnessed a notable dip in crime during 2025, with a 12% reduction reported by the Arlington Police Department (APD). An APD statement highlighted the department’s continued practice of sharing annual data with the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), helping in understanding and controlling crime trends. Figures indicated a 13% decrease in homicides and a 14% drop in Crimes Against Persons, which include Assault, Robbery, and Sex Offenses. Property crimes also went down by 18%, but there was an 11% uptick in Crimes Against Society, attributed to more proactive policing. These statistics mark the fourth year of reducing crime rates in the city, according to the City of Arlington.
In the spirit of service and unity, Arlington has lined up a variety of free activities for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration. Residents can participate in the Texas Authors Book Club, hike with a naturalist, volunteer for the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service, or enjoy performances at the festival. Despite municipal offices being closed on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, garbage and recycling pickup will run as per usual, allowing residents to maintain their routines while honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Adding to the community’s enrichment, over 200 puzzles are now available at the Arlington Public Library, forming a new collection donated by Hillary Relyea and Ben Gerdts. The effort commemorates their son Harvey and offers an array of landscapes, famous artworks, and cartoon character puzzles for check-out. Arlington’s commitment to its infrastructure is unyielding, with a $15.3 million investment contributing to 45 lane miles of street improvements in fiscal year 2025. The city’s dedication ensures that 80% of its roads are at desired maintenance levels…