Mayor Jim Ross reflects on Arlington’s history, celebrates a landmark year and looks toward the city’s next 150 years.
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce welcomed business and community leaders to the 21st Annual State of the City Address, presented by LBL Architects, on Thursday, October 29. With Arlington celebrating its 150th anniversary, this year’s event offered a special opportunity to reflect on the people, partnerships and defining moments that have shaped the city while celebrating an extraordinary year of accomplishments.
Under the theme “Along the Way,” Mayor Ross took attendees on a journey through Arlington’s history, from its beginnings as a small railroad community to its emergence as an international destination for business, entertainment, education and innovation.
“Today, we’re not just talking about where Arlington is, we’re talking about how we got here and what happened along the way,” Ross said.
Throughout his address, the mayor emphasized a defining characteristic of Arlington’s history: the willingness of its people to recognize opportunity, embrace change and work together to accomplish something greater.
A Landmark Year on the World Stage
Few years have demonstrated Arlington’s international reach quite like 2026.
In March, the city hosted the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, welcoming more than 70,000 fans to a new street circuit winding through the Entertainment District.
Just months later, Arlington welcomed the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting nine matches, more than any other city in North America. More than 631,000 spectators traveled from across the United States and around the globe to experience the tournament in Arlington.
“For generations, Arlington has talked about being on the world’s stage. This year, we were,” Ross said.
Beyond the global spotlight, these major events generated significant economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, attractions and businesses, reinforcing the importance of Arlington’s growing visitor economy.
Arlington’s Entertainment District also welcomed internationally recognized acts, including two sold-out BTS concerts and three nights of the wildly popular Savannah Bananas.
Building the Next Chapter of Arlington
As Arlington celebrates its history, major investments continue to drive economic growth across the city. Mayor Ross highlighted the return of Six Flags’ corporate headquarters, the arrival of Australian manufacturer Advanced Composite Structures and the expansion of Arlington’s aerospace and defense sector, including E-Space’s advanced satellite manufacturing operations bringing more than 2,000 high-wage jobs.
Downtown Arlington is gaining momentum with a new mixed-use development by Trammell Crow, updated zoning to encourage walkability and the recently opened Caravan Court Hotel. Elsewhere, The Parks Mall welcomed the 120,000-square-foot Dick’s House of Sport, construction continues on the 507-room Americana by Loews, and plans are advancing for a 40-plus-acre mixed-use development north of I-30. Read more about the I-30 development in the Arlington Report.
“These are not isolated projects. They are pieces of an economic ecosystem,” Ross said, emphasizing that alongside these major investments, small businesses remain the backbone of Arlington’s economy and community.
Celebrating Arlington’s Small Businesses
A highlight of the State of the City Address was the recognition of the Greater Arlington Chamber’s 2026 Small Business of the Year Award recipients, presented by the UTA College of Business.
This year’s highest honor, Overall Small Business of the Year, went to Advanced Integrated Marketing, Inc. Additional award recipients included Levitt Pavilion Arlington, Marcona Kitchen, Brisket Boss, TeamLogic IT Arlington and The Runner Shop. Each was recognized for outstanding business leadership, growth and contributions to the Greater Arlington community. Meet the 2026 Small Business of the Year Award recipients
Honoring 150 Years of Arlington
Throughout his address, Mayor Ross reflected on the people and milestones that shaped Arlington’s first 150 years, from the discovery of mineral water in the late 1800s to the arrival of General Motors, the opening of Six Flags Over Texas and the development of the Entertainment District. He also honored the legacies of former mayors Elzie Odom, Arlington’s first Black mayor, and Dr. Robert Cluck, both of whom passed away during the past year.
Looking to the future, Ross celebrated the contributions of Arlington ISD, Tarrant County College and The University of Texas at Arlington, highlighting UTA’s recently announced $86 million U.S. Navy research contract. He also presented Geraldine Mills with the Mayor’s American Dream Award in recognition of her dedication to preserving Arlington’s history and community memories.
The anniversary celebration extended beyond the stage, with every attendee receiving a commemorative challenge coin honoring Arlington’s 150th birthday, and, thanks to a generous donation from Sam Mahrouq, guests were also invited to explore the Arlington Museum of Art’s Arlington 150: Stories of a Legacy exhibition at no cost.
The program concluded with a special birthday toast sponsored by Candlelite Inn and a collective rendition of “Happy Birthday,” celebrating the city’s remarkable history and the generations who helped shape it.
Together, We Shape What’s Next
As Mayor Ross looked toward Arlington’s next 150 years, his message returned to the people who have always been at the center of the city’s success.
“If Arlington’s first 150 years teach us anything, it is that our future will be shaped by the choices we make together,” Ross said.
The Greater Arlington Chamber is proud to partner with the City of Arlington in championing economic and community prosperity. From supporting small businesses and attracting investment to strengthening partnerships and developing future leaders, the Chamber remains committed to helping Arlington build on the remarkable foundation established over the past century and a half.
Thank you to our 2026 State of the City presenting sponsor, LBL Architects and all of our event sponsors and partners for making this celebration possible.
As Arlington begins its next chapter, one thing remains certain: its greatest strength is the people who believe in its possibilities and work together to make them a reality.
Together, We Succeed.