The Garland City Council has called a bond election for May 3. Voters will already be voting for Mayor that day, and now they will vote on a $360 million bond program with four propositions: streets, economic development, cultural arts, and parks and recreation.

According to a release, the city council assembled a Bond Study Committee of Garland residents in 2024, which determined that Garland’s property and sales tax revenue is modest in comparison to neighboring cities; that Garland is not seeing a significant increase in new residents; and that it’s built out in regard to new development.

The committee considered ways to promote Garland as a regional destination, improve livability and quality of life for Garland residents, support the retention, expansion, and recruitment of employers, and encourage redevelopment of underutilized and low value property.

Garland voters will now see these propositions on the ballot May 3:

• Proposition A – Streets ($230 Million): For street and alley repairs, plus corridor and gateway beautification.
• Proposition B – Economic Development ($75 Million): Support economic development projects city-wide including key areas such as the Medical District, Harbor Point, and South Garland — with the intention of promoting new business and neighborhood vitality in addition to creating destinations and amenities for the residents of Garland.
• Proposition C – Cultural Arts ($25 Million): Renovate the 40-year-old Granville Performing Arts Center, including replacing mechanical systems, improving ADA accessibility, and elevating the facility’s aesthetics.
• Proposition D – Parks and Recreation ($30 Million): Support projects targeted at Harbor Point with the intention of creating public waterfront access, trails and other amenities.

2019 vs 2025
In 2019, Garland voters approved a $423.7 million bond package that included propositions for parks and recreation, libraries, an animal shelter, public safety, streets and more. Six years later, all projects are in progress with more than 70 percent complete, including two dozen parks and playgrounds upgraded, a new Police training facility, and one of three new fire stations now open. he Downtown Square has been revitalized, and the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center has been relocated. Renovations to the Central Library and a rebuild of Holford Recreation & Aquatic Center are in progress.

Different from the 2019 package, which targeted specific facilities and major intersections, the proposed 2025 bond aims to improve residential roadways and amenities across the city. A 2024 study of more than 2,000 miles in Garland shows an average pavement condition score of 70 out of 100. The 2025 bond program is expected to increase that average with a five-year plan to address neighborhood streets and alleys.