
Arlington City Council Member
District 7 At Large
About Victoria
Victoria Farrar-Myers, Ph.D., was first elected to Arlington City Council in 2016, and has served as Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore since 2018. She is a dedicated civic leader, a highly respected educator, hands-on mentor, and a proud mom. Committed to helping build our community in Arlington and holding an at-large City Council seat, Victoria represents the entire city with passion and a strong work ethic to ensure that the City of Arlington best serves its residents.
As the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college, Victoria continued on to earn her Ph.D. in Political Science. Victoria moved to Arlington in 1998 to teach at the University of Texas of Arlington, where she worked for sixteen years. Both at UTA and at Southern Methodist University where she subsequently served as Senior Fellow & Director of the Tower Scholars Program, Victoria established herself as an award-winning teacher and a distinguished scholar.
Throughout her career, Victoria has served in leadership roles successfully undertaking key initiatives. For example, she spearheaded the UTA’s re-accreditation efforts, building a team from across the University to develop its plan to improve the quality of the educational experience of its students. Also, while serving the Office of the President at UTA, Victoria helped develop and draft the University’s strategic plans. At SMU, Victoria built up a new minor to one of the University’s featured programs known for mixing academic and real-world experiences in the study of public policy, and helped create relationships with donors to ensure the continued viability of the program.
Victoria is known for encouraging her students to be civically engaged and often challenged them to roll up their sleeves to make a difference. She decided to take up that challenge herself and devoted herself to public service. With the support of Jason, her husband, and Kyle, their son, Victoria continuously strives to help build a better Arlington.
Among the many awards and recognitions that Victoria has garnered are:
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Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive in State and Local Government Participant (2018)
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Arlington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance Rising Star Award (2017)
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Texas Municipal League Certificate of Achievement (2016-2019, awarded annually)
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National Finalist, Citizen Service Before Self Honors, The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation (2012)
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Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, The University of Texas System (2012)
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President’s Award, Junior League of Arlington (2012)
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Academy of Distinguished Teachers, UT Arlington (2011)
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Faculty Member of the Year Award, Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (2007)

Victoria on City Council
Victoria strives to make sure the “needs” of the City and its residents are met with high quality service, and that the “wants” serve a viable and useful role within our City without unnecessarily draining valuable City resources. She focuses not only on the decisions that the City Council makes, but the process by which those decisions get made. She thoroughly evaluates the policy matters before the Council, actively seeks out input from citizens and others throughout the City (e.g., through Walk-and-Talk town halls, innovative programming, and one-on-one meetings), and thoughtfully considers all viewpoints to ensure that her decisions are well-reasoned and well-informed.
In her time on City Council, Victoria has demonstrated her leadership in the areas of human services and the human capital aspects of economic development. Her vision led to the creation of Arlington’s first-ever Child Care Summit, which brought together local childcare providers and community partners to discuss strategies to increase the quality of and access to childcare for Arlington’s most vulnerable families, an issue that touches on the workforce of today and the future. She also serves as Chair of the Tarrant and Parker Counties Continuum of Care, and ensures that Arlington has a prominent voice in the counties’ efforts to create innovative partnerships with all sectors to fight homelessness.
Victoria also combines a strong business-minded approach with a skilled understanding of the policymaking process, particularly in the role as Chair of the City’s Municipal Policy Committee. Her devotion to small business development, for example, has led to an ongoing developers’ working group to streamline and to improve ordinances governing the development of new construction in our city. Victoria also advocated for a city pilot project by providing a grant to the Center for Transforming Lives “Idea to Income” small business cohort and development program. As another example of Victoria’s efforts in this area, Victoria worked with a diverse group of hotel companies, tourism industry officials, engineers, and developers to create a clear set of standards to ensure the construction of quality hotels in Arlington.
Victoria's Platform
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
City government cannot provide the solution to all societal problems. Therefore, as a leader within the community I strive to use the convening power of my office to shine light on problems and to work with businesses, non-profits, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and other interested parties to find solutions to difficult problems. I try to honor the important responsibility that comes with serving as an at-large member of the City Council. While on Council, for example, I have:
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Promoted public-private programming to improve the quality and access to childcare to develop the workforce for today and tomorrow, and to seek solutions for homelessness and housing quality.
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Worked with neighborhood associations and leaders to encourage neighbors to join together to help improve their neighborhood and to address areas of concern that the city can address.
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Sought better connections with educational institutions in our city, such as fostering youth engagement in city government through internships, and creating research connections with UTA and TCC Southeast that enhance city initiatives.
FOCUSING ON OUR COMMUNITY'S STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION
As a special part of building our community, we must remember that roadways are the web that connects our citizens. As our city grows, there needs to be ongoing commitment to repair and rebuild our city’s streets. On City Council, I have supported key efforts to identify and address areas that need improvement, and during my time on Council:
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We have improved the quality of roads throughout the city, already cutting the percentage of roads in most need of repair by over half into single digits, and have developed plans to continue repairs and to ease traffic burdens.
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I have supported initiatives for innovative solutions to provide and to expand transportation options throughout the city.
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I take into account the potential effects on traffic and congestion that any decision the Council makes may have, including meeting with all stakeholders and personally visiting affected areas to gain first-hand knowledge.
PROMOTING PUBLIC SAFETY
Arlington is one of the 50 largest cities in the nation. In order to maintain and improve our level of service, we need to continue to support and properly equip our police and fire personnel. These departments do an outstanding job with the current resources they have. As your City Council member, I have worked to ensure that our fire and police have the resources they need to better serve you, such as:
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Equipping police with body cameras to assist law enforcement and to promote transparency.
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Working to provide fire fighters with vehicles and other equipment necessary to meet the growing and diverse needs of our community.
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Going on ride-alongs with police and fire to see first-hand the situations they face on a daily basis and to get their input on how to help them protect Arlington’s citizens.
ADVANCING SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
As someone who believes in cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit, I have worked with small business owners and leaders in the business community to identify ways to further promote a culture supporting small businesses in Arlington. Through hosting discussions with affected parties and key city departments, we have improved communication between business owners and city personnel. My efforts in this area include:
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Streamlining the administrative framework to open a new business, leading to the creation of a portal to assist businesses to understand and to navigate the process for obtaining city licenses to open their establishments.
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Promoting the success of our city’s small businesses, such as attending groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, special events, and other celebrations that highlight the impact businesses have on our city.
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Leading the effort to balance necessary city ordinances with legitimate concerns of business owners affected by the ordinances to find practical, forward-looking solutions.
RESPONSIBLY MANAGING YOUR CITY TAXES
As your City Council member, I will continue to work to ensure that our tax base grows so your taxes stay low and our city services continue to be fully funded. By expanding our tourism, industrial, and commercial tax base and increasing jobs, we can better fund city services taking the burden off residential taxes. Using your taxpayer dollars responsibly is one of my priorities as shown by:
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Voting to reduce the City’s ad valorem tax rate each year on Council.
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Actively immersing myself in the city’s budgeting process, including participating in Budget Town Halls and other forums, to ensure that the city gets the best value for its expenditures.
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Supporting initiatives to reinvest in our city and that provide a return on the city’s investment through increased economic activity that benefit Arlington’s residents.
Victoria in the Community
Victoria has always taken an active, hands-on role in helping build our community, doing everything from taking on leadership roles in numerous organizations to literally taking out the trash as part of a community clean-up project. Even as a City Councilwoman, Victoria maintains a high-level of involvement in civic organizations.
Victoria’s long-standing commitment to our community includes:
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Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Corporation (Board Member, 2019-present)
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Center for Transforming Lives Arlington Advisory Committee (Small Business Initiative) (Member, 2019-present)
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The Oakridge School Board of Regents (Member, 2018-present)
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River Legacy Cardboard Regatta Planning Committee (2017-present)
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Arlington Education Foundation (2017-present)
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Tarrant County-Parker County Continuum of Care (Member, 2016-present; Chair, 2018-present)
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United Way Steering Committee (Member, 2016-present)
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Rotary Club of Arlington (Member, 2015-present; Community Service Director, 2016-2020)
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City of Arlington Planning & Zoning Commission (Member, 2015-2016)
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Leadership Arlington (President, 2016-2017; Board Member (various roles), 2006-2008 & 2014-present; Class Representative, 2006-2007)
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Arlington Independent School District Financial Futures Committee (Member, 2013)
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Junior League of Arlington (Sustainer 2012-Present; Member, 2006-2012; Parliamentarian, 2011-2012; Strategic Planning Committee, 2016)
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Center for Transforming Lives – Formerly YWCA (Board Member, 2015-2017)
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Arlington Chamber of Commerce (Membership Committee, 2017-present; Member-Education & Workforce Development Council, 2005-2008; Member-Governmental Relations Committee, 2005-2008)
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Member, Champion Education Committee (formerly known as A+ Arlington Committee), a collaboration between the Arlington Chamber and Arlington Independent School District, Arlington, Texas (Member, 2005-2008; Chair, 2007-2008)
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Co-Founder and Inaugural Faculty-in-Residence, Center for Community Service Learning, UT Arlington (2001-2002)
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St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (Lector, 2010-present; Eucharistic Minister, 2010-present; Parish Pastoral Council, 2015-2017; Discipleship/Stewardship Committee, 2015-2017; Confirmation Class Teacher, 2015-2017)
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Republican Women of Arlington, Member (1998-Present)
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Arlington Republican Club, Member (1999-Present)
Endorsements
Cameron & Sarabeth Atkins
Stan Agee
Ginger Baker
Robyn Barrere
Nathan Bassetto
Debbie & Terry Bertrand
Jock Bethune
Neelay Bhatt
Valerie Bindel
Leslie Johnston Birdow
Esteban & Heather Blanco
Daniel & Charna Blumberg
Charles & Leanna Brady
Ray & Pru Brett
Kelly Broadus
Steve Brooks
Tina Bullock
Joe & Doreen Bruner
Honorable Clint Burgess
Katy Burgess
William Busby
Jo Ann and John Byrne
Sandra Campbell
Gena Cannon
Derek Carter
O.K. Carter
Jennifer Cathcart
Amy & Spencer Cearnal
Chad Chadwick
Honorable Justin Chapa
Lee Anne Chenoweth
Joan Church
Anne Coker
David Conant
Honorable David & Tonya Cook
Benjamin Copeland
Brian Cotter
Ken & Trudy Cox
Tom & Diane Cravens Sharon Croxton
Kelly Curnutt
Larry Curry
Irene & John Dancer
Grace Darling
Donna Darovich
Bill & Carol Daley
Roger DeFrang
Michelle & Brian Deuell
Lauren Devaul
Honorable Mike Farhat
Dan Fernandez
Honorable Kimberly Fitzpatrick
Karen Flynn
Irene Forrester
Persis Ann Foster
Honorable Melody & Larry Fowler
Terry & Teresa Gaines
Coy & Tanis Garrett
Charlie Garza
Diane & Don Gatzke
Becky Nussbaum Gerro & Mike Gerro
Val & Linda Gibson
Heather Gilbert
George Gintole
Cynthia Golden
Honorable Raul & Kerry Gonzalez
Honorable Richard & Sylvia Greene
Mark Graves
B.J. Hall
Mojy & Julia Haddad
Delores Baldridge Hammond
Eliza Hatton
Brenda & Matt Hayes
Timi Tims Hazle
Andrew Harding
Jolanda & Randy Hendricks
Brandon & Gara Hill
Sally Hopper
Nikkie Hunter
Jane & Larry Hurley
Jessie Jackson
Lisa Jamieson
Mark Joeckel
Mike Johnston
Nina Jones
Jon & Kristi Kellam
Clay & Brandee Kelly
Robert Kimball
Kay King
Derrick Kinney
Donna Korman
Honorable Matt Krause
Blake & Lori Kretz
Christopher & Valerie Landry
Nelda Lawson
Sherry Lawyer
Reggie & Bridget Lewis
Connie & Bob Lorick
Matthew Loh
Sam & Rania Mahrouq
Jim & Trish Maibach
Mary Jean & Tim Maloney
Rattana Mao
Clete & Susie McAlister
Ethan McDaniel
Beth McHenry
Nancilu McClellan
Christopher McMurrough
Elizabeth McPherson
Victoria McWilliams
Van Della Menifee
Barbara & Jack Murphy
Cliff Mycoskie
Sheila Nagy
Barbara Nash
Honorable Andy & Julie Nguyen
Cathy Nordman
Gloria Norman
Judith Northup
Lynda Ray Nunez
Becky Orander
Betsy Oren
Giana Ortiz & Jake Fain
Beth & Joe Owens
Teresa Schmitt Pierce
Delores Pell
Gloria Peña
April & Chris Pettitt
Shirley Patterson
Jimmy & Sue Phillips
Andrea Powers
Dana Queenan
Ray Rafidi
Autumn Rose Reo
Jill Regina
Jim & Faye Reeder
Tina Rizzo
Pam Roach
Nancy Rowe
Leslie Rule
Judy & Brad Rupay
John Andrew Sanchez
David & Susie Sargent
Alan Saxe & Ruthie Brock
Jason & Sarah Shelton
Sandra Skinner
Ron Smith
Samuel Smith III
Ralph & Alice Sobel
Sue Stevens
James & Susan Spaniolo
Debbie Spell
Demi Stewart
Richmond & Reecia Stoglin
Suzanne & John Sweek
Mike Talambas
William & Michal Tincup
Paulette Tutor
Devon Thompson
Gary Trammell
David Tyler
Jan & Patrick Tyler
Carole Vines
Mark Vines
Kara Waddell
Tom & Suzy Ware
Tahj Walker
Sheriff Bill Waybourn
Anthony White
Kimberly Phillips White
Ron & Tammy Widup
Dorothy Wightman
Honorable David Woodruff
Honorable Bill Zedler
Amber Zuckerman



