Irving’s Community Initiatives Provide a Clear Path to Success

Irving has implemented numerous initiatives which not only build and beautify the city, but also protect its residents with a focus on a high standard of living and crime prevention.

When you examine all of the ways in which the city of Irvine, Texas has implemented programs, initiatives and grants, it’s no wonder Irving remains one of the most progressive, successful cities in Texas.

Just some of Irving’s recent programs include:

The Community Partnership Grant Fund

The Community Partnership Funds, which are provided by the City of Irving, are allocated to Irving’s neighborhood associations for neighborhood improvements. Community leaders, using the services of neighbors and volunteers, utilize the funds of the Community Partnership Grant Fund to spruce up the neighborhoods of Irving.

The Community Partnership Grant Fund is designed to unite neighborhoods, implement useful neighborhood projects and foster a spirit of community.

Grants for the Community Partnership Grant Fund range from $250 to $1,500 and are awarded to neighborhood groups within the city limits.

Irving’s Decreasing Crime Rate

Since the beginning of 2008, the Irving Police Department, along with the help of the community, has reduced crime rates by an impressive 10 percent. This is on top of the 7.1 percent decrease in 2007. These amazing numbers have given Irving the lowest overall crime rate per capita in recorded history.

Just some of the crimes which have decreased significantly include sexual assault (a decrease of 30 percent), vehicle theft (a decrease of 20 percent), homicide (a decrease of 14 percent), and theft (a decrease of 12 percent).

In addition to a problem-solving team, many Irving officials credit the drop in crime to the increase in code enforcement.

Irving’s Beautification Efforts

The regional entryways into the city of Irving, including the highways and major thoroughfares, have begun to receive makeovers to improve Irving’s visual image.

Improvements are now being made to more than 33 miles of thoroughfare that serve more than 400,000 vehicles on a daily basis.

Some of the beautification improvements for Irving’s corridors include roadway and paving accents, expanding bikeways, expanding the greenbelts for pedestrian use, upgrading traffic and street signals for safety and beautification purposes, landscaping and introducing public art.

Additional projects include the installation of fencing, noise walls, monument signage, gateways and entryways, and median pavers and treatments.

Median enhancements with ornamental grasses, crepe myrtles, specimen trees, turf irrigation and entry signs are underway along Belt Line Road, MacArthur Boulevard and Shady Grove Road.

The Programs of Irving’s Housing and Human Services Department

The Housing and Human Services Department offers many programs which help homeowners and first-time home buyers in Irving.

These programs include:

Emergency Repair Program – Helps homeowners in emergency conditions receive immediate attention.

Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Program – Replaces or repairs air conditioners for low-income senior citizens or those with disabilities.

Restoration Program – Provides assistance to homeowners for home restoration projects through forgivable loans.

Architectural Barrier Removal Program – Assists seniors or disabled persons by installing mobility devices in and around the home, such as ramps, handrails and bathroom modifications.

Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance – Provides homebuyers with deferred, forgivable payment loans to help cover the cost of a down payment and closing costs