Texarkana, Arkansas – Voters in the 2026 municipal election will choose between two seasoned public servants who each promise to put the city’s families and neighborhoods first. Both candidates stress the importance of local jobs, reliable infrastructure, and responsive government.
Laney Harris: Experience‑Driven Growth
Laney Harris has spent more than three decades serving Texarkana. He served nine years on the Texarkana Board of Education (Zone 5) and 25 years on the City Board of Directors, including three years as Assistant Mayor. Now retired, Harris says he can devote his full time to the mayor’s office as a volunteer, full‑time role.
Harris highlights his connections at the local, state, and national levels, especially through the ARKTEX Council of Governments. He points to federal housing legislation H.R. 6644 as a tool to bring new housing programs to the city. As past Chair and current Vice‑Chair of the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization, he helped shape the Regional 2030 Plan and has overseen joint ventures that saved taxpayers money, such as partnerships between the municipal airport and Texas Wichita University.
On the ground, Harris says he has knocked on more than 4,000 doors, hearing residents’ concerns about a shrinking tax base, the need for new business revenue, and a lack of high‑quality jobs. His platform calls for a strategic focus on economic growth and neighborhood revitalization, with a priority on upgrading streets, curbs, sidewalks, and drainage systems in residential areas before major thoroughfares.
Harris also references his 2016 effort to add protective clauses to the city’s water‑rights agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He pledges to use any surplus water sales to lower water bills, pay down city debt, and fund neighborhood infrastructure projects.
To boost downtown activity, Harris cites the recent upgrades to the Downtown Entertainment District, which have attracted foot traffic, festivals, new businesses, and residential redevelopment at the Coliseum site. He intends to build on that momentum.
Economically, Harris proposes quarterly business meetings to align city planning with local business needs and a restructuring of the Advertising & Promotion Director role to focus on active economic development. He also plans to leverage Arkansas Ballot Issue 3 to expand development tools, streamline regulations, and expand workforce training.
Tammy Waters: Collaborative, Citizen‑First Leadership
Tammy Waters runs on a platform of listening and collaboration. She says she loves Texarkana and believes its best years are ahead. Waters’ career has involved working with industry leaders, legislators, law enforcement, and community groups to find common ground on complex issues.
Texarkana operates under a council‑manager system, where the city manager handles day‑to‑day operations and the mayor sets tone, leads the board, and ensures residents are heard. Waters emphasizes that the mayor’s role is to bring everyone to the table.
Waters identifies the city’s greatest opportunity as uniting its many strengths around shared priorities. She promises to travel to every neighborhood, meet with residents, and work with the city manager, board of directors, businesses, and community organizations to set priorities, explore solutions, and measure results. While acknowledging that disagreements will arise, she stresses respect for differing perspectives and a focus on what benefits Texarkana the most.
On budgeting, Waters says every decision should start with the question, “What will serve Texarkana best, today and in the years ahead?” She pledges to keep essential services, infrastructure, and public safety as top priorities, and to evaluate resource allocation for maximum impact on taxpayers.
Economic development, according to Waters, means making Texarkana a place where people want to live, work, invest, and build a future. She calls for reliable infrastructure, workforce development, and clear, efficient city processes. Waters also supports using every appropriate tool, including the upcoming Arkansas Issue 3 constitutional amendment, which could give communities additional levers to attract investment and create jobs.
Waters stresses that economic development requires relationships, collaboration, and a shared goal. She believes Texarkana’s potential is tremendous and that the choices made now will shape the city for decades.
What Voters Should Know
Both candidates agree on the need for stronger infrastructure, responsible budgeting, and a business‑friendly environment. Harris leans on his extensive governmental experience and specific project achievements, while Waters emphasizes a collaborative, listening approach and a commitment to inclusive decision‑making.
Voters can expect a campaign focused on local issues that affect families, neighborhoods, and the city’s economic future. The race underscores the importance of citizen participation in shaping Texarkana’s direction as the city prepares for growth and new challenges.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
