Forget Monopoly night – Arlington just dropped the coolest board game ever, and playing it actually helps build your city’s future. “Growing a Better Arlington” puts you in charge of designing where your neighbors will live, work, and play for the next two decades.
Here’s How It Works (And Why You’ll Love It)
Picture this: You and your friends sit around a board representing Arlington, armed with “Dream Coins” to spend on parks, housing, roads, and businesses. But here’s the twist – your decisions aren’t just for fun. They’re feeding directly into Arlington’s actual 20-year development plan.
The game throws curveballs at you too. Maybe a major employer wants to move in, or a storm damages infrastructure. How do you handle it? Every choice you make mirrors the real decisions city planners face.
Your Mission: Keep Arlington… Arlington
The challenge isn’t just growing the city – it’s growing it right. You’ll need to balance bringing in new residents and businesses while keeping the character that makes Arlington special. Too much growth in one area? You might lose what people love about their neighborhoods. Not enough? The city falls behind.
Where to Play This Weekend
Ready to dive in? Here’s your game plan:
This Thursday, July 17th, 5:30-7:30 PM
Downtown Library [re]Brary Room A&B
100 S. Center St., Arlington
But that’s just the kickoff! Starting mid-July, you can play at any Arlington Public Library. Each branch gets three copies – two you can check out like a regular book, and one you can play right there in the library.
Perfect for Your Group
Got a neighborhood association meeting coming up? HOA gathering? Book club looking for something different? This game is made for groups of 2-6 players. Just reach out to the Innovate Arlington team, and they’ll help you set up a game session that works for your crew.
Play Solo? They’ve Got You Covered
Not a board game person? No problem. There’s an online single-player version that works like an interactive map survey. You can shape Arlington’s future from your couch in your pajamas.
Why This Matters for You
Think about it – how often do you get a real say in how your city grows? Usually, development happens around you, not with you. This game flips that script. Your gameplay directly influences Arlington’s comprehensive plan for the next 20 years.
Whether you’ve lived here forever or just moved in, whether you’re worried about traffic or excited about new restaurants, this is your chance to have a voice in what Arlington becomes.
The Bottom Line
Arlington found a way to make city planning actually engaging instead of boring town halls and endless surveys. You get to play a legitimately fun game AND help design the future of your community.
So grab your friends, family, or neighbors and head to the library. It’s time to build the Arlington you want to live in – one game piece at a time.
Learn more about the Innovate Arlington process at ArlingtonListens.com or ArlingtonTX.gov/CompPlan. Want to schedule a group game session? Contact the Innovate Arlington team through their website.
