The Amarillo City Council is preparing for a full agenda this week as officials gather Tuesday afternoon to discuss several significant proposals that could shape the city’s future for years to come.
Among the top issues on the docket are a proposed water-supply agreement with Fermi America, plans for a major renovation of the historic Herring Hotel, a new long-term lease for Wonderland Amusement Park, and a possible lease of the Amarillo Zoo to the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
The council’s regular meeting begins at 3 p.m. Tuesday inside the Council Chamber at City Hall. Residents who wish to address the council during public comment may sign up online, by calling the City Secretary’s Office at 806-378-3014, or in person at least 15 minutes before the meeting starts.
Water Supply Agreement with Fermi America
Perhaps the most closely watched agenda item is a proposed water-supply agreement between the City of Amarillo and Fermi America, a company planning to build a massive advanced-energy and artificial-intelligence development east of town near Pantex.
Under the proposed contract, Amarillo would provide Fermi with up to 2.5 million gallons of water per day. The agreement would establish a “maximum not-to-exceed” rate and require the company to pay for any new infrastructure needed to deliver that supply.
Fermi America has partnered with the Texas Tech University System to create what the company calls “the largest advanced energy, private grid, and intelligence development in the world.” The sprawling 5,800-acre project aims to generate and manage up to 11 gigawatts of energy using solar, wind, natural gas, and nuclear power sources. The development’s data-center operations are expected to consume large amounts of electricity and water.
City officials say Amarillo’s current water resources are sufficient to support the agreement without compromising residential or agricultural supply. The city also notes that Fermi would pay roughly double the standard municipal rate for water and would be responsible for all infrastructure costs associated with connecting to the city’s system.
Revenue from the deal would flow directly into Amarillo’s Water and Sewer Fund, helping pay for system maintenance and capital improvements.
Still, the proposal has generated mixed reactions among residents.
Some citizens have raised concerns about environmental impact, particularly given the Texas Panhandle’s dependence on limited groundwater resources. Others question whether the public has received enough information about the negotiations between the city and the company. Critics have urged more transparency about the long-term costs, conservation implications, and how such large industrial usage might affect water rates in the future.
Mayor Cole Stanley has emphasized that the city will not jeopardize its own supply or financial stability. “The goal is to make sure Amarillo benefits first,” he said earlier this month, adding that the project represents a major private investment in the region’s economic future.
The council is expected to discuss and possibly vote on the second reading of the agreement Tuesday.
Historic Herring Hotel Renovation
Another major item up for consideration involves a public-private partnership to restore one of Amarillo’s oldest downtown landmarks — the Herring Hotel.
Built in 1926, the 14-story hotel once served as a crown jewel of the Panhandle’s hospitality industry, hosting oil barons, cattlemen, and civic leaders during Amarillo’s early boom years. The building has stood vacant for nearly five decades but still dominates the skyline at 301 Polk Street.
Developers with Herring Hotel Partners, LLC have proposed transforming the structure into a luxury, four-and-a-half-star boutique hotel at an estimated cost of $100 million. Plans call for 226 guest rooms, two restaurants, a pool deck, and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the downtown area.
Architect John Campo, of Campo Architecture in New Orleans, said the design would balance historic preservation with modern amenities. The project also aims to restore the hotel’s original Tascosa Room, a grand ballroom once known as one of the city’s premier social gathering spaces.
To help make the project viable, developers are seeking a Chapter 380 economic development agreement, which would allow the city to offer performance-based incentives, such as tax rebates tied to the hotel’s operation and local investment.
City staff and developers presented an initial proposal at the council’s previous meeting. Tuesday’s discussion could lead to formal action or additional negotiations regarding the terms.
If approved, the project could begin construction within months and reopen within two years — potentially becoming a cornerstone of downtown revitalization.
“The Herring Hotel is an architectural and cultural treasure,” Campo told council members earlier this month. “Restoring it isn’t just about one building; it’s about reaffirming the identity of downtown Amarillo.”
While there is strong enthusiasm for the proposal, some residents have asked whether public incentives are appropriate for a private luxury development. City officials have responded that the incentives would be performance-based — meaning the hotel must open and operate before any rebates take effect.
Wonderland Amusement Park Lease Renewal
The future of Wonderland Amusement Park, a summer staple for generations of Panhandle families, will also be discussed Tuesday.
Located within Thompson Park, Wonderland has operated under a city lease for decades. Officials will consider a new 15-year lease agreement with current management, which includes options for future expansion and modernization.
The park’s operators have expressed plans to reinvest in new rides, updated safety systems, and facility improvements, ensuring the park remains competitive with similar regional attractions.
The council’s decision will determine how the public-private partnership continues and what obligations the park will have to maintain its facilities on city-owned land.
A new lease could also affect ticket prices, event programming, and the city’s share of park revenue.
Supporters say renewing the lease secures a beloved local institution that draws thousands of visitors each season, contributing to the local economy and tourism industry.
Opponents want to ensure that public land in Thompson Park continues to serve the broader community and that the city negotiates fair terms protecting taxpayers.
Possible Lease of the Amarillo Zoo
Another significant discussion item concerns a possible lease of the Amarillo Zoo to the nonprofit Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC).
The idea surfaced publicly in July, when Mayor Stanley confirmed the city was exploring a partnership to improve zoo operations. He stressed at the time that the city is not considering selling or closing the zoo, but rather seeking a way to enhance animal care and visitor experience through collaboration.
The Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, based in Amarillo, rescues and rehabilitates native wildlife and offers educational outreach programs. The group has expressed interest in expanding its mission by partnering with the city to manage the zoo’s facilities and animals.
If approved, the lease could shift day-to-day operations, animal care, and programming responsibilities to the nonprofit, while the city retains ownership of the property.
City officials say any agreement would include safeguards ensuring animal welfare, financial accountability, and continued public access.
Supporters of the idea argue that WWWRC’s expertise in wildlife care and community engagement could breathe new life into the zoo. Critics, however, worry about accountability and whether a nonprofit could maintain the facility’s standards without city oversight or funding.
The council will review details of a possible memorandum of understanding and may direct staff to draft a formal lease proposal.
Other Agenda Items
In addition to the headline discussions, the council will address several other items, including:
A $20 million special appropriation from the Texas Water Development Board to support planning and design for a new wastewater treatment facility.
Creation of a Noble Park Municipal Utility District, proposed near Hillside Drive and Helium Road, which would help manage utilities for future residential or commercial development.
Acceptance of state emergency-management funds from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to support the city’s Emergency Operations Center in Potter County.
Pilot Program for Expanded Transportation Options
Also scheduled for discussion is a pilot program aimed at expanding regional transportation access for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents referred by medical or social service agencies.
The initiative would test new routes and services to help residents travel to medical appointments, social services, and essential destinations — addressing a long-standing community need.
If successful, the pilot could pave the way for expanded transit options across the Amarillo metropolitan area.
How to Participate
The City encourages residents to participate in Tuesday’s meeting — either in person or online.
When: Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Where: Council Chamber, City Hall, 601 S. Johnson Street
How to comment: Sign up online through the city’s portal, call 806-378-3014, or register in person before 2:45 p.m.
The meeting will be open to the public and is typically streamed live or posted afterward on the city’s website.
Why This Meeting Matters
Tuesday’s council meeting carries significant weight for Amarillo’s future. Each of the major agenda items touches on core aspects of civic development — from infrastructure and economic growth to recreation and public resources.
The Fermi America water agreement could define Amarillo’s role in a new wave of energy-technology development while testing the city’s commitment to resource conservation. The Herring Hotel renovation could anchor a broader downtown revival effort and restore one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. Meanwhile, the Wonderland and Zoo discussions will determine how two of the city’s most visible public amenities evolve in coming years.
At the same time, the council’s decisions will offer a glimpse into how Amarillo manages growth, private partnership, and public accountability.
For citizens, Tuesday’s meeting offers a clear message: the city’s future is being shaped now — and public input can still make a difference.
In summary:
The Amarillo City Council meets Tuesday at 3 p.m. in City Hall.
Major topics include:
Fermi America water-supply agreement
$100 million Herring Hotel renovation plan
15-year Wonderland Amusement Park lease renewal
Possible zoo lease with Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
$20 million wastewater facility appropriation
Regional transportation pilot for seniors and disabled residents
Each decision carries long-term implications — for Amarillo’s economy, environment, and identity.
