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November 2025
Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.
Sustainability is about the intersection of environmental, social, and economic well-being for our community. The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is a great example of what that means, supporting local businesses who provide healthy, locally grown food for our community. What you may not realize is they also have a program to provide this healthy food in an extra-affordable way by doubling the value of SNAP benefits. The Market has long-standing Food Access Programs, which have connected thousands of needy Central Texans with nutritious, locally grown food since 2011.
Unfortunately, because of the federal government shutdown, the distribution of SNAP benefits is in limbo which is impacting almost 32,000 residents in McLennan County. But you can MAKE A DONATION that will purchase grocery essentials from Farmers Market vendors – like fresh produce, meat, bread, cheese, eggs, jam, and coffee – and be donated to families in need.
See you at the Market,
Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov
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Texas Arbor Day Celebration, November 7
 You're invited to the annual Texas Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, November 7 at Brazos Park East! Join us for a day dedicated to our urban forest. The event includes a park cleanup, a tree canopy workshop, and a special tree planting celebration. As a bonus, registered Waco residents with proof of residency will receive a free tree to take home. Remember, while this is a one-day event, growing a tree is a lifetime commitment.
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Scrap Tire Collection Day, November 22
 City of Waco Solid Waste Services is hosting Scrap Tire Dropoff Day: Saturday, November 22 from 7 a.m. to noon at 501 Schroeder Drive. Old tires are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests. By properly disposing of your scrap tires, you're protecting your family and neighbors from potential health hazards. All collected tires will be recycled, diverting them from the landfill. This extends the life of the landfill and reduces our environmental impact. To participate, you must be a resident in Waco city limits with a City of Waco utility account. Bring your bill and your photo ID.
Scrap Tire Requirements:
- Up to 10 tires per household
- Up to 20-inch sized tires
- No tires with rims or wheels
- No tires from businesses
- No OTR, skid steer, or earth movers
Bulky Waste Pickups Available Year Round
 Did you know? If the City of Waco picks up your trash and recycling, we can also pick up your bulky waste at no additional cost. Up to once a month, you can bring out your mattresses, couches, or other large items to your curb, and we'll carry it out for you.
- Submit a request on the Curbside Services app, at waco-texas.com/solidwaste or call (254) 299-2489.
- Place your 6x6x6-feet bulky waste pile at the curb and make sure it's clear from any objects like your mailbox or vehicles.
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Waco MPO Launches SMART Grant Project
 The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization proudly launched its SMART grant initiative, bringing together leadership from the City of Waco, TX, the Texas Department of Transportation, and our technology partners at Technolution/TNL. We were thrilled to welcome Ingrid Frijlink, Tom de Groot, and Paul Hoekstra from the Netherlands and California to collaborate on the deployment of TNL’s AI-enabled Flow Cube sensors and Mobi Maestro traffic management suite. These tools will help us better understand and improve traffic flow, safety, and mobility across four key use cases in downtown Waco.
Project Highlights:
- Deployment of AI-enabled Flow Cube sensors
- Integration of Mobi Maestro traffic management software
- Focused on 4 key use cases in and around downtown Waco
Goals: Improve traffic flow, safety, and mobility
Neighborhood Grant Application Deadline, November 10
 The City of Waco offers the Neighborhood Grant Program to Waco neighborhood associations to support beautification, identity, and community-based projects. The grant awards up to $2,800 for public projects, such as neighborhood events, community gardens, neighborhood identity signs, and much more!
The 2026 Neighborhood Grant application deadline is
Monday, November 10, 2025.
For more information, please go to: waco-texas.com/neighborhoodgrant or contact the Office of Neighborhood Engagement at (254) 750-5774 or neighborhoods@wacotx.gov.
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Waco Downtown Farmers Market
SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 200 E. Bridge St.
Fall in Texas is finally here! It's time to dig out your cozy sweaters, your furry boots, and your best beanie and head down to the Waco Downtown Farmers Market for a crisp Saturday morning--Waco Style! Check out the Saturday morning lineup through November:
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NOVEMBER 8: Music: Alaina & The Limited Edition. Wellness: Yoga8. Master Gardeners. Waco Pet Circle.
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NOVEMBER 15: Music: Stan Wilfong Duo. Wellness: Orangetheory. Baylor Present Your PhD.
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NOVEMBER 22: WDFM 14th ANNIVERSARY! Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt. Music: The Waco Ukulele Orchestra Wellness: Sound Bath with Rachel Ruth Tate. Taste the Market Cooking Demo. Sloan's Craft Beverage Pop Up. KWBU. Special Strong Kids' Obstacle Course.
Healthy Families Expo
NOVEMBER 8, 12pm-3pm, 1600 Providence Drive
Waco Family Medicine is partnering with Texas AHEC East - Waco Region to host our annual Healthy Families Expo! Come explore helpful resources, enjoy activities for the whole family, and take part in free health screenings that put your well-being first. From energizing exercise sessions to hands-on cooking demonstrations, it’s an afternoon of learning, connection, and inspiration for healthier living.
Discovery Activity: Fall Leaf Lanterns
NOVEMBER 12-15, During open hours at Urban REAP, 1509 N 15th St.
The Discovery Activity for November is Fall Leaf Lanterns! Using fall leaves, jars, and tea light candles, we are creating these beautiful fall decorations. We will have the leaves and mod podge, you bring the jars and the creativity! (**We will have a few extra jars for those who don't have - first come first serve!) Our Discovery Activities are free and family-friendly DIY activities available the second week of every month. Supplies are available during our open hours, with staff available to answer questions as needed. Grab a beverage or paleta from one of our neighborhood shops and explore nature with us!
Community Workshop: Preserving Your Harvest
NOVEMBER 15, 11am-noon at Urban REAP, 1509 N. 15th Street
Attend this workshop to learn from garden guru April Strickland about how to keep reaping your harvest long after fall! April will go over tips and tricks for harvest, seed saving, drying, and preservation. If you have seeds to share, bring them for our Swap! Please REGISTER HERE for this event.
Waco MPO Bike and Pedestrian Work Group Meeting
NOVEMBER 19, 10-11am, McLennan Community College in the Starr Plaza
Join the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) for this workgroup meeting that focuses on improving walking and biking conditions throughout the Waco region. Members include MPO staff, local government representatives from public works, planning, public health, and parks departments, as well as bicycle and pedestrian enthusiasts and advocacy organizations. Discussions cover infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and other key topics related to active transportation.
Lunch with the Masters: Making Topiary Flower Gardens in Five-Gallon Buckets
NOVEMBER 19, Noon-2pm, MCC's Emergency Services Education Center,
7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Room 105
Terry Swearingen, started creating floral topiaries using 5-gallon plastic buckets 15 years ago and will show us how he creates them. Terry is an A.A.S. Horticulture Horticulturist, Irrigation Specialist, Pest Management Specialist. He has worked at Walt Disney World as a Gardener and has 3½ years as an Estate Gardener. He has over 35 years of professional experience. His passion is creating landscapes focused on flower gardens. He is also now working on a self-watering, 5-gallon watering system. You won’t want to miss this informative and inspiring presentation. Be sure and bring your lunch or snack to this free session. Everyone is welcome!
Wild Lights at Cameron Park Zoo
NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 30, Thursday-Sunday, 6pm-9pm, Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N Fourth Street
Experience the magic of the holidays at Cameron Park Zoo’s Wild Lights! From November 28 through December 30, the Zoo will sparkle with millions of dazzling Christmas lights, festive photo ops, and a chance to meet Santa himself. Wild Lights is open Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6:00–9:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE: Styrofoam Recycling Collection
JANUARY 17, 9am-1pm, Parking lot at corner of Valley Mills & Waco Dr
Waco Friends of the Climate will hold free Drive-Thru Styrofoam Recycling, Sat., Jan. 17, 9am-1pm, in the parking lot at the corner of Valley Mills & Waco Drives, in front of Ocean Buffet. All forms of Styrofoam are accepted except peanuts. Please bring small particles in a bag. For questions: anorthc@aol.com
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Have Something to Share?
Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by DECEMBER 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.
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