The Arlington City Council has approved a more than $1 billion investment tied to ATT Stadium, extending the Dallas Cowboys’ lease and funding major improvements, but not without pushback from some residents. The plan passed in a 7-2 vote Tuesday, with critics arguing the public should have had a direct say in the decision. “I feel the majority of decisions were deceived. When we voted, that was for the Cowboys — that was not to give the council hands in our pocketbooks,” said Arlington resident Warren Norred. Norred and others voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of voter input on how taxpayer dollars will be used. “We want a council that doesn’t just rep us but to understand we want ownership … because this is our city and you rep us,” Norred said. Under the agreement, the Cowboys will contribute at least $750 million toward stadium renovations, while the city of Arlington will pay up to $273 million over 20 years, starting in 2028. The upgrades include enhanced security inside the stadium and surrounding areas, as well as improvements to traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Renovations are expected to be completed by 2043. Because the city owns ATT Stadium, the approval also extends the Cowboys’ lease from 2040 to 2055. The deal relies on the continuation of an existing half-cent sales tax that Arlington voters previously approved in 2004 and again in 2016 to fund ATT Stadium and Globe Life Field. Supporters say the investment is critical to maintaining Arlington’s position as a major destination for sports and entertainment. “We wouldn’t be here were it not for the … we would not be here without the Rangers,” said Costa Dimas with Loews Hotels. Local businesses also point to the economic impact of game days. “On any given game day, we would do a minimum of what we would normally do on a Sunday,” said Randy Ford of J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross acknowledged the concerns raised by opponents but said the extension aligns with what voters approved more than two decades ago. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less