Irving Mayor Rick Stover reflects on decades of service as he prepares to step down

Mayor Rick Stover used his final scheduled council meeting on May 7 to reflect on more than 30 years of public service and to outline accomplishments the city achieved during his tenure.

"It has been an incredible privilege to serve this city for over 30 years," Stover said in a prepared speech. He cited investments in parks and recreation, road projects and water, sewer and drainage upgrades, and he told the council the city has pursued economic development that lowers the tax burden on residents.

Stover said corporate residents generate an outsized share of the city's tax base, allowing Irving to keep tax rates lower and to expand services; he characterized the city’s assessed tax base as "about $46 billion" and said the city permits roughly $1 billion in new construction value annually (figures presented as his estimates). He also noted Irving welcomes nearly 4.5 million visitors annually, which he said generates roughly $4 billion in visitor spending and about $85 million in local tax revenue, figures he presented to illustrate the scale of the local tourism economy.

Council staff announced that Mayor‑elect Al Zaponta will be sworn in next Wednesday; several residents offered congratulations and personal remarks during public comment. The council then continued with its regular agenda.