According to an update in a July 10 staff report, the city of Denton has exceeded its goal to add 260 new affordable rental units that serve renters that earn 50% or less than the Dallas area’s area median income, or AMI. Since 2021, 425 new affordable rental units have been built, exceeding the 2021 goal of 260 new units, the report states. 

The overview: The 2021 Affordable Housing Toolkit set a goal to build 260 rental units for renters earning less than 50% of the Dallas Area’s AMI by 2030. The staff report states that the city has added 425 units as of July 2026.

The report states that federal programs like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and tax exemption agreements through the Denton Housing Authority were the primary drivers behind the new rental unit construction.

Denton City Council member Jordan Villarreal announced his resignation July 30 in a statement to city staff and council.

What’s happening: Villarreal’s resignation will take effect Sept. 1, 2026. According to the statement, Villarreal is resigning from his position for health reasons. 

“At this time, I must step away from my duties to focus on my personal health. After careful consideration, I believe it is in the best interest of both my well-being and the continued effective representation of my constituents that I transition out of this role in an orderly manner,” the announcement states. 

Some background: Villarreal was elected as the representative for District 1 in the May election earlier this year. Prior to being elected to council, Villarreal served on the city’s planning and zoning commission from 2021-2025, according to his website. 

The Second Annual North Texas Bookstore Crawl runs throughout August and features 33 independently owned bookstores.

This year’s event runs Aug. 1-31 and includes bookstores from Grapevine, Plano, McKinney, Denton and Fort Worth.

The overview: The North Texas Bookstore Crawl was inspired by similar events that take place in Austin and Houston, and is meant to encourage readers to check out local independent bookstores throughout North Texas, per the news release. 

Throughout August, individuals can pick up a passport from participating bookstores or download one online and collect stamps across North Texas. 

Quote of note: "We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for last year's inaugural Crawl," said Katy Lemieux, co-owner of Talking Animals Books, in a news release. "We chose August because it is relatively slow for sales at the end of summer, and we all saw huge increases in revenue during August 2025. Independent bookstores aren't competitors, we're truly collaborators.”

American Express will expand its Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The $35 million project, according to a state filing, will expand and renovate the lounge into a neighboring space near Gate D12 at Terminal D at DFW Airport.

The details: The expansion will make the lounge nearly 50% larger, adding more seating, a new dining area, a walk-up ice cream window and a second full-service bar, according to a news release.

The expected opening will be in 2027, according to a news release. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings show an estimated completion date for the 18,000-square-foot project of Nov. 19, 2027.

“American Express has long been at the forefront of the airport lounge experience, and we continue to build on that legacy and raise the bar as we grow our network,” said Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel president.

The background: The American Express Centurion Lounge at DFW Airport opened on Sept. 27, 2018.

• 2333 S. International Parkway, Terminal D, Gate 12, DFW Airport