Fort Worth · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Worth public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Aledo/Parker County Litigation
The city settled its lawsuit with Willow Park, releasing some extraterritorial jurisdiction land and receiving $1 million total from Willow Park and Beall-Dean Ranch.
Historic Site Tax Exemption for Our Lady of Victory Academy
The former academy building on West Shaw Street completed qualifying rehabilitation work, making it eligible for a 15-year historic site tax exemption.
NEZ Boundaries and TIF Overlap Review
Mayor Pro Tem Flores asked staff to look at whether Neighborhood Enterprise Zone boundaries should be redrawn citywide — including whether areas that have already successfully developed should be excluded, and whether projects inside TIF districts should be able to get NEZ tax abatements. A Stockyards-area request prompted the review.
2026 Debt Plan Bond Sales and Credit Rating Upgrades
Fort Worth's recent bond sales and credit rating upgrades highlight strong fiscal health, though long-term debt and capital improvement funding remain key focus areas.
Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed City Budget
The council raised the tax rate to $0.70565, a 5.26% rate increase, 7-4. Supporters said services demanded it; opponents argued city hall should cut spending first. Most homeowners may still see lower bills due to appraisal cycles.
Monthly Financial Report (Month 9)
Staff shared that department spending cuts and a hiring freeze successfully closed a projected $10 million budget gap in the general fund. Sales tax revenues are also trending upward.
Municipal Court Code Revisions and Fee Adjustments
The city is updating Chapter 10 of the City Code to streamline court operations, introduce $5 civil security and technology fees, increase the vehicle boot fee from $50 to $75, and remove the $10 nonrefundable administrative appeal fee.
FY 2026 Budget Amendments for Facility Renovation and Equipment
The board approved moving funds to centralize officer safety equipment replacement and allocated $9.4 million from fund balance and savings for 200 Texas Street renovations.
HFC Revenue Benchmarking and Sustainability
Staff presented a benchmarking study comparing Fort Worth HFC's revenue with other Texas cities, highlighting opportunities to increase revenue through lot sales, charging loan interest, and development partnership fees.