Christianne Simmons, chief transformation officer for the Fort Worth Lab, said the staff is looking to finalize the proposed list of Fort Worth projects to put on the bond. City staff then will get information ready to present to residents for feedback and input.
What happened
Simmons informed council in June that the bond would likely be $800 million, but in the work session said the certified values given to the city July 25 from Tarrant Appraisal District exceeded projects and the bond capacity increased. She said that would allow the city to ask for up to $840 million.
“From April through July, we were telling you, ‘We're probably going to have to reduce the bond capacity,’ she said. “And instead, we're here saying, ‘Hey, we're going to increase the bond capacity while maintaining the [current] debt rate.’”
With an extra $40 million, she said the staff recommendation is to spend $20 million on bridges and $20 million on minor roadway reconstruction. Multiple council members asked if $5 million could be taken out of one of those projects and earmarked for housing.
“The good thing is many of us around this table have sat through many of these bond discussions with members of the public in every council district,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “Each of you can also help advise staff on how you want them set up.”
During the first presentation in March, she said departments had spent between 12 months and 18 months looking at needs and there was $2.42 billion requested from all city departments.
The details
The bond would be broken down into six categories if approved by council later this year. They are:
- Streets and mobility infrastructure improvements
- Parks and open space improvements
- Public library improvements
- Public safety improvements via the fire and police departments
- Animal care and shelter facility improvements
Of the projected $840 million bond, more than 65% will be earmarked for streets and mobility infrastructure improvements, Simmons said.
Notable road work projects in North Fort Worth include Heritage Trace Parkway, Bonds Ranch Road and East Bailey Boswell Road.
City documents show that District 4 would get $5.6 million in funding, while District 10 would receive $10.8 million.
Planned projects include:
- YMCA gym and aquatic expansion with matching partner funds, $5 million
- New service center, $5 million
- Alliance Park, $10 million
What to expect
During the presentation, Simmons said the city will create online engagement opportunities through October to allow residents to provide public comments. Each council district will then have engagement meetings in October.
Simmons said that in November and December, the city staff will finalize public input and provide a final adjustment to project costs to council to approve by the end of 2025.
She said council would call for the bond election in January 2026. Public meetings will be held throughout the spring prior to the May 2026 election.
