Mid City Times

Fort Worth has initiated its annual budget process earlier this year, with a focus on community input for the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund budget. The projected $1.049 billion budget represents a 3.5% increase from the previous year, driven by factors such as competitive salaries and higher insurance costs.

In a shift towards priority-based budgeting, FWLab Director Christianne Simmons explained that this method provides new perspectives for data-driven decision-making. The City Council's priorities for the FY25 budget include economic development, community investment, safety, infrastructure, and responsible growth.

City staff will be engaging with residents through open houses and online platforms to gather feedback on the budget. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their thoughts to help shape the upcoming budget. Additionally, residents can provide feedback and interact with the budget process through various channels, including the MyFW app and social media.

The incorporation of community input in the budget process aligns with Fort Worth's commitment to transparency and inclusivity in decision-making. By involving residents early on, the City aims to ensure that the budget reflects the needs and priorities of the community.