Mid City Times

The City of Fort Worth is actively preparing for significant population growth in the region, with projections indicating an additional 4 million residents by 2050. This surge will position Fort Worth as the anchor of a megacity exceeding 12 million inhabitants, potentially making it the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

In light of this anticipated growth, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross recently participated in a panel discussion alongside Trinity Metro CEO Richard Andreski and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Transportation Director Michael Morris. The panel addressed the burgeoning population and emphasized the necessity for enhanced regional transit systems, including a proposed high-speed rail connection to Houston.

On August 12, City of Fort Worth officials convened with representatives from Trinity Metro, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), and NCTCOG to deliberate on transit improvement initiatives along East Lancaster Avenue (State Highway 180), spanning from Pine Street to South Handley Drive. The field visit aimed to explore potential enhancements as part of the Eastside Transportation Plan. This plan includes developing a form-based zoning code designed to encourage transit-oriented development and create walkable destinations.

Representatives from Fort Worth's Economic Development and Development Services departments also participated in discussions on optimizing the form-based code. Kelly Porter from the City's Transportation & Public Works Department is leading this study, while NCTCOG oversees overall improvements along East Lancaster Avenue, which is under TXDOT jurisdiction.

These efforts are part of broader citywide initiatives such as Moving a Million – Master Transportation Plan and Reimagine Fort Worth 2050 Comprehensive Plan.