Mid City Times

City councilmembers in Fort Worth reviewed a proposed bond program for 2026, focusing on congestion mitigation, economic development, and capital replacement. The proposal outlines an $800 million bond program, although departmental funding requests exceed this amount.

Fort Worth operates on a four-year cycle for bond programs, with the last approved by voters in 2022. The city plans to develop the 2026 bond without increasing property taxes.

City staff has created an initial list of projects for the bond program to receive input from the City Council. The majority of funds are allocated to streets and mobility infrastructure improvements (59.6%), followed by parks and open space improvements (23.1%). Other areas include public safety improvements (8%), animal shelter facility improvements (7.5%), and public library improvements (1.8%).

“In addition to this initial list of proposed projects that City staff has offered based on the available funding constraints, we know residents have interest in numerous other projects,” City Manager Jay Chapa stated. “So besides the current recommended list, there is an additional menu of options that were just below the funding line that will be put forward for public comment. That list of projects totals $125 million.”

The proposal includes $13.7 million for expansion projects at Southwest Library, East Berry Library, and Diamond Hill Library, along with $300,000 for public art.

Community engagement meetings will begin across the city this spring, with online tools available for residents to comment on proposed projects as discussions progress.

City staff will finalize the project list based on public input this fall. Final adjustments will be made to project costs before City Council approval.

In January 2026, City Council will decide whether to call a bond election. Public education meetings will occur in every council district ahead of the May 2026 bond election.