City leaders in Fort Worth unveil a plan for $800 million in bond funding to enhance transportation, public safety, and amenities, engaging residents for input before the 2026 vote
Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth is gearing up for a major investment in its future, as city leaders begin shaping a proposed $800 million bond program set for a 2026 vote. On Tuesday, city councilmembers got an early look at the developing plan, which prioritizes traffic congestion relief, economic growth, and critical infrastructure upgrades—all without raising property taxes.
A City in Motion: The Push for Better Infrastructure
With Fort Worth’s population steadily increasing, the demand for safer roads, better parks, and upgraded public facilities has grown. The proposed bond program continues the city’s practice of four-year bond cycles, following the last voter-approved package in 2022.
City staff has already drafted an initial list of projects, but the funding requests from various departments far exceed the available budget. To balance priorities, officials are focusing on streets and mobility—which would receive nearly 60% of the bond funds—as well as parks, public safety, and other key areas.
Breaking Down the Investment
The proposed $800 million is set to be divided across several sectors:
- Streets and mobility ($477.6M, 59.6%): The lion’s share of the funding is earmarked for major road expansions, neighborhood street repairs, new traffic signals, safer sidewalks, and improved railroad crossings. The city also plans to support Vision Zero, a strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
- Parks and open space ($185.1M, 23.1%): Investments in community parks, aquatic facilities, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Water Gardens are part of the proposal. Notably, $30 million is allocated for rebuilding the Atatiana Carr-Jefferson at Hillside Community Center.
- Public safety ($62.7M, 8%): This portion includes funding for a new fire station, a 911 call center upgrade, and improvements to emergency response infrastructure.
- Animal care ($58.7M, 7.5%): A new 45,000-square-foot animal shelter would replace the aging Silcox facility, improving conditions for rescued animals.
- Library expansion ($13.7M, 1.8%): Upgrades are planned for the Southwest, East Berry, and Diamond Hill libraries, supporting literacy and education programs.
Beyond the primary funding categories, an additional $125 million in potential projects—which didn’t make the initial funding cut—will be put forward for public input.
Public Feedback: A Key Piece of the Puzzle
City leaders emphasize that this plan is still evolving. Public engagement meetings will begin this spring, allowing residents to weigh in on project priorities. Online tools will also be available for community input.
Later this year, city staff will finalize the project list based on resident feedback. By January 2026, the City Council will decide whether to place the bond proposal on the May ballot. Ahead of the election, public education meetings will be held in each council district to ensure voters fully understand the proposed improvements.
Fort Worth’s Future: A Long-Term Vision
City Manager Jay Chapa acknowledged that many residents have their own ideas for local improvements.
“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 said. “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.”
Fort Worth continues to experience rapid growth, and city officials believe this bond program is a crucial step in keeping up with transportation demands, economic expansion, and public service improvements.
With $800 million on the table, the next few months will be critical as city leaders and residents work together to determine the future of Fort Worth.
