Yesterday, Council members got a sneak peek at a hefty $800 million proposed bond program for 2026. According to the City of Fort Worth, plans include tackling city congestion, spurring economic development, and making strategic investments across multiple sectors without increasing property taxes.
The proposal outlines a significant portion of the 59.6% budget earmarked for streets and mobility infrastructure. Still, despite the large figure, funding requests from departments have exceeded the available $800 million bond, per the same source. This early list from city staff seeks council input and will inevitably evolve as numerous other projects remain just below the funding cutoff.
Park and open space improvements haven't been overlooked, claiming 23.1% of the bond funds. This encompasses upgrades to community parks, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and new installations at the Fort Worth Zoo. Fort Worth isn't skimping on aquatic facilities, highlighting two new locations, including an expanded YMCA. The City plans to engage the community with meetings and online platforms this spring to gather input on these proposed endeavors.
Other critical upgrades in the pipeline involve public safety, including the construction of a new fire station, renovation of a 911 Call Center, and animal shelter improvements with a proposed 45,000-square-foot facility. Each of these projects also allocates funds for public art, with the fire department and animal care each earmarked for $1.2 million of creative beautification, as the City of Fort Worth reported.
