Fort Worth is bracing for a tighter budget in the upcoming fiscal year, with city staff already deep into the process of shaping the numbers for Fiscal Year 2026. With a focus on five strategic priorities—economic development, community investment, community safety, infrastructure, and responsible growth—the latest budget talks are revealing the city's evolving fiscal landscape in response to economic pressures.
According to a recent article from the City of Fort Worth, the FY25 General Fund budget totaled just over $1 billion. Looking ahead, city staff are aiming for a 3.81% increase for FY26, which would bring the target budget to $1,097,417,797—a $40.2 million hike intended to maintain existing services. However, to prevent financial strain, General Fund departments have been asked to reduce their target budgets by 1%, alongside proposals for steeper cuts if needed.
This year's budgeting will once again harness priority-based budgeting, a method piloted last year that aligns the City Council's goals with the financial planning of various departments. "Priority-based budgeting augments traditional budgeting with new vantage points to make data-driven decisions," Chief Transformation Officer Christianne Simmons was quoted as saying in the city news article. It's an approach that emphasizes fiscal responsibility, marrying the Council's long-term vision with the pragmatic realities of the ledger.
Looking forward, the city's budgetary timeline is set: Departmental proposals are due in May, with City staff slated to review these submissions through June and July. The City Manager is expected to present their recommended budget in August, and following two public hearings, the City Council will make its final decision with a vote in September, just in time for the new fiscal year starting on October 1.
