The City Council met in a worksession on April 7, 2026, from 2:22 p.m. to 4:01 p.m. The meeting included employee recognitions, several informal reports, and presentations on an illegal gunfire campaign, solid waste long-range planning, and the long-term budget forecast. Council members made multiple requests for follow-up information and data.
Cardiac Arrest Survival (26-0046) – Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis reported that Fort Worth’s Utstein survival rate (witnessed arrest, shockable rhythm) has reached 40%, exceeding the national average of 31%. The department responds to about 1,100–1,200 cardiac arrests per year. Opportunities include increasing bystander CPR, improving AED access, and implementing the PulsePoint app. Council Member Hall requested a follow-up report on identified opportunities.
Cost of Adding a New Sister City (26-0047) – Valerie Washington and Kippen de Alba Chu outlined year‑1, year‑2, and ongoing expenses. The Sister Cities board has recommended two candidate cities. Council Member Hill asked about broadening participation beyond elected officials; efforts include scholarships (currently $30,000 awarded) and outreach to Fort Worth ISD. Council Member Nettles suggested involving Mr. Thompson for school engagement.
FY 2026 Mid‑Year Litter Control Update (26-0048) – Cody Whittenburg provided an update. Council Member Hill commended the team’s work on East Lancaster. Mayor Parker noted positive visitor comments about the city’s cleanliness.
Proposed Natural Area Management Policy (26-0049) – Allison Docker explained the policy will create a unified strategy for managing natural lands, emphasizing ecosystem benefits. A resolution is expected later this month.
Sale of Renewable Energy Credits (26-0050) – Marilyn Marvin was available for questions; no discussion ensued.
Small Business Development Program Update (26-0051) – Jessica Rogers reported 85–90 businesses have completed expedited certification through the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency. Chambers of Commerce (Fort Worth, Hispanic, Metropolitan Black) highlighted collaborative progress. A 30% small business contracting policy was adopted in fall 2025; data on policy effectiveness will be presented in June 2026. Council Member Nettles requested more detailed data on outcomes.
Small Contractor Development Program Update (26-0052) – No questions were asked.
Good afternoon. I'm going to call our city council work session to order. Welcome. It is 22, and I will turn it over to Jay Chapa. Good afternoon, everyone. Too bad that we're inside. It's beautiful outside. Has been the last couple of days. We have no upcoming and recent events to announce. Uh, but do have some organizational updates and employee recognition. And to start, I'd like to call up the Honorable Kelly Hancock, acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to make a presentation. Yes, thank you very much. Uh appreciate the opportunity to be here. Beautiful building, by the way. Welcome. We're glad you're here. Yeah, great to see each one of you. Uh as you may or may not know, the state of Texas has the STARS program, which is for um in regards to transparency. We promote transparency in school districts and city in order to develop trust with citizens. We think trust starts with transparency when it comes to government. And uh City of Fort Worth is to be commended for that. You have four stars already that we've recognized you for. Uh, you've I just found out you your staff has submitted the six star, which is the final one uh on economic development, so that's not here today. Uh this one's on contracts and procurement. And so uh I did want to come because it allowed me to sleep in my own bed at night because I am from Fort Worth, which is always a good reason to come back home and doing that, and just recognize the the great work uh that you've done on providing that transparency and your team, your finance team's done, providing that transparency in all areas of government. And I do believe as citizens look as they get involved in government, they want access with it. And technology allows us to have access to this information. And Fort Worth is really one of the leading cities. As you know, Mayor, there are 12 large cities in the state of Texas. Look, not all of them are pursuing this the way y'all have. And I think that's commendable for Tarrant County, for the City of Fort Worth, and all the citizens to recognize that their elected officials are willing to prioritize getting information out to the public in all aspects of what they do. Um the school districts involved in that as well, and uh continue to work with them. But we just wanted to stop by, commend you for your efforts, and uh let the citizenry know that uh this city council, the mayor, finance team. This information is available, and there's nothing being hidden here, and it's being transparent and it's being honest with them when it comes to pensions and everything else, the financial positions that City of Fort Worth is in. So I thank you for leading on this. Uh, we do want to bring recognition to it because our office leads in that area uh effort as well, and we want to encourage it all across the state. Um, and so thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Kelly. We appreciate you. I think the recognition really does go to our staff. Um, Reggie and your team, if you'd like to accept the award from Comptroller Hancock. Um importantly, those for you don't know. Kelly has served almost 20 years in the Texas legislature, and I think you're gonna find yourself a little more free time with your beautiful wife Robin. Congrats to her, I think. Um but jokes aside, we've always appreciated your leadership here in Tarrant County in Fort Worth, and we we thank you for recognizing the city staff because while we've talked about the need for this transparency star process, they've done the hard work and heavy lifting. We're really thankful to them. Council, if you'd like to say anything, please go ahead. I think we're gonna take a group picture also. Councilmember Beck, did you have something?