Fort Worth City Council Work Session - April 28, 2026

The Fort Worth City Council held a work session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:18 AM, chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Flores (Mayor Parker arrived at 9:34 AM). The session included informal reports, a presentation from Trinity Metro, proposed economic development agreements, and requests for future agenda items.

City Manager Report – Informal Reports

• Text 311 Service (Sana Syed): The city launched a new text-based service for non-emergency requests (e.g., street conditions, park maintenance). Residents can text 817-311, and a bot handles the conversation. Response times mirror the existing app. A confirmation number is provided. The service is now active.
• Solid Waste Collections (Jim Keezell): No questions were raised; the item was acknowledged.
• Illegal Street Racing, Reckless Driving, and Street Takeover Activity (Deputy Chief Sean Kenjura): Kenjura reported that street racing activity has declined from the 2020–2023 peaks, shifting to isolated parking lot incidents. Recent actions included seizure and arrest of an organizer. The department coordinates with other Metroplex agencies. Regarding ATVs and dirt bikes, enforcement is handled less aggressively when dealing with minors, with a focus on education and parental involvement. An educational campaign is planned with the school district. Council member Martinez requested sharing materials.
• Impact of SB 1008 and HB 2844 on Mobile Food Vending (Wyndie Turpen): The state (DSHS) is taking over mobile food vending regulation, but municipalities may contract to conduct inspections and permitting. Fort Worth had previously delegated authority to Tarrant County. The city is awaiting full regulations (expected May 1) to determine if it will seek a contract. Council members expressed concern about enforcement after hours and in residential areas. The city’s environmental services department remains the first point of contact for complaints.
• Proposed Fee for Missed or Skipped Building Inspections (Evan Roberts): The proposed fee is $200 per hour for staff review of forensic engineering reports required when inspections are missed. Council member Hill criticized the proposal as insufficiently deterrent, especially for professional contractors. He requested a separate system for third-party contractors. The fee is intended to fill a gap in the current ordinance. Council member Hill also asked about unfinished projects; Roberts noted the city lacks tools to compel completion unless the structure becomes unsafe. A follow-up report on the permitting process was requested.

Questions Regarding City Council M&C Log

• Council member Nettles requested an update on M&C 26-0304 (HUD contract for small business capacity building). Jessica Rodgers, Economic Development Director, explained the program will help small contractors with bonding, insurance, and bidding. Ongoing reporting on KPIs will be provided. Nettles asked for checks and balances to track program participants who win city bids.

Trinity Metro Updates on TexRail Extension and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

• Richard Andreski (President/CEO) and Anette Landeros (Chief Strategy Officer) presented. TexRail has seen 15–20% compounded annual ridership growth, with 1 in 3 Fort Worth residents using the system annually. The Medical District extension (Mistletoe Boulevard) is fully funded and will break ground in late 2026, with service starting in 2029. The station will be built on donated land from Baylor Scott & White. Properties within walking distance of TexRail stations saw property values and sales tax revenue grow at twice the citywide average. Trinity Metro is conducting a TOD study focused on its stations and two bus terminals.
• Council member Peoples asked about service in working-class neighborhoods (south, east, northside). Andreski cited recent route extensions, a future Lancaster Avenue rebuild, and a planned express bus from southeast Fort Worth to Alliance. New buses are being purchased annually.
• Council member Hill asked about financial sustainability and farebox recovery. Andreski noted that five underperforming bus routes have been eliminated. Fares are simplified; a long-term possibility is higher airport fares.
• Council member Beck asked about the line’s ultimate terminus. Landeros said the next phase aims to reach TCU, and discussions are underway with Tarleton State University, potentially creating a university line connecting UTA, Texas A&M, TCU, and Tarleton.
• Council member Flores requested a follow-up on the schedule change that affected late-night DFW airport workers; Andreski agreed to re-evaluate ridership patterns. Flores also asked about FIFA World Cup plans; Landeros described enhanced shuttles on non-game days connecting key destinations (stockyards, downtown, botanic garden, zoo).
• Mayor Parker requested that Trinity Metro and city staff collaborate with private transportation operators to increase senior transportation and reduce isolation.

Proposed Economic Development Agreement with Celestica

• Cherie Gordon (Economic Development Coordinator) presented. Celestica, an electronics manufacturer, proposes two sites at Alliance with a minimum capital investment of $876 million and 1,715 full-time jobs (average salary $75,000). The incentive is a 10-year, 80% tax abatement on real and business personal property, estimated at $41.7 million ($30.6 million NPV). The city’s participation is 3.5%, with a public-private ratio of 28.8:1. The project is cash-positive by year one. The abatement is subject to performance requirements, including a 30% local hiring goal and enhanced salary provisions. The company is competing with domestic and international locations. A representative from Celestica confirmed the urgency of the decision. The item will be considered at the May 12 council meeting.

Proposed Economic Development Agreement with Marand

• Marand U.S. Holdings (Australian aerospace/defense) proposes expanding from 15 to 150 employees at a new facility in southeast Fort Worth. Minimum capital investment: $31 million. Recommended 10-year, 50% tax abatement ($934,000 incentive, $685,570 NPV). The project is in active competition with other locations. The item will be considered at the May 12 council meeting.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; all items are recommendations for future council action.
• The council directed staff to provide follow-up reports on:
  • Permitting process and code changes for missed/skipped building inspections (Council member Hill).
  • Oversight of project managers selecting contractors for city projects (Council member Nettles).
  • Impact of SB 840 and SB 15 on zoning plans citywide (Council member Peoples).
  • Update on the Literacy Roundup and city literacy efforts (Mayor Parker).
• The city will continue to evaluate contracting with DSHS for mobile food vending inspections, pending full regulations.
• Trinity Metro will re-evaluate ridership patterns for the late-night DFW airport service and will collaborate on senior transportation initiatives.