Fort Worth City Council Work Session Summary - August 4, 2026

This work session covered a wide range of topics including the introduction of a new assistant director, several informal reports, presentations on the World Cup wrap-up, a Department of Justice crime reduction grant, an updated fiscal year 2027 revenue forecast, and an update on data center regulation. Council members asked questions and requested additional information on several items. No formal votes were taken during the work session.

Discussion Items

• New Assistant Director Introduction: Dr. Sana Saed introduced Todd Rice as the new assistant director over SHOP (communications, graphic design, community engagement). Todd Rice expressed gratitude and commitment to serving residents.
• Senate Bills 15, 840, and 2477 Development Update: DJ Harrell provided an update on state laws affecting mixed-use residential development. A question was raised about pedestrian-scale streetlights; staff explained that removing the requirement was to avoid additional restrictions that might conflict with state law intent.
• HUD Annual Action Plan: Casey Thomas discussed the 2026-2027 plan. Councilmember Beck asked about a $1.5 million major project under HOME funds (to be competitively awarded) and potential overlap with CCPD funding. Staff clarified that performance and goals drove funding decisions.
• Mary's Creek Water Reclamation Facility: No questions.
• Officer Involved Accidents Related to Vehicle Pursuits: Assistant Chief Chris Daniels presented data: 409 pursuits, 36% ended in accidents, 6 uninvolved motorists, 48 non-fatal injuries, 7 officers injured. Council requested additional information on costs, lawsuits, drone usage, and the impact of real-time crime center. Councilmember Flores asked about damage to assets. The chief noted that policy is consistent with other large cities and training has been enhanced.
• Proposed Changes to Chapter 10 Courts: William Rumley outlined changes including removal of a $10 parking appeal fee, addition of technology/security fees, an increase in the boot/tow fee from $50 to $75, and a new process for judge selection reporting directly to city council.
• Council Initiated Zoning Changes – North Side TexRail Station: Eric Flodder reported on two open house meetings. Feedback was mostly positive; modifications were made for a welding company to use MU2 zoning instead of UR. The rezoning aims to create a walkable neighborhood near the station and address concerns about older industrial zoning.
• Small Business Program Report: Brandy Hazel reported a 43% award rate to small businesses, with a 30% utilization goal for goods/services and public works. Steve Montgomery (Fort Worth Chamber) and Michelle Green Ford (Black Chamber) praised collaboration and progress. Councilmember Hall requested demographic tracking and a strategy for the convention center and 2026 bond program. Councilmember Martinez asked for certification numbers per chamber. Councilmember Flores asked about prior numbers under DEI; staff noted no direct comparison.
• Substitute Judge Appointments: No questions.
• Summer Food Service Program Update: Dave Lewis explained that the previous sponsor was denied by TDA, leading to a one-week gap funded by the city. A new TDA-recommended sponsor was secured. Councilmember Hill questioned the procurement process. Councilmember Merryman asked about meals at RISE and other centers; staff will follow up.
• Selection of Consultant for Economic Development Strategic Plan: No questions.
• Workers' Compensation Peer Review Guidelines: No questions.
• World Cup Wrap-Up and Recognition: Sonny Saxton, Drew from Visit Fort Worth, and Deanna presented highlights: over 3 million visitors to Stockyards/Sundance, 55,000 rodeo tickets sold, 85 film/media requests (17 times normal), 9% above usual summer visitors, hotel average daily rate up 20-22%. City staff provided 50,000 hours of support. A challenge coin was distributed to staff. Councilmember Beck praised the city's welcoming effort.
• Department of Justice Crime Reduction Grant: Chief Garcia presented the Model Cities Initiative grant ($300 million, 2-4 sites nationwide). The city will apply with Tarrant County Sheriff and DA. The grant aligns with existing crime plan, NetForce, and real-time crime center. Councilmember Nettles asked about the sheriff's role; the chief assured the city will maintain its integrity. Councilmember Martinez asked about fund breakdown per entity. The grant is due September 1st.
• Updated FY 2027 Projected General Fund Revenues: Brady Kirk presented. Certified values showed 9% erosion (worst in 10 years), leading to a projected shortfall of $77 million at a flat tax rate (up from $49 million in June). The no-new revenue rate is higher than the current rate due to declining values. Every 1 cent tax rate increase adds ~$11.4 million. TAD Chief Appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt explained the reappraisal plan, protest growth, and equity spiral. Councilmember Beck requested comparative data from other counties. The city manager noted the proposed budget will be balanced and presented next week.
• Data Center Regulation Update: Jess McEkran reviewed the timeline: staff proposed regulations in June, public survey (1,500 responses), open house, zoning commission voted to deny (to allow council to act), but then council majority wanted a moratorium. Governor Abbott issued a directive to PUCT and ERCOT to audit all data center grid connections. Staff is evaluating next steps.

Key Outcomes

• Council requested additional information on vehicle pursuits (costs, drones, lawsuits) to be brought back as a full presentation.
• Council requested demographic tracking for the Small Business Program and a strategy for upcoming bond projects.
• Council will receive the proposed FY 2027 budget presentation on August 11th, with a follow-up work session on August 21st.
• The data center regulation process is paused pending evaluation of the governor's directive.
• No formal actions or votes were taken.