Fort Worth City Council Work Session - October 27, 2026

The Fort Worth City Council held a work session on October 27, 2026, to receive briefings and discuss a wide range of topics, including organizational updates, public safety initiatives, infrastructure coordination, and economic development proposals.

Organizational Updates & Recognitions

• United Way Campaign: Assistant City Manager Diana Giordano announced the annual Spectacular fundraising event on October 29th at City Hall for United Way of Tarrant County.
• Area Arena: Jay Choppa announced the renaming of Dickie's Arena to Area Arena, highlighting the city's partnership with Area.
• Neighbor of the Year: Julie Orbah introduced AJ Jackson as the Neighbor of the Year. A video documented his work forming the Riverwalk Residences Neighborhood Association. Councilman Martinez praised his efforts.
• Floodplain Administrator of the Year: Jessica McGagrin recognized Lisa Biggs for being named the 2026 Texas Floodplain Administrator of the Year by the Texas Flood Plain Association. Biggs was praised for leading initiatives that improved the city's Community Rating System score from Class 8 to Class 7.
• America Recycles Day Proclamation: The Mayor proclaimed November 15th as America Recycles Day, marking the 29th anniversary. The city celebrated the first anniversary of the Waste Management Recovery Facility on October 28th.
• Parks & Rec Six-Pack Challenge: Teresa Thomason announced the Parks and Recreation Department won the DFW Directors Association Six-Pack Challenge trophy, breaking Grapevine's seven-year streak.

Police Department Updates

• Command Staff Appointments: Chief Eddie Garcia outlined appointments including Executive Assistant Chief Dave Carbal and several new Assistant and Deputy Chiefs. He discussed his strategy for developing a diverse pool of younger officers through promotional testing and special operations assignments.
• Patrol Corporal Positions: Chief Garcia introduced a new initiative creating 30 patrol corporal positions, allowing officers to advance while remaining in patrol. Promotions will be based on civil service tests.
• Bargaining Agent Overview: Councilmember Neville expressed concern that the voices of the Black POA and NLEO are not being fully heard. Chief Garcia stated that while multiple bargaining units are inefficient, he maintains open communication. City Attorney Leanne clarified that the POA is the sole bargaining unit under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, established by voter petition, and changing this would require a new election.

Health, Safety & Code Compliance

• Cardiac Emergency Response Teams: Dr. Jeff Jarvis and Fire Chief James Horton presented the Pulse Point app and a new Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) recognition program for businesses. Pulse Point had already generated a save. Councilmember Flores asked about multilingual options. Councilmember Hall praised the initiative.
• Squatters and Vacant Buildings: Brian Doherty from Code Compliance outlined the civil eviction process coordinated with the constable's office. He noted the Building Standards Commission is seeing an increase in related cases.

Infrastructure, Transportation & Public Works

• Trinity Metro Street Funding: Kelly Porter presented on historical contributions from Trinity Metro. Councilmembers Hill, Larsworth, and Flores stressed the need for Trinity Metro to resume contributions for street maintenance, particularly on heavily used bus routes like the Stockyards and Campbell Boulevard.
• TPW and Water Coordination: Councilman Beck highlighted the repaving and immediate digging up of West 7th Street. Water Director Chris announced a process change to check with Transportation and Public Works (TPW) before hiring a consultant to avoid such overlaps. Both departments stressed existing coordination.
• Residential Speed Limit Reduction: Chelsea St. Louis presented options for reducing limits to 25 mph. State law requires engineering studies. Councilmember Larsworth pushed for a blanket reduction without per-street studies. Staff noted enforcement and legal challenges but are working on more efficient studies.
• Street Lane Closures by Utilities: Councilman Jameson criticized third-party utility contractors for failing to notify residents. TPW acknowledged resource constraints and detailed a forthcoming Right-of-Way Management Ordinance to mandate stronger notification requirements.

Legal, Finance & Administration

• Attorney's Fees: Leanne from the City Attorney's office reported that specialized legal services cost the city approximately $4.1 million over six years, a figure she described as low for the city's size.
• Open Space & Parks Acquisitions: Allison Docker reported on acquisitions since 2020 and $25M from the 2026 Bond for open space.
• SBA Small Business Size Standards: Ori Fernandez presented on proposed federal rule changes expanding the small business definition. Council voiced support for keeping current SBA definitions. Staff will prepare local definitions mirroring current federal standards if the rules change.

Formal Presentations

• Comprehensive Plan Update: Jay Rankins from MIG presented the policy framework (five vision elements), place types (Live, Play, Work), and mapping progress. Community priorities included walkability, transit, and green space. Adoption is targeted for April 2027.
• Economic Development Agreement (Beacon Modular): Brianna Brown presented an incentive for Beacon Modular. The company is investing $30M and creating 600 jobs at an average wage of $91,000 in District 10. The city is offering a $500,000 grant over five years (max $100k/year). The vote is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
• Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Update: Casey Thomas provided an update on program closeouts. Wedgewood East was announced as the 2027 NIP area, scoring 85 out of 100. The neighborhood spans Districts 6 and 9.

Key Outcomes & Next Steps

• Decisions & Selections: Wedgewood East selected for the 2027 NIP. AJ Jackson and Lisa Biggs were recognized. Proclamation for America Recycles Day.
• Future Votes: Beacon Modular EDA scheduled for council vote on November 10, 2026.
• Directives: Legal staff directed to explore representation for BPOA/NLEO. Staff directed to prepare local SBA definitions, pursue efficient speed limit studies, and improve notification regarding street closures.
• Future IRs Requested: Community center inventory, early voting locations, shopping center redevelopment incentives, flock cameras update, and e-bikes.