City councilmembers on Tuesday got an early look at a proposed 2026 bond program that prioritizes improved streets and mobility.
City staff is considering a $800 million bond program, but requests for funding from departments far exceed that amount.
Fort Worth is on a four-year cycle for bond programs, with the most recent being approved by voters in 2022. Fort Worth continues its practice of developing the 2026 bond program with no property tax increase.
An early and evolving list of proposed projects for the 2026 bond program has been created by City staff to gain City Council input.
The list shows the bulk of bond funds going toward streets and mobility infrastructure improvements (59.6% of the $800 million total), followed by parks and open space improvements (23.1%). Other proposals include public safety improvements, primarily for the Fire Department and 911, (8%); animal shelter facility improvements, (7.5%); and public library improvements, (1.8%).
In addition to the initial list of proposed projects that City staff has offered based on available funding constraints, there is an additional menu of options that were just below the funding line that will be put forward for public comment. That list of projects totals $125 million.
Councilmembers agreed that transportation and mobility projects are the greatest need for the growing city. Those projects currently make up 59.6% of the total bond program, but City Manager Jay Chapa encouraged staff to return in two weeks with an amended project list that would boost the total to 65%. That figure is more in line with recent bond packages approved by Fort Worth voters.
Chapa told councilmembers that the size of the bond could grow or shrink based on several factors, including estimated property values from appraisal districts and several bills working their way through the Texas Legislature that could reduce certain revenue sources.
Certified property values are due from area appraisal districts in July.
What happens next?
Community engagement meetings will be held across the city starting this spring. Residents can also participate in online surveys and virtual town halls.
This fall, City staff will finalize the project list based on public input. Final adjustments will be made to project costs, and the City Council will approve the list.
In January 2026, City Council will vote on calling the bond election. Public education meetings will be conducted in every council district ahead of the May 2026 bond election. Before the City makes decisions on future investments, we want to hear from residents to better understand how the City can ensure your voice is heard and your priorities are reflected. More specifically, we want to learn in what ways, and how frequently, you prefer to be involved throughout the bond planning process.
Residents’ input will help shape the City’s public outreach efforts between now and the May 2026 bond election to ensure the public engagement process reaches the maximum number of residents possible.
Digital engagement tools:
Provide feedback on bond proposals via email. This address is a central point for feedback and to ask any questions about the bond process. Even though more ways to give feedback are forthcoming, residents are welcome to begin reaching out to this resource now.
ThoughtExchange is a digital tool that residents can use to share their thoughts, rate thoughts shared by others and view thoughts important to the group.
Residents’ input will help shape the City’s public outreach efforts between now and the May 2026 bond election to ensure the public engagement process reaches the maximum number of residents possible.
Digital engagement tools:
- ThoughtExchange is a digital tool that residents can use to share their thoughts, rate thoughts shared by others and view thoughts important to the group.
- Provide feedback on bond proposals via email. This address is a central point for feedback and to ask any questions about the bond process. Even though more ways to give feedback are forthcoming, residents are welcome to begin reaching out to this resource now.