FY2027 Budget Public Meeting - August 12, 2026 | City of Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth held a public meeting on August 12, 2026, to discuss the proposed FY2027 budget. The city manager and budget staff presented a $3.32 billion operating budget with a 4.6% growth in the general fund, highlighting a significant $75 million budget shortfall primarily due to lower property tax valuations and changes in appraisal district practices. To address the shortfall, the city proposed a 3.2 cent increase in the property tax rate, the first since 1995, aimed mainly at sustaining public safety services including police, fire, and emergency management. The budget also includes reductions in economic development incentives, phased neighborhood improvement funding, and elimination of the Fire Department's HOPE program. Capital improvements total over $1 billion, with a focus on water infrastructure and transportation. Fee increases were proposed for development services, aviation, stormwater, and environmental programs. The meeting featured extensive public discussion on the tax rate increase, economic development incentives, and the balance between public safety funding and other community services. The budget is scheduled for adoption by the city council on September 15, 2026.