Fort Worth Capital Improvement Bonds & Public Hearings

Utilities and Infrastructure Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

Fort Worth, Texas voters decide on capital improvement bond projects that fund streets, drainage, parks, public buildings, and utilities. This guide explains how projects are proposed, the city-level public hearing process, where to find official notices and forms, and practical steps for participating in Fort Worth municipal bond decisions. It references the City of Fort Worth capital program, City Secretary election guidance, and the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances for authoritative procedures and filings. Read the timelines and actions below so you can register, attend hearings, submit comments, and vote informed on bond propositions.

Capital improvement bond projects

The City of Fort Worth develops a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that lists planned bond-funded projects, schedules, and project descriptions. The CIP and related project pages show proposed uses and funding plans; final bond propositions are adopted by City Council and placed on the ballot for voter approval. For official program descriptions and project lists, consult the city Financial Services CIP page Capital Improvement Program[1].

Public project lists are updated each fiscal cycle; check the official CIP page before hearings.

Public hearings & voter procedures

Public hearings for bond propositions are scheduled by the City Council and noticed according to city rules and state election law. Notices, agendas, and hearing procedures are posted by the City Secretary and published before meetings; check the City Secretary elections and meetings pages for official notices and deadlines City Secretary - Elections[2]. Typical steps for voter participation are outlined below in the How-To section.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement related to municipal bond election procedures, public-notice requirements, or misuse of bond funds involves multiple offices; the City Attorney enforces city law and the City Secretary administers election procedure and notice. Specific monetary penalties and criminal sanctions for election or bond-related violations are governed by state law and by provisions of the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances or City Charter where applicable.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited city pages; see cited code/charter for any statutory figures.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, injunctions, civil court actions, and oversight by the City Attorney (specific remedies not specified on the cited page).
  • Enforcers and contacts: City Attorney and City Secretary handle legal and procedural matters; official contact links are in Resources below.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits for contesting election procedure or bond adoption are governed by statutory and charter provisions; specific time limits are not specified on the cited city pages.
If a specific fine or deadline is needed, the city or charter page must be consulted because amounts are not published on the general CIP or election guidance pages.

Applications & Forms

Forms and filings related to municipal elections, candidate filings, and published notices are managed through the City Secretary's office; specific form names or numbers for bond propositions are not listed on the general CIP page and must be downloaded or requested from the City Secretary or the official elections/forms area City Secretary - Elections[2]. For ordinance language or charter provisions that control bond issuance, consult the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances and Charter Fort Worth Code of Ordinances[3].

When in doubt about form names or deadlines, contact the City Secretary directly before the published filing deadline.

FAQ

Who decides which projects go on a bond proposition?
City staff propose projects in the Capital Improvement Program; City Council approves the final propositions placed on the ballot.
Where are public hearing notices published?
Notices and agendas are posted by the City Secretary on the city website and in official meeting publications; check the City Secretary pages for current notices.
Can I speak at a bond public hearing?
Yes; public comment procedures are set by City Council and described on meeting agendas and notices—contact the City Secretary to confirm rules and sign-up procedures.
How do I file a complaint about a bond project or ballot process?
Submit complaints to the City Secretary or City Attorney as appropriate; contact pages and complaint forms are listed in Resources below.

How-To

  1. Find proposed bond projects on the City of Fort Worth Capital Improvement Program page and note project descriptions and schedules.
  2. Watch the City Secretary meeting notices and City Council agendas for scheduled public hearings and comment deadlines.
  3. Register to speak or submit written comments per the instructions on the meeting agenda or the City Secretary page.
  4. Contact the City Secretary or the department listed for the project if you need forms, clarification, or accommodations.
  5. Vote at the election where the bond proposition appears, or use early voting or mail ballot options listed by the elections authority.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth publishes a Capital Improvement Program that informs bond propositions and project lists.
  • Public hearings and notices are posted by the City Secretary—check official notices early to participate.
  • Forms and precise procedural deadlines are available from the City Secretary; contact the office for form names and submission rules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Worth - Capital Improvement Program
  2. [2] City of Fort Worth - City Secretary Elections & Meetings
  3. [3] Fort Worth Code of Ordinances (Municode)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data