Public participation in local government is essential to ensuring that elected officials are representing the will of the public. Factors like cost, timing and communication all impact how residents interact with their elected officials. The Fort Worth Report is making sure local government is working for you by holding officials to a higher standard of accountability and highlighting potential solutions.
City considers free parking for residents speaking at council meetings
The city of Fort Worth generates an annual revenue of around $140,000 from parking around City Hall — and tickets for those who don’t renew their meters. Next year,…
Redistricting is splitting their neighborhood in half. A neighborhood association may be a solution to staying unified.
Residents in the Polytechnic Heights community south of Rosedale are hoping to revitalize a neighborhood association after redistricting split their community in half.
Here’s what you need to know about property tax bills
The commissioners court is responsible for setting about 17% of residents’ tax rate. The rest is paid to other taxing entities like cities, school districts and special taxing districts…
How to participate in Fort Worth’s governing process
Ever wanted to have a hand in shaping the future of Fort Worth? One way to do just that is by participating in city government meetings. The Fort Worth…
Here’s how you can get access to public information
When you think of news stories, you probably think about reporters interviewing people. But documents and data are just as important to holding power accountable. Under Texas law, many…
Tarrant Appraisal District Board violated open meetings act by locking doors, attorney says
Tarrant County residents’ frustrations with property tax appraisals boiled to the surface June 30 when so many people showed up that officials locked the doors to a public meeting. …
Tarrant Appraisal District to launch investigation into whether director used official position to submit a complaint against an individual
For nearly five years, Chandler Crouch, a real estate broker and tax consultant, has helped property owners protest their appraisal with the Tarrant Appraisal District. Just this year, Crouch…
Fort Worth is finalizing its budget — here’s how residents can and can’t be heard
An old, mostly reflective metal playground greets visitors of Glenwood Park in the Historic Southside. Residents no longer find it useful, James Walker said, and he’s spent years trying…
Meetings by the meter: Parking costs curb participation in Fort Worth public meetings
Dan Haase spends about $6 a month on parking at Fort Worth’s City Hall. As representative for his Central Meadowbrook neighborhood, Haase tries to attend the meetings his neighbors…
Commissioners discuss changes to Tarrant County meeting participation rules
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court is reviewing rules of decorum for public participation at its meetings. The county started discussing meeting rules after the Texas Legislature passed three updates…
Residents will see changes to Fort Worth City Council agenda posting
Residents soon will have two new ways to access Fort Worth City Council agendas before public meetings. Two new electronic kiosks will be placed on either side of City…
Fort Worth open meetings violation reveals confusing public participation process
The Fort Worth City Council was forced to cancel two meetings and re-ratify its actions stretching from September 2021 to March 2022 after staff discovered the city failed to…
City of Fort Worth fails to properly post 2 redistricting public meetings
At a Feb. 22 meeting, District 8 council member Chris Nettles praised his colleagues for holding themselves to a high standard during the redistricting process. “If you look across…