Fort Worth Bond Elections: Lessons from History
- Apr 8
- 9 min read
Fort Worth has a long history of using bond elections to fund major projects like roads, parks, and public safety facilities. These elections allow the city to borrow money, repaid through property taxes, to address infrastructure needs without raising tax rates. Since 2014, voters have consistently approved bond measures, reflecting trust in the city’s financial planning and public engagement process. The May 2026 bond package, valued at $845 million, includes funding for streets, parks, libraries, affordable housing, public safety, and animal shelters. Fort Worth’s careful planning, transparent communication, and focus on public input have been key to its success in balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. This approach continues to shape its ability to meet evolving community needs while maintaining financial stability.
Municipal vs Government vs Corporate Bonds Explained
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How Bond Elections Work in Fort Worth
Legal Requirements and Voter Qualification
Fort Worth's bond elections are governed by a detailed legal framework outlined in the City Charter (Chapter XXIV) and the Texas Government Code (Chapter 1251). These regulations specify how the city can borrow funds and the role of voter approval in the process.
To vote in a bond election, residents must meet specific criteria. They need to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and registered to vote at least 30 days before the election. Additionally, voters must present one of seven approved photo IDs, such as a Texas Driver License or U.S. Passport, when voting in person. If unable to provide an ID, they can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Texas law also mandates clear and specific language on the ballot for any proposition that increases city debt. Even if the city does not plan to raise tax rates, the ballot must include the statement "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE". For instance, the official language for Proposition E in May 2026 stated: "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE. The issuance of $63,919,300 of public securities for police, fire, and emergency communications facilities and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the public securities". To pass, bond propositions require a simple majority - more than 50% of the votes cast.
Developing Propositions and Securing Public Input
The process of creating bond propositions begins more than a year before election day. City departments first submit project proposals to a prioritization committee, which evaluates them using ten criteria, including factors like equity and return on investment. For the May 2026 bond election, proposals were collected starting in January 2024. This was followed by a 10–11 month public outreach period, running from October 2024 to August 2025, during which residents had the opportunity to influence the ballot's content. The City Council then reviewed and approved the final project list in December 2025, several months before the election.
This collaborative approach ensures that public input plays a central role in shaping the bond package, which then moves forward to the ballot design and election phase.
Ballot Design and Election Administration
Instead of presenting a single lump-sum proposal, projects are divided into specific propositions by category, allowing voters to approve or reject individual components. For example, the May 2, 2026, bond package, totaling $845 million, was split into six propositions:
Proposition A: $511.5 million for streets and mobility
Proposition B: $185 million for parks and recreation
Proposition C: $14.5 million for libraries
Proposition D: $10 million for affordable housing
Proposition E: $63.9 million for public safety facilities
Proposition F: $60 million for animal shelter improvements
The City Council must formally vote to place these measures on the ballot. On election day, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with early voting concluding shortly before the general election. This structured process ensures that Fort Worth's bond elections align with community priorities while maintaining financial accountability.
Major Bond Elections in Fort Worth History
Notable Elections
Every four years, Fort Worth holds bond elections to fund large-scale projects that go beyond its regular budget. One standout example was the May 2014 bond election - the first since 2008 - which underwent an extensive 20-month public consultation process. This $292 million bond package received overwhelming support, with 83.30% of voters approving the transportation and infrastructure proposition. During the same election, voters also reauthorized the Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD), a half-cent sales tax dedicated to funding police equipment, training, and community initiatives. This measure passed with 84.65% approval. Over 19 years, the CCPD had generated $716 million, contributing to a crime reduction of more than 40%. Former Mayor Betsy Price reflected on the success of the election, stating:
I think that the percentages are good, and I think it is an indication that we have vetted this election thoroughly and people are very pleased with it
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Fast forward to 2022, and another bond program - this one valued at $560 million - was up for a vote. It was divided into five propositions, with the largest share, $369.2 million, allocated to streets. This election marked a notable shift by formally introducing equity as a criterion for prioritizing projects. Recommendations from the Race and Culture Task Force helped direct improvements to minority-majority census blocks. Additionally, public input played a key role: after a 2021 survey revealed only 27% of residents were satisfied with roadway projects, the city added $45.5 million specifically for road improvements. These elections not only demonstrated strong public trust but also laid the foundation for critical infrastructure and economic advancements.
Effects on Infrastructure and Economic Development
The bond measures have had a major impact on Fort Worth’s infrastructure and its economic landscape. The 2014 bond, for instance, focused heavily on creating essential transportation networks. By 2022, the city doubled down on this area, dedicating $369.2 million to streets and transportation - the largest single category in the bond package. This funding supported "Vision Zero", a safety initiative aimed at addressing the city’s most dangerous roads, and leveraged an additional $71.7 million from Tarrant County’s transportation bond.
Beyond transportation, these bonds have enhanced quality-of-life projects. Funds were used to replace aging facilities like the Forest Park Pool, build new regional libraries, and preserve open spaces. In 2022 alone, $15 million was allocated to protect natural areas amid the city’s rapid urban expansion. Remarkably, all of this progress has been achieved without increasing the property tax rate. Fort Worth has maintained a steady debt service rate of 14.75 cents per $100 of valuation, replacing retired debt with new projects as property values rise. Roger Venables, Chair of the 2022 Bond Program Prioritization Committee, shed light on this strategy:
The goal is to keep the debt service constant. In fact, over the years, the overall tax rate has declined
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These examples highlight how voter participation and thoughtful financial planning have driven Fort Worth’s growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
What Past Bond Elections Teach Us
Community Involvement and Financial Transparency
Fort Worth’s history of bond elections shows that involving the community and being clear about finances are key to gaining voter support. Take 2014, for example: before proposing a $292 million bond package, the city spent 20 months consulting with residents. They hosted 17 district-specific meetings and citywide forums, giving people the chance to address concerns specific to their neighborhoods. The result? An overwhelming 83.30% approval for transportation and infrastructure projects.
Another big factor has been the city’s transparent messaging around finances. For nearly two decades, Fort Worth has assured voters that bond measures won’t lead to tax increases because they replace retiring debt. This approach has kept the debt service rate steady at about 14.75 cents per $100 of property valuation, with rising property values funding growth. Voters appreciate understanding how the system works. As Roger Venables, Chair of the 2022 Bond Program Prioritization Committee, put it:
The goal is to keep the debt service constant. In fact, over the years, the overall tax rate has declined.
Non-partisan framing also plays a role. According to TCU Political Science Professor Jim Riddlesperger, local initiatives that focus on community improvements tend to receive strong support. These strategies set a solid foundation for how bond propositions are structured.
How Proposition Design Affects Outcomes
The way bond propositions are designed makes a big difference in whether they pass. In Fort Worth, bond programs are divided into specific categories, letting voters back critical infrastructure projects while evaluating other proposals more carefully. This strategy works well: transportation propositions often see over 80% approval, while facility-related measures typically trail by about 10 percentage points.
Details matter. In 2022, only 27% of residents were satisfied with how the city handled roadway projects. In response, Fort Worth made streets the largest single proposition, allocating $369.2 million, including $5 million for the Vision Zero Program aimed at improving safety on the city’s 10 most dangerous roads. Compare this to Fort Worth ISD’s approach: when the district bundled a $1.2 billion school facilities bond into one package, it passed by just 57 votes, while three smaller propositions for athletics and fine arts were rejected. Voters clearly prefer well-defined, targeted spending over large, vague proposals. Careful proposition design not only boosts approval rates but also guides the city’s efforts to manage growth and control costs.
Managing Expansion While Controlling Costs
Fort Worth’s ability to balance rapid growth with fiscal discipline offers valuable lessons. Over time, the city has increased its bond sizes - from $150 million for transportation in 2008 to $560 million in 2022 - without raising the tax rate or jeopardizing its AA bond rating. Achieving this required prioritization. For example, in 2022, the Bond Program Prioritization Committee trimmed $1.3 billion in departmental requests down to a $500 million package, guided by 10 criteria, including a new equity metric to address service gaps in minority-majority census blocks.
The results speak for themselves. By May 2022, the city had completed 100 street projects from the 2014 bond and 59 from the 2018 bond. However, there have been delays with facility and park projects, often due to challenges in acquiring property. Assistant City Manager Dana Burghoff explained:
There are things that often relate to real property, for us to be to acquire property, acquire rights-of-way easements, whatever it may be that sometimes is out of our control and slows us down a little bit.
Fort Worth’s financial caution is rooted in lessons from the past. In the early 1900s, the city faced a $200,000 deficit after issuing debt based on inflated property values during a boom. Today, conservative valuations and transparent debt management ensure that Fort Worth avoids similar pitfalls, proving that careful planning is essential for sustainable growth.
Conclusion: Applying Historical Knowledge to Future Planning
Fort Worth's bond history offers a reliable framework for guiding future civic initiatives. With its consistent four-year cycle, steadfast financial principles - like the 14.75-cent debt service rate and AA bond rating - and strong public involvement, the city has laid the groundwork for infrastructure projects that stand the test of time.
Looking ahead to the May 2026 bond election, Fort Worth can rely on these time-tested strategies. Recent efforts underscore the importance of evaluating priorities carefully to avoid financial strain. As City Manager David Cooke pointed out:
If the city reduces its debt service tax rate, it could put itself in a perilous financial position when taking out future debt to pay for bond programs
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At the same time, the city must balance traditional infrastructure needs with newer challenges. While streets and transportation projects continue to receive broad voter support, Fort Worth is increasingly addressing social infrastructure issues, such as affordable housing. By working with developers and non-profits, the city has found that rehabilitating existing properties not only saves money but also preserves the character of neighborhoods. Additionally, mixed-income developments near transportation hubs and job centers help combat poverty and promote economic mobility. This shift in focus reflects Fort Worth's ability to adapt its planning to meet evolving community needs.
Transparency remains a cornerstone of this process. Through digital tools, public meetings, and diligent follow-up after elections, the city ensures that residents' voices are heard and trust is maintained. As Cooke emphasized:
There is plenty of time for public input
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Fort Worth's history shows that voters support projects that are carefully planned and financially responsible. By addressing challenges like income inequality while keeping growth sustainable, the city can combine lessons from the past with innovative solutions for the future. This approach sets the stage for continued civic progress and success.
FAQs
Will the 2026 bonds raise my property taxes?
The effect of the 2026 bonds on property taxes isn't clear right now. How bond programs influence taxes often depends on their structure. Some might lower tax rates, while others could lead to higher fees. At this point, there’s no specific information on how the 2026 bonds will impact property taxes.
How are bond projects chosen and prioritized?
In Fort Worth, choosing bond projects is a collaborative effort that combines community involvement, city evaluations, and detailed planning. These projects focus on essential areas like infrastructure, parks, and public facilities. The city council reviews proposals by weighing factors such as urgency, cost, and alignment with long-term objectives. Public input plays a key role, gathered through hearings and surveys, to ensure residents' voices are heard. Once finalized, the project lists are put to a vote during bond elections, aiming for results that reflect community priorities and fiscal responsibility.
What happens if only some propositions pass?
If only a portion of the propositions are approved, the ones that fail won't move forward or be implemented. This could result in partial approval of the bond measures, potentially restricting the scale and reach of the projects intended to be funded through the election.