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Friends and Neighbors,
I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and upcoming opportunities in District 11 that highlight our collective commitment to well-being and engagement.
On August 2nd, we hosted our first Community Wellness Fair! It was great to have so many community organizations come together to provide residents with free valuable health services and resources right here in District 11. From health screenings and haircuts to bracelet making and Jazzercise, there was truly something for every attendee. This event was a testament to our shared goal of fostering a stronger, healthier Fort Worth, and I look forward to hosting similar events in the future.
Speaking of community involvement, I want to shine a spotlight on the upcoming District 11 Student Advisory Council. I am searching for bright, dedicated young leaders who want to play a crucial role in shaping the future of our district by providing invaluable feedback and input on District 11 initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about this advisory council, please fill out this form. I look forward to building this council together and learning from our emerging leaders.
Finally, in our ongoing efforts to make city services more accessible, I would like to remind you that the MyFW app is available in Spanish. The official city app is a great tool for reporting issues such as missed trash pick-up, code violations, potholes, and parking violations. This is a huge step forward in ensuring that our diverse community can easily connect with the City of Fort Worth, regardless of language preference.
I hope you will take advantage of the app and share the Student Advisory Council information with your friends and family. With your participation and engagement, we can all work together to enhance District 11!
With humility and gratitude,
Jeanette Martinez
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COMMUNITY WELLNESS FAIR
Last Saturday, our Community Wellness Fair brought together 39 organizations from across the city to provide free health screenings, resources, and activities for more than 200 attendees at District 11’s very own Amon Carter-Riverside High School.
Guests received a variety of health services, including A1c, lipid, and blood pressure tests. More than 70 students completed athletic physicals to ensure they're ready for the upcoming sports season.
Attendees also had the chance to engage with the Fort Worth Police Department's Community Engagement Unit, who grilled over 300 hot dogs and hamburgers. Meanwhile, over 170 attendees joined the Texas Rangers and former pitcher Yovani Gallardo to decorate wiffle ball bats and practice their swing.
The success of the Community Wellness Fair reflects our shared commitment to building a healthier, more connected Fort Worth. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our event sponsors, partnering organizations, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event such a meaningful and memorable experience.
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MOSAIC MURAL WORKSHOPS
Community members came together on August 1st and 2nd to begin crafting a new public art piece for the Ciquio Vasquez Park. Titled “Echoes,” the tile mural will honor Ciquio Vasquez and serve as a vibrant reflection of the neighborhood’s history, culture, and shared values.
Led by artist J. Muzacz, the workshops brought together residents of all ages and backgrounds to handcraft ceramic tiles that will be featured in the final mosaic.
“Echoes,” a Fort Worth Public Art project managed by Arts Fort Worth, visually weaves together the colors and textures of a Mexican sarape blanket and African kente cloth, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of the community.
“What a great way to bring community together and have some sense of ownership,” one participant shared. Another said, “I can’t wait to bring my mom to the park when it’s complete and say I had a hand in this.”
There’s still time to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a permanent public art monument. The next mosaic-making workshops will be held at the Worth Heights Community Center on August 8th and 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As the mosaic’s program manager put it, “People can’t wait to come back next week!”
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MEADOWBROOK AREA STREETS PROJECT
You are invited to attend the next Transportation and Public Works Department community meeting to discuss planned improvements through the Meadowbrook Area. The proposed project provides for the design of water, sewer, and paving improvements on 18 neighborhood streets in Districts 8 and 11.
I encourage you to attend this meeting to learn more about the upcoming construction and how it may affect you.
See a full list of selected streets for the project.
Meeting Details:
When: Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual via www.webex.com Select "Join"
Meeting number: 2550 779 6154
Meeting passcode: Streets
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A TASTE OF THE SOUTH ARRIVES ON RACE STREET
The Race Street corridor has gotten a little more flavorful with the highly anticipated opening of Johnny's Chicken & Waffles.
The new restaurant, located at 2707 Race St., brings Southern comfort food to the Riverside community, offering a menu filled with classic chicken and waffle combinations, loaded mac and cheese, and more. With its celebrity ties (co-founded by reality TV star Crystal Smith, singer Ne-Yo, and Karlie Redd of Love & Hip Hop fame), Johnny's has already become a destination for food lovers from across the city.
This new establishment is more than just a place to grab a great meal; it's another sign of the exciting growth and revitalization happening on Race Street. For years, the City of Fort Worth and community stakeholders have been working to transform this area into a pedestrian-friendly urban village, investing in streetscape improvements, public art, and infrastructure. These efforts are designed to create a unique and walkable destination that attracts both residents and visitors. The new businesses choosing to begin their ventures here are a testament to this growing success.
The arrival of a brand like Johnny's Chicken & Waffles is a sign of confidence in the future of Race Street. As a community, we should support all of our local businesses, both new and old. By dining at restaurants like Johnny's, grabbing a coffee at Race Street Coffee, or shopping at the unique boutiques in the area, we're not just enjoying great products and services—we're investing in the character and economic vitality of our neighborhood. Each purchase helps these businesses thrive, creates jobs, and contributes to the ongoing evolution of a truly special part of Fort Worth. So, the next time you’re free, be sure to visit Race Street and support local!
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FORT WORTH SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
On August 5th, the Fort Worth City Council approved a new Small Business Development Program to boost business opportunities and ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. This action protects $277 million in active federal grants that support infrastructure projects, social programs for nearly 40,000 residents, and the jobs of 120 City employees.
The new program aims to increase small business participation in City contracts with a 5% bid preference for contracts up to $100,000 and a 30% utilization goal for contracts over $100,000. It also includes an economic incentive goal for small businesses in development projects. The City will partner with the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Worth Chamber to provide services like workshops, matchmaking, and technical assistance.
This change follows recent legal rulings that prohibit the use of race, color, national origin, and sex as criteria for participation in government programs, in order to preserve eligibility for federal funding. As a result, the City is suspending its Business Equity Ordinance and MWBE requirements. The City's Civil Rights Office will continue to carry out its enforcement responsibilities. The new program's procurement ordinance will go into effect starting September 1st.
Learn more about the program here.
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2026 BOND PROGRAM
Do you have ideas for improving District 11? We want to hear from you!
We’re excited to announce that the City of Fort Worth has launched two new digital tools to gather community input for the 2026 Bond Program. Now is your chance to explore proposed projects and share your input:
• Balancing Act: This interactive budgeting simulation allows users to allocate proposed bond funding across various project categories. It provides real-time feedback on your choices and prioritization of projects. [English] [Spanish]
• Story Map: An engaging, map-based platform that visually narrates potential bond projects across districts. Residents can explore proposed project information and utilize the Balancing Act feature within the Story Map. [English] [Spanish]
Both tools are now live and will be available through October 2025. They feature a wide range of proposed projects, and we encourage residents to explore and give personalized feedback.
Hybrid community engagement meetings will be held across all council districts in October and November 2025. We’ll notify District 11 residents as soon as our meeting is scheduled. In the meantime, take a few minutes to utilize these digital tools and help shape the future of Fort Worth! We can’t wait to hear your ideas!
To learn more about the 2026 Bond Program, please visit the Bond Program website. Residents can ask questions and submit feedback to 2026BondProgram@fortworthtexas.gov.
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 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
CODE BLUE OFFICERS MR. AND MRS. HARRY DIAZ
Sue Anderson and Harry Diaz are proud volunteers with the Fort Worth Code Blue Citizens on Patrol (COPS) program, making a powerful impact across District 11.
Sue first joined Code Blue in the early 2000s as part of Class 11. After stepping away to support her family, she returned in June 2024 and has already logged an impressive 325 volunteer hours in just the first half of 2025. For Sue, the most rewarding part is connecting with neighbors and helping residents access the resources they need. “Being involved in the communities of Fort Worth is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” she says. “It’s helping future generations have an even better place to live.”
Harry Diaz also joined Code Blue in June 2024 and has since contributed over 230 volunteer hours. Whether helping to paint a local church, assisting a resident in securing her home near Lancaster, or serving burgers at the Code Blue Golf Tournament, Harry is always ready to lend a helping hand. Harry believes that Code Blue members are “the eyes and ears of the FWPD” and that their presence helps prevent crime and improve neighborhoods.
Both Sue and Harry praise the strong leadership of Captain Brent Halford, Commander Randy Molina, Code Blue Volunteer Coordinator Freddie Burns, and Northwest Coordinator Sandra Jones-Hunley, whose support keeps the program running smoothly.
Looking ahead, Harry encourages the community to attend the First Responder & Veterans Appreciation Car Show on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Bob Bolen Safety Complex. When they’re not volunteering, Sue enjoys engaging with fellow Code Blue members and residents, while Harry spends his free time working with wood and tending to his home and yard.
We're grateful for their service and commitment to keeping Fort Worth safe and selflessly representing District 11! Thank you, Sue and Harry!
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POLICE CHIEF FINALIST PUBLIC FORUM
There are three finalists for the important role of Fort Worth Police Chief. The first round of interviews with City leadership took place on June 25th. Of the 51 applicants, nine (9) advanced to the semi-finalist round with four (4) selected to move forward as finalists. Finalist Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides has since rescinded her application after receiving a promotion at their current job.
The updated finalists include:
Chief Robert Alldredge Jr.
Chief Eddie Garcia
Chief Vernon Hale
Read each candidate’s bio
The City of Fort Worth will hold a meet- and-greet community forum on Thursday, August 14th at 5:30 p.m. hosted at City Hall (100 Fort Worth Trail). The event will also be streamed live online and on Fort Worth Television (FWTV). Community members are welcome to submit their questions for the candidates online by Friday, August 8th.
SOUTHEAST CONNECTOR UPDATES
The Southeast Connector is a Design-Build (DB) project in Fort Worth, consisting of approximately 16 miles of non-tolled improvements to I-20 from Forest Hill Drive to Little Road, to I-820 from I-20 to Brentwood Stair Road, and to US 287 from Bishop Street to Sublett Road. The Texas Clear Lanes Initiative has identified the project as a strategic plan to address congestion, safety, and mobility in the area. The project includes the design, construction, and maintenance of roadways, which includes the following:
I-20 from Forest Hill Dr. to Park Springs Blvd.: One additional general-purpose lane (GPL) and 4-lane collector distributor roads in each direction. Reconstruction and realignment of existing GPLs, frontage roads, I-20/ US 287 interchange, and ramps. This includes the Deferred Work Component (DWC) #3: I-20 from Little Rd. to Park Springs Blvd.
I-820 from I-20 to Brentwood Stairs Rd.: Construction of two additional GPL in each direction, and construction of one additional frontage road lane in each direction. Reconstruction and realignment of existing GPLs, frontage roads, I-20 / I-820 interchange, and ramps. This includes the Deferred Work Component (DWC) #1: I-820 from Ramey Ave. to Brentwood Stairs Rd.
US 287 from Bishop St. to Sublett Rd.: Construction of one GPL in each direction. Reconstruction and realignment of existing GPLs, frontage roads, I-820/ US 287 interchange, and ramps. This includes the Deferred Work Component (DWC) #2: US-287 from Village Creek Rd. to Bishop St.
Stay up to date with current construction:
• Toll Free Hotline Phone Number: 844-820-2870
• Project Website: www.southeastconnector.com
• Email: ContactUs@southeastconnector.com
• Facebook: @SEConnector
• Sign up for SMS Alerts. Text ‘SEC’ to 817-518-7555
FORT WORTH MUSEUMS OFFER REDUCED ADMISSION THROUGH 'MUSEUM FOR ALL' PROGRAM
Museums for All is a national access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly. Open to all types of museums, including historic and nature centers, the program enables those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) to gain free or reduced admission to participating institutions.
Fort Worth is proud to be home to six Museums for All partners, making it easier for low-income families and individuals to experience the museum capital of the Southwest. By presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, visitors can receive admission ranging from $5 to free at the following locations:
Fort Worth Aviation Museum
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Kimbell Art Museum
Log Cabin Village
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Take advantage of this great program and get a family museum visit in before Summer ends!
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SENIOR FRAUD ALERT
Medicare scams are on the rise and are a persistent threat, costing individuals and healthcare systems billions annually. These deceptive practices can range from bogus health products and unproven treatments to elaborate billing schemes and identity theft. Staying vigilant and informed is your best defense against falling victim.
How to Recognize a Medicare Scam
- Unexpected calls from someone claiming to work for Medicare.
- Offers of a new Medicare card.
- Fees for new or upgraded cards.
- Requests for personal information.
- Callers that don’t clearly identify themselves.
- Threats of coverage cancellation.
- Strange bills or charges.
What to do if you’ve been targeted
Report the call to Medicare at 800-633-4227 and to the Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) helpline at 877-808-2468.
Report scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
HIGH IMPACT PILOT PROGRAM: ONE-YEAR UPDATE
In May 2024, The City of Fort Worth launched its High ImpACT Pilot Program, a 17-month pilot, which strives to reduce unsheltered homelessness by engaging and providing resources to individuals with severe mental illness and/or long-term homelessness who are living unsheltered in one of seven designated areas:
• Camp Bowie West/Las Vegas Trail (Council District 3)
• Seminary/La Gran Plaza/Hemphill (Council District 11)
• Downtown (Council District 9)
• Near Southside (Council District 9)
• Historic Southside/Near Eastside (Council District 8)
• Beach Street intersections, from East Lancaster Avenue to North Tarrant Parkway (Council District 2, 4, 8,11)
• Northside/Stockyards (Council District 2)
The High ImpACT Pilot Program partners with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMR) and is supported by Acclaim Health and Partnership Home to provide high-level, mobile psychiatric services with housing assistance through the efforts of an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Here are a few highlights from the program's 1-year update:
• 98 clients identified across the seven target areas.
• 17-month goal: 40 clients provided housing services through High ImpACT master leases; The 12-month status exceeded that at 41.
• 17-month goal: 40 clients provided housing services via the Homeless Housing Services Program (HHSP); The 12-month status reported 32.
City staff is continuing their efforts to make this program a success. On August 12th, the City Council is scheduled to vote on the continuation of the program with approximately $2 million in annual funding.
FORT WORTH MOBILE TOOL SHED: A FREE TOOL LOAN PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTS
Keeping your property in great shape is easy and affordable for Fort Worth residents, thanks to the city's Fort Worth Mobile Tool Shed program. Through this initiative, residents of the Fairhaven, Seminary, and Worth Heights neighborhoods can borrow essential yard tools, making property upkeep easily accessible and affordable.
Since its launch in March, the City of Fort Worth’s Mobile Tool Shed program has been a valuable resource for residents, providing everything from lawn mowers and edgers to leaf blowers and rakes. The pilot program is continually expanding, with new additions like a pressure washer and a 96-gallon yard cart now available for loan.
How does it work?
The Fort Worth Mobile Tool Shed is a specially equipped trailer that brings tools directly to select areas. Eligible residents can register for the program online or call the City of Fort Worth at (817) 392-1234 to schedule a loan period and a convenient delivery time. This makes it easy and accessible for residents to borrow the equipment they need completely free of charge for yard work or home improvement projects.
If you live in one of the pilot neighborhoods, be sure to take advantage of this great resource!
Sign up for your tools here.
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Here are proposed zoning changes that will be coming before City Council in District 11 neighborhoods. To seize the opportunity for your voice to be heard, I encourage you to sign up for zoning notifications and attend upcoming Zoning Commission or the designated City Council Meetings. Sign up here. You can learn more about the Zoning process here.
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HANDLEY
Council Aug. 12th
RIVERSIDE
Zoning Aug. 13th
JMSL
Zoning Aug. 13th
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W. MEADOWBROOK
Council Aug. 12th
POLY HEIGHTS SOUTH
Zoning Aug. 13th
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HANDLEY
Council Aug. 12th
HANDLEY
Zoning Aug. 13th
LEARN MORE
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My Fort Worth (MyFW) is the official app for residents and visitors to quickly and easily report issues to the City.
LINK: MyFW
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CITY CALL CENTER
Fort Worth has added 311 to the list of ways to contact the City Call Center.
Residents are now able to call either 311 or the 10-digit number 817-392-1234 to reach City services. 311, a free non emergency line, can only be dialed from a wireless device and must be called from within Fort Worth city limits.
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988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can call or text 988 or chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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