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Friends and Neighbors,
From September 15th to October 15th, we formally celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a time to recognize the rich history, vibrant cultures, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous, Latino and Hispanic Americans in our community. From music and art to cuisine and literature, the impact is undeniable and something we are all proud to celebrate.
Many ask why we celebrate during this specific timeframe. The reason why is because September 15th is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile celebrating their independence days on September 16th and 18th, respectively.
In Fort Worth, the Hispanic community has an extensive and powerful history that contributed to the foundation of our city's identity. From the early days of the cattle drives, the Mexican vaqueros played a critical role in shaping the traditions of the American West. These skilled cowboys were essential to the cattle industry and a driving force behind the success of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
As the city grew, so did the Hispanic population, with many finding work in the Stockyards' meatpacking plants and on the railroads. This helped create several vibrant neighborhoods and fostered a strong sense of community that still exists today. Today, Hispanic-owned businesses are a cornerstone of our local economy, with organizations like the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce working to support entrepreneurs and ensure continued growth and success for generations to come.
On September 16th, from 5-6 PM, the City of Fort Worth in partnership with Visit Fort Worth will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun-filled event at City Hall! Residents are welcome to join us for special recognitions, traditional music and dishes, vendor tables, and performances by Ballet Folklorico dance groups. I encourage you to join us at this event so we can share our culture and traditions with you.
As always, I’m here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. I look forward to seeing you out in the community!
With humility and gratitude,
Jeanette Martinez
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting individuals, events, and organizations that serve our local Hispanic community. Check out these events and learn more about the incredible organizations that make events like these possible!
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MEXICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE EDUCATION FUND
Since 1969, the Mexican American College Education Fund (MACE) has supported and empowered Hispanic youth through educational investment and mentorship.
MACE was created by a group of Hispanic community leaders who recognized the need for mentors and role models to encourage Mexican American students to pursue a higher education. Initially focused on mentoring, the organization quickly realized that lack of financial assistance was a significant barrier to completing a college education.
In 1971, MACE awarded its first six scholarships, each for $100. Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, thanks largely in part to the generous support of FWISD employees through their annual employee giving contributions. Today, MACE awards approximately 90 scholarships annually, totaling over $50,000, helping to make a college education a reality for deserving students.
By providing scholarships, MACE not only helps with the financial cost of tuition but also invests in the future economic growth of our city and nation. As the Hispanic population continues to be one of the fastest-growing demographics, organizations like MACE are more important than ever. They help create a pipeline of educated leaders who will contribute to our community for generations to come.
Scholarship applications are typically available the first week of January. Be sure to check their website periodically. If you would like to support MACE, please consider donating to their scholarship fund.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the amazing impact of MACE and the students whose lives have been transformed by their dedication to education and community.
Learn more about MACE: MACE – Mexican American College Education Fund
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A VITAL LINK TO MEXICO: THE MEXICAN CONSULATE
The Mexican Consulate serves as a crucial resource for Mexican citizens residing or traveling in the United States of America by providing essential documents, protection, and guidance.
For Mexican citizens in Fort Worth, the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas and the Consulate of Mexico in Houston are the two closest locations for consular processing and assistance.
Consulate General of Mexico Consulate of Mexico
1210 River Bend Drive 4507 San Jacinto Street
Dallas, TX 75247 Houston, TX 77004
The consulate's role is to ensure the welfare of its nationals. It offers a wide range of services, including the issuance of Mexican passports, matrícula consulares (a Mexican ID card), and civil registry documents. The consulate also provides legal advice and consular protection, assisting with matters related to immigration and labor rights.
In addition to its official duties, the consulate promotes Mexican traditions through cultural events, community activities, and educational programs. These initiatives are vital in strengthening the sense of identity and belonging for the Mexican community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
On August 1, 2025, Luis Rodriguez Bucio took over as the Consul General in Dallas, replacing Francisco de la Torre, who served in the role for nine years. To celebrate Francisco, Councilmembers Flores and Martinez presented him with a Special Recognition thanking him for his service to the community and unwavering commitment to fostering strong ties between Mexico and the DFW Metroplex.
Consul General, Rodriguez Bucio is prioritizing connections to the community as he steps into this new role. He is eager to build relationships with local leaders and enhance customer service, ensuring that the consulate remains a reliable and accessible resource for Mexican nationals and their families.
Learn more about the Consulate General of Mexico: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/dallas/
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FAIRHAVEN BLOCK PARTY
On August 16th, District 11 staff joined the Fairhaven Block Party, hosted by Fort Worth Neighborhood Services, at Eugene McCray Community Center.
Over 100 attendees interacted with city department representatives and Neighborhood Services collected 65 surveys from residents. These surveys help city staff learn about the wants and needs of residents to help guide future efforts on how to improve the Fairhaven Neighborhood.
Fairhaven was selected to be part of the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP). The Neighborhood Improvement Program is an annual initiative by the City of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Services Department. It focuses on improving the quality of life and public safety in historically underserved communities.
The program invests in these neighborhoods by funding capital projects, improving maintenance, and empowering residents. These efforts have led to positive results, including lower crime rates, higher property values, and an increase in residential building permits. The program also boosts residents' sense of safety, cleanliness, and pride in their neighborhoods.
We look forward to seeing the results of the resident surveys and the improvements that will be added to enhance Fairhaven.
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MEADOWBROOK GOLF COURSE OPENS SOON!
Big News! The Meadowbrook Golf Course will officially reopen to the public on Friday, October 3rd.
Meadowbrook Golf Course has been a staple of the East Fort Worth community for nearly a century. Originally the Meadowbrook Country Club, the City’s Recreation Department purchased the land in 1938 for $30,000 (approx. $667,123.40 in 2025). The course was designed by John Bredemus, who also designed the courses at Ridglea Country Club, Colonial Country Club, Z. Boaz Municipal, and several courses in Houston, Texas.
Meadowbrook Golf Course has received several renovations over the years and even experienced an unfortunate fire in 1956 that burned down the clubhouse.
The latest round of renovations started in February 2024 and include improved putting greens and irrigation system, new cart pathways and turf, and the ponds have been enlarged and deepened to allow for better drainage, enhanced water quantity, and a healthier habitat for wildlife.
With a newly renovated golf course comes a new course Ambassador: The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck. The black-bellied whistling duck is native to the Americas and is a frequent visitor to the Meadowbrook fairway. The Park Department selected this duck as a symbol of the course, because "like a well-played round of golf, this duck moves with precision, patience, and a touch of playfulness. Its unmistakable whistle has become part of the soundtrack of our courses, a reminder to enjoy the game and embrace the beauty around us".
This golf course transformation will surely have a positive effect on the Eastside and create an unforgettable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Tee times open 7 days in advance and details about the ribbon cutting and preview tournament will be announced soon! We can't wait to welcome golfers and the community to Meadowbrook Golf Course!
(West, R. (n.d.). City of Fort Worth Golf | 3 Public Courses - Meadowbrook Updates. https://www.fortworthgolf.org/meadowbrook-news)
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RIVERSIDE TRANSPORTATION MEETING
You are invited to join the next Street and Transportation Improvement community meeting to discuss planned improvements in the Riverside area. The proposed project provides for the design of water, sewer, storm and paving improvements on 10 neighborhood streets. This project is funded through the 2022 Bond Program and is set to be completed by February 2027.
I encourage you to join this meeting to learn more about the upcoming construction and how it may affect you.
Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 PM
Virtual via www.webex.com select "Join"
Meeting number: 2557 312 2935
Meeting passcode: Riverside
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
On August 21st, the city hosted a virtual meeting to review the Meadowbrook Area Street Improvement Project. The video recording of the meeting and the presented slides are available to watch now.
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BUDGET MEETINGS
The proposed FY2026 operating budget is $3.09 billion and represents a 10.93% increase (over $304 million) from the previous fiscal year's budget.
The city is committed to fiscal responsibility by:
- 1% cuts and strategic reductions in departmental budgets
- Fee increases for cost of services and long-term sustainability where needed
- Sustaining cash investment in infrastructure projects through PayGo
- Static debt service percentage to support future Bond capacity
The increased budget will allow the city to sustain current service levels for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It will also provide additional funding for programs like the Housing Priority Repair Program, Mobile Tool Shed Program, and animal shelters. Extra PayGo funds will be allocated for street and park maintenance. This recommended budget aligns directly with the City Council's strategic priorities: Economic Development, Community Investment, Community Safety, Infrastructure, and Responsible Growth.
Town Hall meetings are planned for residents in each District to learn about the proposed budget. At these meetings residents can ask questions and share their priorities for city spending. Your input helps city planners decide how to use funds to support city services, programs and projects that matter to communities in Fort Worth.
The District 11 Budget Hall Meeting is scheduled for September 6th, 2 PM, at Eugene McCray Community Center. If you are unable to attended this meeting, you're encouraged to attend any of these other Budget Town Hall meetings.
The meetings will also be livestreamed on YouTube and the city’s TV stream. Questions and comments about the budget can be submitted through an online portal. FY2026 Budget | Fort Worth
Budget Overview: FY2026 Budget One-Pager
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DISTRICT 11 STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Councilwoman Jeanette Martinez is excited to announce the launch of a new Student Advisory Council (SAC). This program is designed to give high school students the opportunity to be involved in local government and their community.
The SAC will consist of 8–12 students who live in District 11. Throughout September to May, participants will work directly with the council office to provide a youth perspective on community issues, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of District 11.
This is a fantastic chance for aspiring leaders to build a strong network of peers and gain valuable experience that may enhance college applications and future resumes
How to Apply:
If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior who lives in District 11, we encourage you to apply by completing this interest form. We will contact interested students via email to provide them with a formal application for consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to email the District 11 office.
Not sure if you live in District 11? Check OneAddress to find out!
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TOBIAS PLACE APARTMENTS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Construction is progressing on the new Tobias Place Apartments development. This project began in November 2023 and is on track to be completed by Fall 2025.
Current work is focused on several key infrastructure improvements:
- Sanitary Sewer and Water Improvements: Crews are concentrating on these upgrades along Butler and S. Jennings Streets.
- Drainage: Most of the drainage work is taking place on Hemphill and Butler.
- Paving: Paving is also underway to prepare the site.
As a reminder, Tobias Place is a private development project. For more information or inquiries, please contact the Project Manager:
Sandip Adhikari
Sr. Professional Engineer
City of Fort Worth
Development Services Department
Sandip.Adhikari@fortworthtexas.gov
Phone: 817-392-8424
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FWPD POLICE BEAT CHANGE
On August 9th, the Fort Worth Police Department re-drew its police beat boundaries to ensure resources are balanced across the city. Some areas will see little to no change, while others will have their beat size adjusted based on population trends.
For example, in fast-growing areas like far Northwest Fort Worth, new beats were added and some existing ones changed significantly to keep up with the addition of new homes and apartments. As a result, some residents' patrol division or Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) may have changed.
To find your new NPO, visit the city's online data portal One Address. Type in your address and click the "+" sign next to "Neighborhoods." The NPO's name and number will be listed.
We encourage all residents to get to know their NPO. Building a relationship with your NPO is a great way to stay informed about your neighborhood and work together to keep our community safe.
One Address | City of Fort Worth, Texas
2026 BOND TOOLS
We want to make sure residents have access to the City of Fort Worth’s two new digital tools to explore the proposed 2026 Bond Program. These interactive tools give you the opportunity to learn how our city's financial decisions work, understand the trade-offs involved in budgeting, and share your vision for the city.
The online tools are now live and will be available until October 2025. We encourage residents to explore the proposed projects and share their feedback.
Hybrid community engagement meetings will take place in October and November 2025 across all council districts. We'll let District 11 residents know as soon as their meeting is scheduled. In the meantime, please use these digital tools to help shape Fort Worth's future. We look forward to your ideas!
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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.
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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.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD LITTER STOMP
Neighborhood Litter Stomp is a citywide volunteer litter cleanup hosted by Keep Fort Worth Beautiful each fall. The focus of the event is to encourage your neighbors to come together and host a cleanup event in your neighborhood!
Make sure to contact your Neighborhood Association or HOA to see if they are participating in this event. Even if they aren't participating, we encourage you to pick up litter at a local park, school, or a waterway.
Let’s Keep Fort Worth Beautiful!
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
The Fort Worth Police Department invites you to participate in National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, October 7th. National Night Out - Fort Worth Police
National Night Out is a nationwide event that brings neighbors and police together to promote a safer community. One of the best ways to prevent crime is simply by knowing the people who live on your street. By hosting an NNO event, you can help foster connections to make our District 11 neighborhoods stronger and safer for all.
Every National Night Out event is unique! Whether you want to throw a big block party at the park or simply gather on your street for a casual walk, it's all about what works for your neighborhood. The goal is simply to get everyone together.
To be a part of NNO you must register by September 30th. By registering, you let the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) and the District 11 office know where to stop by and say “hello”. FWPD can bring giveaways to share with your guests (while supplies last) and will make every effort to attend every registered event, so sign up today!
National Night Out Registration
FORT WORTH GETS A
NEW POLICE CHIEF
On August 21st, the City Manager’s Office announced that Eddie Garcia was selected as the next Police Chief for Fort Worth.
Garcia has decades of experience and has a proven track record of improving officer morale, boosting recruitment, and reducing crime. We are confident in his ability to improve relationships between police and the diverse communities that make up Fort Worth.
A special thank you to Interim Chief Robert Alldredge for his exemplary work during this transition period. We are incredibly grateful for his service.
Chief Garcia is expected to officially join the city in his new role after a vote from City Council at the September 16th City Council meeting.
Prior to the announcement, The City of Fort Worth hosted a Police Chief Finalists Forum, which offered residents an opportunity to learn about the three finalist candidates and hear their vision for the department's future. The forum was live-streamed on the city's official Facebook, YouTube channels, and on FWTV.
Watch the Forum: City of Fort Worth | Police Chief Finalists Forum | August 14, 2025
A NEW DOWNTOWN LIBRARY AWAITS
The City of Fort Worth has exciting plans to bring a new downtown branch library to the historic property at 512 W. 4th Street. This is more than just a renovation; it's a chance to build a modern and innovative public space that reflects the needs of our community.
In November 2024, the city officially purchased the building for $6.455 million, with an additional $6.5 million from the sale allocated to fund the renovations.
The Fort Worth Public Library and city leaders are dedicated to making sure this new library serves the community. They want your help to shape it. The library will be gathering input from residents, civic organizations, and other groups through surveys, listening sessions, and community meetings.
This is your opportunity to help design a library that's truly for everyone.
Upcoming public meetings
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Thursday, Sept. 4: Public Listening Session at First United Methodist Church, 3 - 5 PM
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Saturday, Sept. 13: Public Listening Session at Broadway Baptist Church, 10 AM - Noon
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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 Sept. 16th
WEST MEADOWBROOK Zoning Sept. 10th
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RIVERSIDE
Council Sept. 16th
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZONING
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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 nonemergency line, can only be dialed from a wireless device and must be called from within Fort Worth city limits.
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2-1-1 TEXAS
2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is committed to helping individuals connect with the services they need. Whether by phone or internet, our goal is to present accurate, well-organized and easy-to-find information from state and local health and human services programs. 2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.
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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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