Learn about charter propositions L, M, N and O

The City of Fort Worth will hold bond and charter elections on Saturday, May 2. The ballot will include six bond propositions and nine proposed charter amendments. Each measure will be voted on separately.

Residents in District 10 will also vote in a special election to fill a vacancy created by Councilmember Alan Blaylock’s resignation.

Here is an overview of four of the charter propositions:

Proposition L: Grants of privilege on surface streets

This proposition would allow grants of privilege for use of the surface of City streets (typically by solid waste haulers) to be approved without requiring a separate, company-specific ordinance every time. Companies that want to have this type of use would need to comply with the conditions specified in the existing City Code in order to be approved, but Council would not need to adopt a separate ordinance approving each company.

Proposition M: Flexibility in creating, abolishing and reorganizing City departments

This proposition would allow greater flexibility in creating, abolishing and reorganizing City departments moving forward by removing the requirement of an ordinance to make changes. Because the charter currently requires an ordinance to create a department, City Council action would be needed to change any currently existing department. Council could still create departments by ordinance but would not be required to.

Proposition N: Eliminates conflict with state law regarding special elections

This proposition eliminates a conflict with state law regarding the timing of special elections to fill vacancies on the City Council. The charter currently refers to ordering a special election after the state-law deadline for doing so.

Proposition O: Clarifies payment of claims

This proposition clarifies that claims can be paid based on any appropriately detailed documentation even if that documentation may not qualify or be identified as a “purchase order.”

About the 2026 bond and charter program

The City’s bond program is one way of funding larger capital projects such as roads, parks, public libraries and public facilities. Fort Worth has historically held bond elections every four years. The six bond propositions on the ballot represent an $845 million bond package.

A city charter is the City’s foundational document — similar to a constitution for the state and federal governments. It outlines how the City of Fort Worth is organized and how it operates. A charter election allows Fort Worth voters to consider proposed amendments to the city charter. Registered voters vote on each proposed change individually.

What happens next?

Upcoming public education meetings will take place April 16 and 18.

April 16, 6 p.m., R.D. Evans Community Center

April 18, 10 a.m., Worth Heights Community Center

The 2026 bond and charter elections take place on Saturday, May 2, with early voting available from Monday, April 20, through the following Tuesday, April 28.

Learn more

Check out the comprehensive bond website.

Check out the comprehensive charter website.

Watch City News for more information on the bond and charter elections.

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