Budget Priorities Survey guides City in FY27 budget process

Community feedback from the recently completed Budget Priorities Survey will help City leaders understand priorities during the FY27 budget development process.

The survey was open from May 12 to June 30 and received 2,084 responses. Explore the full results and an interactive dashboard.

Responses were submitted from residents in all 10 Council districts, along with some from individuals living outside Fort Worth. All survey questions were optional and responses were anonymous.

Here is a synopsis of survey results:

Question 1 asked which City programs or services matter most to residents’ quality of life. City staff reviewed and grouped open‑ended comments into themes. The most frequently mentioned themes were police response, fire/EMS, streets and mobility, parks and recreation, and library services.

Question 2 asked which three programs or services residents most want to protect from possible budget cuts. The top selections were: Fire and EMS – 1,047 selections Police response – 934 Streets and mobility – 590 Parks and recreation – 450 Animal care and control – 417

Fire and EMS – 1,047 selections

Police response – 934

Streets and mobility – 590

Parks and recreation – 450

Animal care and control – 417

Question 3 asked how acceptable it would be if the City had to reduce levels of service (such as shorter hours, fewer staff or less frequent service). On average, only 25% of responses said service reductions were “acceptable” or “very acceptable.” Acceptability varied widely by program, from just 3% for Fire and EMS to 51% for economic development programs.

On average, only 25% of responses said service reductions were “acceptable” or “very acceptable.”

Acceptability varied widely by program, from just 3% for Fire and EMS to 51% for economic development programs.

Question 4 asked how residents prefer the City balance service levels and taxes/fees. 42% said they would prefer to maintain or improve services, even if taxes/fees need to increase. 34% said they would prefer to reduce some services, either to keep taxes/fees the same (23%) or to lower them (11%). 18% preferred keeping both services and taxes/fees the same. 5% were unsure.

42% said they would prefer to maintain or improve services, even if taxes/fees need to increase.

34% said they would prefer to reduce some services, either to keep taxes/fees the same (23%) or to lower them (11%).

18% preferred keeping both services and taxes/fees the same.

5% were unsure.

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