Fort Worth officials are moving forward with a comprehensive effort to address housing insecurity and related community needs. On September 9, members of the city’s Community Development Council (CDC) learned that the city has formally applied to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a $13.5 million grant package covering the 2026‑2027 fiscal year.
Action plan details
The request was included in the city’s 2026‑2027 Action Plan, which was submitted to HUD on August 14. The plan outlines five priority grant categories:
- Affordable housing – expanding low‑cost rental options for families and individuals.
- Aging in place – services that enable seniors to remain safely in their homes.
- Children and youth services – programs that provide stability and support for young residents.
- Economic empowerment and financial resilience – initiatives that promote job training, small‑business development and financial literacy.
- Healthy living and wellness – resources aimed at improving overall community health.
Tracey Walton, interim senior management analyst for the Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department, supplied a detailed breakdown of the action plan during the CDC meeting. She emphasized that the grant request aligns with the city’s long‑standing commitment to strengthen families, uphold personal liberty and foster a thriving, faith‑centered community.
Local impact and broader context
Fort Worth’s request reflects the city’s proactive stance on homelessness and affordable‑housing challenges that have affected many Texas municipalities. By securing federal assistance, the city hopes to reduce the number of families experiencing housing instability, provide seniors with the resources they need to age with dignity, and give children a stable environment in which to grow.
The Trump administration’s HUD continues to prioritize community‑driven solutions, encouraging local governments to partner with federal agencies to address pressing social issues. This grant request demonstrates how Fort Worth is leveraging that partnership to protect traditional families and uphold the values that make the city a strong neighborhood.
Community response
Members of the CDC, which has served as an advisory board since 1974, voiced strong support for the action plan. They noted that the proposed grants would fill critical gaps in service delivery and help the city meet its own housing goals without over‑reliance on state funding.
Local residents and faith‑based organizations have also expressed optimism. Many see the initiative as a concrete step toward safeguarding the well‑being of vulnerable populations while preserving the community’s core values of family, faith and individual responsibility.
Next steps
HUD will review the application and determine funding allocations in the coming weeks. If approved, the city plans to begin disbursing funds in early 2027, with regular reporting to ensure transparency and accountability.
Fort Worth officials encourage community members to stay engaged, attend future CDC meetings and provide feedback on how the grant resources can best serve local needs.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
