HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10125 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10125
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 10, 2018
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*a SUBJECT: FOOD DESERTS IN UNDERSERVED AREAS
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Food deserts can be described as geographic areas where residents' access to affordable,
healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the
absence of grocery stores within convenient travelling distance. A recent study by economists at
New York University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago reinforces the notion that
food deserts are disproportionately found in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The study indicated
that more than half (55 percent) of all ZIP codes with a median income below $25,000 fit the
definition of food deserts—more than double the share of food-desert ZIP codes across the
country as a whole (24 percent). These trends are reflected in recent grocery store closures on
the east side of Fort Worth.
In an attempt to address this inequality, the City passed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to
allow Urban Agriculture in most zoning districts without a zoning change. The primary purpose of
the amendment is to allow fresh produce to be grown and sold in many more locations throughout
the city, including residential zoning districts. Allowing the production of fresh produce would
benefit not only underserved areas, but all areas of the city who desire better access to fresh,
locally grown produce. The ability to operate urban agriculture is also intended to help provide
employment opportunities and experiences to city residents. These amendments support the
Blue Zones initiative to encourage the availability of fresh produce, especially to residents in
underserved areas. Removing barriers to Urban Agriculture is an initiative of the Food Policy
Council of Blue Zones.
The City also amended both the City Code and the Zoning Ordinance for Mobile Vendors and
Pushcarts. The primary purpose of those amendments was to allow Mobile Vendors and
Pushcarts selling fresh produce in residential zoning districts. These amendments support the
Blue Zones initiative to bring fresh produce to residents in underserved areas where few stores
provide healthy food choices. The amendments also support the PIan4Health Tarrant County
collaborative, which received an American Planning Association grant to improve access to fresh,
local food in three Southeast Fort Worth zip codes.
The City's recently completed Economic Development Strategic Plan also speaks to the need for
neighborhood realignment and focusing investments that can enhance the economic potential of
a target area (such as Urban Villages). There are still segments of the city's population in specific
neighborhoods and corridors that have struggled to achieve prosperity, even while the city as a
whole has experienced widespread growth. The plan outlined that the City can and should play a
lead role in catalyzing development in under-served neighborhoods and for under-served
residents.
In order to address the ongoing issues regarding food deserts and the lack of development in
underserved neighborhoods, the City's economic development department is undergoing a full
review and analysis of our current incentive policies to determine what revisions need to be made
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10125
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 10, 2018
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*a SUBJECT: FOOD DESERTS IN UNDERSERVED AREAS
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to better focus potential investment opportunities. Our initial target areas will be those outlined in
the strategic plan; Altamesa & McCart, West Camp Bowie, East Lancaster, Evans & Rosedale,
Near Northside and Stop Six. These redevelopment efforts will be coordinated with Neighborhood
Services to ensure that the City provides a comprehensive approach to our revitalization efforts.
The Economic Development department is also coordinating with the Planning & Development
Department to incorporate findings from the strategic plan into the City's overall land use policies
in order to have consistent guidelines for evaluating proposed land development projects. It is
anticipated that staff will provided recommendations on the policies for council consideration by
this summer.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Robert Sturns, Economic
Development Director at 817-392-2663 or robert.sturns@fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS