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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 25-0034INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0034 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 18, 2025 Page 1 of 4 xAA SUBJECT: PROPOSED NEAR WESTSIDE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 1875 UPDATE This Informal Report provides an update to the Mayor and Council on the status, challenges, and proposed next steps related to the establishment of the Near Westside Public Improvement District (PID). Background Information: The Near Westside PID initiative is intended to establish a special district focused on addressing community needs, enhancing commercial areas, and reflecting stakeholder priorities. In response to rising crime rates and economic concerns in the area, the Economic Development team collaborated with Council Member Beck and petitioner Moody Younger in November 2023 to begin the process of establishing the Near Westside PID Since then, the effort has included multiple one-on-one meetings with property owners, along with a public meeting to discuss the potential benefits and operational framework of the PID. Current Status and Challenges: The Economic Development Department has dedicated operating resources to support this initiative, including funding a temporary staff member to assist with the petition process. The petitioner and Council Member have also provided support in engaging property owners and stakeholders. Despite these efforts, several challenges have emerged that require additional attention. Community support has been lower than expected, highlighting the need for further outreach to inform and engage property owners. The Economic Development (ED) team has encountered staffing constraints, limiting its capacity to fully manage the project. Additionally, the temporary staff assigned to assist with the petition process faced restrictions that prevented them from conducting proactive outreach. Given that the petitioner operates as a single -person entity, engagement efforts have been further constrained. Based on stakeholder feedback and the need to ensure feasibility, adjustments to the proposed PID boundaries have been recommended. These changes would focus efforts on the areas requiring the most attention, particularly the entertainment district near W 7th Street. Aligning the PID boundaries with property owner priorities and city goals is a critical step toward ensuring successful establishment. Proposed Next Steps: To address these challenges and advance the initiative, staff recommends engaging a consultant through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The consultant's responsibilities would include conducting public meetings, targeted outreach to property and business owners, developing clear stakeholder messaging, organizing small group meetings to involve less -engaged stakeholders, facilitating petition signing to meet the 51 % approval threshold, and serving as a communication liaison. The consultant would work under the guidance of the ED Team to ensure alignment with project objectives. As part of this process, we will review the assessment rate and revised district boundaries to ensure they align with stakeholder expectations and project funding needs. This review will confirm that the rate is adjusted for financially sustainability and that the boundaries effectively support the district's intended scope and viability. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0034 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 18, 2025 Page 2 of 4 SUBJECT: PROPOSED NEAR WESTSIDE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UPDATE Additionally, approval to initiate the RFP process to hire a consultant is recommended to address resource gaps and improve engagement efforts. The consultant's costs would initially be funded through the Economic Development Incentive Funds (EDIF), with reimbursement from PID funds upon formal establishment of the district. While these steps are designed to support the successful establishment of the Near Westside PID, it is important to acknowledge that the formation of the district is not guaranteed. Establishment is contingent upon meeting the required petition threshold, securing sufficient property owner support, and receiving final City Council approval. Staff will work to issue the RFP in the next 30 days and will bring a recommendation back to Council for consideration once complete. If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Robert Sturns, Economic Development Director at 817-392-2663 or robert.sturns(a�fortworthtexas.gov. Jesus "Jay" Chapa City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0034 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 18, 2025 Page 3 of 4 SUBJECT: PROPOSED NEAR WESTSIDE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UPDATE Initial Boundary ,TrH wm 11 i P ■ Proposed West' In West 7th PID Pro - West 7th Corrrne West 7th Resider ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0034 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 18, 2025 Page 4 of 4 x� SUBJECT: PROPOSED NEAR WESTSIDE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WA UPDATE Revised Boundary 0 ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS