HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0003 - 2026-01-06 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0003
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
January 6, 2026
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM FUNDING UPDATE
This report provides information on a proposed funding reallocation for the development of an
African American museum in Fort Worth, in advance of an M&C planned for the January 13 City
Council agenda.
In early 2020, the City of Fort Worth, including the Neighborhood Services Department as the
lead department sponsor; the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Worth, known as Fort Worth
Housing Solutions (FWHS); and a subcommittee of the African American Steering Committee
began working to establish the criteria for an institution to preserve the history and culture of
African Americans with an emphasis on the stories of African Americans in Fort Worth. This
initiative resulted from initial redevelopment discussions for Butler Place, a public housing
development owned by FWHS. Through a series of community input workshops, stakeholders
supported the redevelopment of Butler Place and also proposed the creation of an African
American museum to mitigate the adverse impacts of redevelopment upon historic resources
associated with this community.
In April 2022 (M&C 22-0271), the City Council approved applying for and accepting a North Texas
Community Foundation grant in an amount up to $30,000 to fund a portion of a study on the
economic and financial feasibility of a Fort Worth African American museum and cultural
center. Additionally, in June 2022 (M&C 22-0546), the City Council approved providing $40,000
(Project #104151) to the North Texas Community Foundation to partially fund this feasibility
study, which was to include an evaluation of multiple potential sites for a museum. The
estimated total cost of the study was $230,000 with the Steering Committee expected to raise
the remainder of the funds needed for the study.
In July 2025, the Fort Worth African American Museum and Cultural Center (the Museum), a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, notified the City that they had been able to purchase two
units of an existing building totaling 5,000 square feet located in Council District 8 at 3100 and
3104 East Rosedale Street to be used for the museum. Because this purchase eliminated the
need for a site evaluation and feasibility study, it was requested that the City's contribution be
used to help complete building improvements, up to a maximum of $40,000.
Given that building improvements would align with the City's original funding source, which was
the Future Community Partnership project of the General Capital Projects Fund, an M&C to
request approval for this reallocation of funds is planned for the January 13 City Council
meeting. In addition, the M&C will request that the funds be
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0003
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
January 6, 2026
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM FUNDING UPDATE
paid directly to the Museum upon proof of appropriate expense documentation instead of
through the North Texas Community Foundation. The Museum serves the vital public purpose
of preserving the history and culture of African Americans including the stories of African
Americans in Fort Worth to enlighten, inspire, and engage everyone toward better
understanding. Through the agreement between the City and the Museum, adequate controls
will be in place to ensure that the public purpose is carried out. The Museum will be required to
meet certain City requirements, including using the funds for the purpose intended and
compliance with all applicable laws.
While the $30,000 North Texas Community Foundation grant was awarded in May 2022, a
reimbursement under the grant was never requested since the feasibility study was not
initiated. Furthermore, the performance period for this grant has expired.
Should you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Neighborhood Services
Director, Kacey Thomas, at 817-392-8187.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS