The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas (FWBG|BRIT) invites public participation in a Master Plan Committee meeting May 17 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. when an initial concept for the master plan design will be revealed.
The consultant team for the master plan led by landscape architecture firm Studio Outside has gathered input from the committee, staff members, and the general public for the future of the FWBG|BRIT campus. Based on compilation of this data, the team will present their findings and a proposed design that will inform the direction and priorities for the next 20 years of infrastructure and facility improvements across the 120-acre campus.
After a presentation, attendees are invited to provide comment in a conversational format with a dedicated staff member or via a comment card.
The meeting will take place in the Garden Center Lecture Hall located at 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. For more information on the Master Planning effort visit: fwbg.org/masterplan
Join the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor to learn about the progress the office has made over the past two years and to hear answers to your questions.
Choose from two dates:
Topics will include the 2020-21 Inaugural Biennial Report, a new online interactive complaint form, the 28th annual National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Conference, and a question-and-answer session.
To learn more, contact the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor by email or at 817-392-6535.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments will host a hybrid virtual and in-person meeting to gain residents’ input on regional transportation initiatives.
The meeting will be at noon on Monday, May 9, at NCTCOG headquarters, 616 Six Flags Drive in Arlington. Attend in person or attend the meeting via phone by dialing 855-925-2801, then code 6341.
These are the presentations:
Mobility 2045 Update and 2022 Transportation Conformity. One of the primary responsibilities of a Metropolitan Planning Organization is the development and maintenance of a Metropolitan Transportation Plan. NCTCOG staff has initiated the development of an update to the current Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Mobility 2045, and will provide an overview of the draft plan materials.
Proposed awards from EV charging station call for projects. Staff will give an update on funding recommendations from the NCTCOG Electric Vehicle Charging Station Call for Projects April 22 application deadline.
AV2.1: Preparing for Emerging Transportation Technology with Local Partners. In 2021, work began on NCTCOG’s regional planning exercise looking at future mobility development in the region — AV2.1: Planning for Local Partners. https://www.connectntxfutures.org/ In May, NCTCOG staff will present an update on the status of the project, including information about early scenario development efforts, public outreach initiatives and educational materials in development for interested school districts.
East/west funding formula update. With the passage of each new transportation funding bill, the funding distributions between the eastern and western portions of the Dallas-Fort Worth region are re-evaluated. An overview of the process for establishing the funding split and the proposed new splits for both mobility and air quality funds will be provided for review and comment.
2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. The Transportation Improvement Program is a federally and state-mandated list of transportation projects with committed federal, state and local funding in a four-year period. Staff will present an overview of the Transportation Improvement Program development process and provide a final list of projects with funding in FY 2023-2026 and the Transportation Improvement Program document for review and comment.
Parking garage policy and projects. NCTCOG staff has been working with several cities across the region on funding partnerships for parking garages in proximity to transit stations. An overview of the proposed policy pertaining to parking garage funding requests along with proposed projects will be presented for review and comment.
To request a free roundtrip ride between NCTCOG and the Trinity Railway Express CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, call 817-704-2510 or email at least 72 hours before the meeting.
The Fort Worth City Council work session will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, in Room 2020 at City Hall, 200 Texas St.
Watch the meeting live on Fort Worth TV, either online or on TV. You can also watch the meeting via the Fort Worth TV video library and on the city’s YouTube channel.
Other May 3 Council meetings:
After a national search, Leann Guzman has been named Fort Worth’s next city attorney. She joined the City Attorney’s Office in March 2004 as a prosecuting attorney. City Council will appoint her at its next meeting on May 10.
“Leann is a trusted confidant, savvy problem solver and dedicated professional with more than 18 years spent diligently serving our city,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. “She has a deep knowledge and experience addressing the issues Fort Worth faces and a sharp legal expertise, and I look forward to having her continue to serve Fort Worth as city attorney.”
In June 2005, Guzman moved into the Transactional Division, where she has provided advice and guidance to City Council, city boards and commissions and city staff on a variety of issues. She also served as section chief of the Real Estate and City Facilities Section of the City Attorney’s Office from 2013 until becoming deputy city attorney of the Transactional Division in August 2020. She serves as general counsel to the Fort Worth Local Development Corp. and the Central City Local Government Corp.
Guzman has been a member of various organizations, including Government Lawyers Section, State Bar of Texas; International Municipal Lawyers Association; Texas City Attorneys Association; and the Tarrant County Bar Association.
She attained a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1998 and her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001.
“I’m deeply honored to be selected as the next city attorney for Fort Worth and am excited for the opportunity to serve in this role,” Guzman said. “Great things are ahead for the city, and I look forward to leading the strong team in the City Attorney’s Office into a bright future.”
Guzman replaces Sarah Fullenwider, who served as city attorney from 2011 through 2021. Fullenwider was the city’s first female city attorney.
Think you can solve a historic Fort Worth murder mystery? Try your hand at playing detective by examining the evidence and interviewing suspects to nab the killer during Fort Worth’s Log Cabin Village Midsummer Murder Mystery event, from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 25.
Prizes will be awarded to detectives who correctly solve the 19th-century mystery.
Due to the nature of the evidence presented, this event is for sleuths 16 years and older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. During registration, select either the 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. time slot. The event is come-and-go at your own pace.
Space is limited and registration is required. The fee is $20 per participant if registering before June 3, or $25 after June 3. The fee includes admission to Log Cabin Village. Register online or call 817-392-5881.
To learn more about the event, contact Shae Nawoj, assistant historic site supervisor, by email or at 817-392-6768.
Today, Fort Worth becomes the first city government in the United States to mine Bitcoin. This pilot program, launched by the Office of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and the City of Fort Worth in partnership with Texas Blockchain Council, recognizes the exponential growth of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while advancing Fort Worth’s goal of becoming a leading center of tech and innovation.
Beginning today, the S9 Bitcoin mining machines will run 24/7 in the climate-controlled Information Technology Solutions Department Data Center located at Fort Worth City Hall, where they will be housed on a private network to minimize security risk. The program is made possible through the donation of three machines from Texas Blockchain Council, a nonprofit association made up of companies and individuals that work in Bitcoin, Bitcoin mining, crypto and blockchain industries. The donation was formally accepted by the Fort Worth City Council today.
“With blockchain technology and cryptocurrency revolutionizing the financial landscape, we want to transform Fort Worth into a tech-friendly city,” Parker said. “Today, with the support and partnership of Texas Blockchain Council, we’re stepping into that world on a small scale while sending a big message – Fort Worth is where the future begins,” the mayor added. “These small but powerful machines mark Fort Worth’s larger commitment to becoming a leading hub for technology and innovation.”
“The Texas Blockchain Council is thrilled to be part of this first-of-its-kind pilot program as the City of Fort Worth begins mining Bitcoin. By starting small to learn as they go, Fort Worth is positioning itself to be the bitcoin mining capital of Texas. The state as a whole has already established itself as the bitcoin mining capital of the world,” said President and Founder of Texas Blockchain Council Lee Bratcher. “We are grateful for the support of several of our member companies, specifically, Luxor Technologies and Rhodium Enterprises, as they provided strategic guidance for this project.”
Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are entered into circulation. “Mining” is performed using sophisticated hardware that solves an extremely complex computational math problem. The first computer to find the solution to the problem receives the next block of bitcoins and the process begins again.
By limiting the pilot program’s focus to three machines, the city achieves the goals of responsibly assessing and executing a municipal Bitcoin mining program at a manageable scale. After six months, the city will evaluate the program.
Based on the number and type of machines being used, the city estimates each will consume the same amount of energy as a household vacuum cleaner. The nominal amount of energy needed for the program is expected to be offset by the value of Bitcoin mined. Keeping the pilot program small enables the city to learn the potential impact and opportunities for Bitcoin.
“Texas is increasingly being recognized as the global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain, and Fort Worth will have a seat at that table,” said Fort Worth Director of Economic Development Robert Sturns. “The pioneering spirit is alive and well in Fort Worth, and with this program we will attract dynamic companies that share in this vision for the future.”
The program is part of Fort Worth’s larger plan for growth, building momentum onto recent efforts, including partnerships with Texas A&M University System’s planned Research and Innovation Center in downtown Fort Worth and Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator, and establishing the city’s first Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council Committee to build a next-level entrepreneurship ecosystem.
In the Economic Development Strategic Plan of the City of Fort Worth adopted by City Council, the city has set a goal of “a ‘next-level’ economic development strategy must encourage innovation and creativity, build an environment that is attractive to talented individuals and dynamic businesses, and maintain a forward-looking organizational structure.”
Richard W. Andreski, a public transportation veteran with 23 years of experience and more than 10 years of executive leadership, has been selected as the next president and chief executive officer of Trinity Metro.
Andreski previously served as bureau chief for public transportation for the Connecticut Department of Transportation since 2015. In this capacity, he oversaw public transportation in Connecticut and had an operating budget of $850 million and a team of 110 planners, engineers and rail and transit professionals. The Connecticut DOT includes 22 transit providers that serve 80 million people annually. His responsibilities included CTfastrak bus rapid transit, one of the country’s premier bus-rapid transit lines, and New Haven Line, the nation’s busiest passenger rail line. He was accountable for capital programs to maintain and improve more than $5 billion in capital assets, including bus rapid transit and rail infrastructure, rail and bus fleets, bus depots and fare systems.
Between 1999 and 2015, Andreski held a series of positions at NJ Transit. He began as a bus service planner and quickly moved up through the ranks. His roles included manager of capital planning and programs support, director of operations coordination and policy, chief of staff for rail operations and director of Trans-Hudson planning.
“After an exhaustive national search, the Trinity Metro Board of Directors agreed that Rich is the best choice for leading our agency to even greater success,” said Jeff Davis, chairman of the Trinity Metro Board of Directors. “His vast experience in public transportation and his history of building partnerships are key for the growth of Trinity Metro.”
Andreski, who will start his role on June 20, said he is looking forward to the transition.
“I’m excited and honored to be chosen as Trinity Metro’s CEO,” Andreski said. “I can’t wait to join the team so we can work together on transit solutions for the North Texas region.”
The position of president and CEO has been filled on an interim basis by Paul Ballard, who resumed leadership of the agency in November 2021. Ballard previously led Trinity Metro from 2014 to 2019, and he accepted the position on an eight-month basis to assist during the national search for a permanent replacement.
Andreski is motivated by a mission of public service and believes transit plays a critical role by providing access to employment, education and other opportunities, spurring economic development and supporting a cleaner and greener future. He keeps the customer experience at the heart of every investment decision.
He is active in the American Public Transportation Association, where he was co-founder and co-chair of the APTA Emerging Leaders Program, an immersive year-long leadership development program for emerging leaders in the public transportation industry. Andreski also serves on APTA’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Committee and APTA’s Awards Committee.
He holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Lafayette College and a master of city and regional planning degree from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He also completed the Jurisdictional Crisis Incident Management Program from Texas A&M Engineering Extension and is a graduate of the APTA Leadership Program, Class of 2009.
Fort Worth, Texas (April 20, 2022) – Watershed Urbanism and the DFW Metroplex opens Wednesday, April 20 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The exhibit examines the Trinity River watershed in North Texas and features designs from University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) faculty and students. It will be on exhibit at the Museum from April 20 through August 2022.
“We’re excited that a prestigious educational institution such as the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will be hosting the Biennale exhibit, as it provides families, school children and stakeholders across our region an opportunity to learn about the importance of waterways to our region, as well as the critical role watersheds have on our environment and surroundings.” Maria Martinez-Cosio, interim CAPPA dean, said.
Originally part of the European Cultural Center’s 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, Watershed Urbanism observes the challenges that increasing population expansion, climate change, and aging infrastructure create for the relationship between urban and natural environments. A healthy watershed provides critical support for the environment by collecting rain water for storage and flood prevention. The student and faculty projects investigate how to “design built environments that enlarge with and incorporate waterflows and aquatic life.” Several in-process projects are highlighted within the exhibit, such as the Panther Island Project and the Streams & Valleys Confluence Master Plan.
After its exhibition at the Museum, Watershed Urbanism will travel through North Texas to stops such as the Lewisville Grand Theater and the Texas Discovery Gardens at the State Fair of Texas.
In addition to a brand new exhibit, the Museum will reveal a community mural mosaic created at the 2022 MAIN St. Fort Worth Arts Festival. The Community Mural Mosaic was designed by local Fort Worth artists, Jimmy Joe Jenkins and Bradley Kent.
Visitors to the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival presented by PNC Bank were invited to participate in the community art piece in the Makers Zone sponsored by Tarrant County College. Over 1000 artists of all ages participated in the project by mixing colors and painting sections, following the artists’ original patterns and designs. These mini masterpieces were then puzzled together to create the much larger murals, celebrating Fort Worth’s Downtown & its colorful history.
The museum will serve as the first stop of the mural's tour through the City of Fort Worth and will be on display at the Museum throughout the month of April.
On Monday April 18, Karen Wiley announced her plans to retire as President and CEO of Arts Fort Worth. Over the past seven years, Ms. Wiley has realized great opportunities to expand on the achievements of the Arts Council of Fort Worth. Under Ms. Wiley’s leadership, the Arts Council, which was founded in 1963, recently rebranded as Arts Fort Worth, reflecting changes that allowed the organization to build on its positive legacy while reinvigorating its commitment to serve and respond to the needs of all local artists, arts organizations, and residents of the city.
Whether Fort Worth residents are among the 80,000 annual visitors to the Arts Center’s galleries and theaters, spending time near one of the 145 works of Public Art in Fort Worth, or experiencing art presented by over 30 Arts Fort Worth grant recipient nonprofits, members of the public have likely seen firsthand the impact of Arts Fort Worth under Karen Wiley’s leadership.
"It has been an honor to serve as President of Arts Fort Worth for the past seven years and one of the most rewarding experiences in my career, " said Karen Wiley, “It has been an incredible journey to serve alongside an amazing team whose focus has always been and continues to be one of acting out the engagement of arts for all. Three simple words that activate the depth and breadth of the creative spirit that lives within each one of us. As I say my farewells, I extend to you an invitation to engage with the creative community of Arts Fort Worth and help to shape its future successes."
In the uncertain early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Wiley’s calm stewardship led Arts Fort Worth through new opportunities, including new programming, while prioritizing the health and safety of staff and the public. Arts Fort Worth quickly developed the Arts Nonprofit Relief Fund, helping Fort Worth arts organizations, and the 14,400 people they employ each year, to continue and adapt their operations. Her advocacy extended beyond Fort Worth when she was invited by Americans for the Arts as one of five arts leaders to meet with members of Congress and speak to the significance of the cultural and economic impact of the arts in Texas and across the United States.
Ms. Wiley deepened Arts Fort Worth's dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through staff training, public workshops, and specialized grants, encouraging staff and board members to prioritize DEIA in every aspect of the organization. As Arts Fort Worth continues this work internally, they also expanded those efforts to build a more equitable arts community. Under Ms. Wiley’s leadership, the DEIA Capacity Building Grant was launched. In 2022, 12 organizations were awarded grants to strengthen their infrastructure, management, and governance through diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible organizational practices.
“The Arts Fort Worth Board and staff are united in their support of this decision and are proud to have spent so many prosperous years building the organization with Karen at the helm. We celebrate Karen’s tenure as an era of unprecedented organizational achievement and look forward to building on that legacy with new opportunities,” said Jared Sloane, Chair, Arts Fort Worth Board of Directors.
At this pinnacle and moving into the 60th anniversary of the organization, Arts Fort Worth looks forward with confidence to delivering a new strategic vision that continues onto a new phase of success.
Karen Wiley will remain the CEO and President through June 30, 2022, to see Arts Fort Worth through its current strategic planning process. The Board of Directors has begun its process to fill the CEO position, seeking a new leader who upholds Arts Fort Worth’s values of inclusive collaboration, advocacy, and integrity.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Wiley on her extensive career and tenure at Arts Fort Worth at a reception on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76017. The event is free to attend, but we kindly request that guests RSVP by emailing TalkTo@artsfortworth.org or by calling Arts Fort Worth’s offices at (817) 738-1938.
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