The future of Fort Worth is being decided behind closed doors, and we cannot allow this to happen. The City Council is moving forward with hiring the next City Manager without the transparency and public engagement that this vital decision demands. This process, which will determine the leader responsible for shaping our city’s future, must reflect the values of fairness, accountability, and trust.

Fort Worth has shown that public participation strengthens trust and leads to better decisions. When hiring our Police Chief, Library Director, and Director of the Office of Police Oversight Monitor, the City ensured that residents were included every step of the way. These processes allowed meet and greet opportunities with finalists, the ability to ask questions, and the chance to provide feedback, fostering trust and confidence in our leadership. The current process for hiring the City Manager, however, has excluded the public entirely.

We are calling on the City Council to delay this vote and restart the process with a commitment to transparency and robust public engagement. This is our city, and we deserve a say in the leadership that will guide us into the future. Stand with us to ensure Fort Worth lives up to its values of openness and collaboration.

Fort Worth residents, business owners, and community stakeholders: please sign this petition to demand that the voices of our community are heard.