Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Forney public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
32 issues
Commercial Development Expansion
Approval of multiple plats and site plans for new retail, restaurant, entertainment, and housing options in the Village at Gateway development, expanding services and amenities for Forney residents.
Industrial Park Concept Plan Amendment for Planned Development 22-25
Shifting a 25-acre light industrial site from a single massive distribution warehouse to multiple smaller buildings. This change aims to reduce heavy semi-truck traffic in the area while bringing in more flexible business park space.
Abatement of Substandard Residential Structures
The city is cracking down on long-neglected properties that pose safety hazards and drag down neighborhood property values. Officials will weigh whether owners can afford to fix them up or if the city should step in to mandate repairs or demolition.
Comprehensive Data Center Prohibition
Forney officials are on high alert after a neighboring county got slapped with a $100 million lawsuit for trying to block data centers. It’s a wake-up call that zoning restrictions need to be airtight to avoid burning through taxpayer cash in court.
FY 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Rate
The city council discussed the upcoming FY 2026 budget and tax rates based on certified property values. To allow more time for review, the council scheduled a special meeting for late August to consider the proposed tax rate.
NTMWD Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
Residents face higher utility bills as the North Texas Municipal Water District passes on costs for massive infrastructure projects required to keep up with regional growth.
Regional Housing Authority
Forney is blowing up as one of the fastest-growing affordable suburbs in the U.S., which is awesome for your home value but means we're about to deal with way more traffic and construction. Get ready for some growing pains as the city scrambles to keep up with the new population.
Economic Development Incentives and Business Prospects (Project House)
Sunshine's Wings & Catfish received a $30,000 grant to expand from a food truck and small eatery into a full-service sit-down restaurant with outdoor seating and live entertainment.
Historic District Preservation
Homeowners requested approval to build a metal flat-roof carport attached to their garage within the Historic Overlay District. Neighbors spoke in favor, and the board approved the request.
Parking Standards in Industrial Districts
Forney residents are fighting a new development project, worried that more growth will lead to higher crime rates in their neighborhoods. The City Council is now stuck in the middle, trying to balance the town's expansion with the safety concerns of locals.
Rental Inspection and Crime Addendum
A resident expressed concerns during open forum regarding high concentrations of rental homes and potential section 8 allocations in new master-planned subdivisions, impacting home resale values.
Data Center Prohibition
Forney is tightening the rules on where cigar and hookah lounges can set up shop. This update clarifies exactly what counts as a lounge, which will likely limit where these businesses can open in the future.
EMS Funding and Leadership
Forney is using new tax revenue to put more police on the streets to tackle the traffic chaos caused by the city's rapid expansion. It’s a direct move to keep roads safer and hopefully get things moving a bit smoother for everyone.
Animal Shelter Operations
Forney is considering a 4-day work week to compete with other cities for top talent. This shift could mean longer daily hours for city staff but might change when you can actually get your errands done at City Hall.
Library and YMCA Bond Proposal
The city is putting together a bond package for a new recreational facility to go before voters this November. Residents and council members debated the measure before it narrowly passed, setting up a decision for voters on future city infrastructure and spending.
Commercial Growth and Traffic
Forney is exploding, with the population doubling in a decade, which means more cool shops but also major headaches for our roads and utilities. We're getting the perks of a bigger city, but we have to figure out how to keep the infrastructure from buckling under the pressure.
Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Police Chief White presented the 2024 crime report, showing a slight decrease in overall NIBRS crimes per capita. The council discussed increases in domestic violence and proactive narcotics enforcement.
Regional Housing Authority
Forney is growing fast, and the rules governing our housing and city boundaries have a complicated history. This deep dive breaks down how past annexation battles and local housing policies shaped the town you see today.
Annual Board and Commission Reappointments
Forney is refreshing its volunteer boards and commissions with experienced community members to keep local planning, zoning, and advisory groups operating smoothly over the next two years.
Economic Development Recruitment & Incentives
The Forney EDC discussed potential participation in the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, with a local resident speaking in support of how it can drive investment and redevelopment.
Construction Noise and Hours
Forney is tightening the screws on 'nuisance properties' that attract crime and code violations. If you're a homeowner or landlord, expect stricter rules aimed at keeping our neighborhoods from sliding downhill.
Fire Department Technology Upgrade
The city is investing over $360,000 across five years in Axon Enterprise contracts to upgrade criminal investigation interview room cameras and deploy a new Drone as First Responder program.
Removal of Downtown Mural at 117 E. Main Street
Property repairs will paint over a popular downtown mural, sparking debate between preserving local public art and supporting necessary building maintenance.
Parks and Recreation Department Updates and Programming
City staff updated the board on park improvements, upcoming community events, and recreational programs available to residents.
City Council Runoff Election
Forney is heading to the polls this Saturday to pick a new representative for the City Council Place 4 seat. This vote is a big deal because whoever wins gets a direct say in how our tax dollars are spent and how the city grows.
Early Redemption of 2013 Sales Tax Revenue Bonds
The EDC is paying off its old 2013 bonds ahead of schedule to cut down on interest costs. This smart financial move frees up revenue for future economic development projects in Forney.
Local Election
Forney’s city council elections are happening this Saturday, so don't miss your chance to pick the people calling the shots. It’s a quick way to make sure your voice is heard on how our town grows.
Comprehensive Exterior Renovation at 411 S. Center Street
The property owner requested major exterior updates, including fence replacements, historic window and door replication, painting, roof dormers, and a guest house veranda. The board approved the extensive plans.
Urban Development
Forney is growing fast with tons of new homes and shops popping up everywhere. While it’s great to have more local options, get ready for busier roads and more strain on our city's infrastructure.
Elections
Early voting for the Forney City Council election wraps up this Tuesday. Make sure you get to the polls before the deadline if you want a say in who runs the city.
Water Leak Notification System
Forney is building a new water tower on the north side to stop those annoying low-pressure issues and handle all the new houses popping up. Swing by City Hall on May 27 to check out the blueprints and grill the engineers on how this impacts your street.
Public Safety Staffing
Forney is growing fast, but the police department is struggling to keep up with the influx of new residents. The city is currently weighing how to scale up public safety resources to ensure response times don't slip as the population explodes.