State law allows Texas cities to designate areas that are in need of investment as Neighborhood Empowerment Zones (NEZs). Within NEZs, cities are able to offer economic incentives that promote investment and redevelopment. In Fort Worth, those incentives include permit fee waivers, impact fee waivers, and tax abatements (tax abatements are not available for properties located within TIF#4).
The City's Planning and Development Department administers the NEZ program. The process for a construction project's NEZ certification also includes review by the pertinent City Council member. Council members request review by pertinent community organizations as well.
Fort Worth South, Inc. serves as the Near Southside's community organization and is asked to provide input on projects submitted for NEZ certification. Council members usually seek formal endorsement from FWSI. To provide a fair and predictable process, FWSI charges its Development Committee with the evaluation of all proposed NEZ projects.
The primary steps for developers seeking NEZ certification on the Near Southside are listed below. (Please note: NEZ certification by the City is required prior to any permit application or other application for which a fee might be waived. Fees are not reimbursed after the fact; i.e., if NEZ certification is made after the application is submitted.)
- NEZ information brochure (PDF).
- Contact FWSI to arrange a briefing to the FWSI Development Committee, which meets the first Monday of every month at 12 noon.
- Brief the Development Committee. The committee will vote on endorsement after the developer completes the presentation and is dismissed.
- If committee votes to recommend NEZ certification, FWSI will draft a letter to
submit to the City. - Submit the NEZ application and FWSI endorsement letter to the City. Contact information: Phyllis Johnson, Planning and Development Department, 817-392-7353, [email protected].
- Contact the pertinent City Council office to arrange a discussion with the City Council Member about the project. Contact information -- District 8: 817-392-8808, District 9: 817-392-8809.