Your donation helps us tell the full story of Tarrant County by uplifting every voice and connecting neighbors through shared understanding. With your help, we can reach our $400,000 goal and ensure community-focused reporting thrives into 2026.<\/p>\n
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Local Advocacy: Fort Worth\u2019s Growth, Infrastructure and Property Rights
While statewide results drew headlines, some of the most impactful advocacy this year happened at the local and regional levels.<\/p>\n
GFWAR has been deeply involved in advancing policies that support responsible growth across Tarrant County, including infrastructure investment, attainable housing initiatives and development regulations that balance community needs with economic opportunity.<\/p>\n
Key business-relevant priorities included:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Housing Supply and Affordability Measures
The lack of attainable housing impacts business recruitment, workforce stability and regional competitiveness. REALTORS\u00ae advocated for local policies that reduce barriers to new development, modernize zoning approaches and encourage a broader mix of housing types. More supply, in turn, keeps housing costs from rising faster than wages, which is a core issue for Fort Worth\u2019s business community.<\/li>\n - Defending Property Rights and Predictability in Development
From protecting short-term rental regulations to being a resource for city officials, GFWAR worked to ensure that investors, small businesses and commercial developers can operate in an environment of legal stability. For businesses, predictability reduces risk, which then fuels investment.<\/li>\n - Tax Policy Changes
REALTORS\u00ae supported several propositions this session that resulted in meaningful tax changes for property owners and a stronger state economy. Voters approved raising the statewide school-district homestead exemption to $140,000 and the exemption for older and disabled Texans to $60,000. Also approved was temporary homestead relief for residences destroyed by fire and a new exemption allowing up to $125,000 of income-producing business personal property to be excluded from ad valorem taxes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStatewide Initiatives with Local Business Impact
Texas REALTORS\u00ae also engaged in broader issues at the statewide level that directly influence Fort Worth\u2019s economic outlook:<\/p>\n- \n
- Property Tax Transparency and Relief
Recent legislative achievements make it easier for property owners to understand, anticipate and manage their tax obligations. With property taxes a major business operating cost in Texas, this remains a top advocacy priority.<\/li>\n - Support for Infrastructure, Water and Resiliency Projects
Statewide propositions help secure future water access, disaster recovery funding and infrastructure expansion. As North Texas continues its population boom, these long-term investments are essential for maintaining business continuity and economic resilience.<\/li>\n - Strengthening the Real Estate Industry
Regulatory updates passed this year modernize licensing, improve consumer protections and reinforce standards in one of the state\u2019s most economically influential sectors. Real estate accounts for roughly 16\u201318% of Texas\u2019 GDP, meaning improvements ripple throughout the entire business ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhy REALTOR\u00ae Advocacy Matters to the Business Community
For many, REALTORS\u00ae are associated primarily with residential transactions. But the industry\u2019s advocacy work extends far deeper, supporting economic development, safeguarding property rights and promoting policies that allow businesses to grow with confidence.<\/p>\nThe 2025 legislative and election cycles illustrate the impact of coordinated, informed civic engagement. GFWAR members mobilized at every level: testifying at the Capitol, meeting with local officials, educating members, informing voters and supporting policy solutions grounded in economic research and market data.<\/p>\n
The result? A policy environment more conducive to investment and long-term stability.<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead: Fort Worth\u2019s 2026 Advocacy Priorities
With a historic year of wins behind them, GFWAR and Texas REALTORS\u00ae are already preparing for the next session and election cycle. Emerging issues include:<\/p>\n- \n
- Supporting attainable housing initiatives to keep up with regional job growth<\/li>\n
- Advocating for infrastructure aligned with business expansion<\/li>\n
- Ensuring regulatory transparency for development and land use<\/li>\n
- Strengthening disaster resilience to protect communities and commercial assets<\/li>\n
- Promoting policies that sustain Texas\u2019 position as a top destination for corporate relocations and startups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As the Greater Fort Worth economy continues to diversify, these advocacy efforts help ensure the region remains competitive.<\/p>\n
A Stronger Fort Worth Through Civic Engagement
The 2025 victories were not accidental. They were the result of thousands of REALTORS\u00ae showing up, staying informed and taking the long-view approach to economic stability.<\/p>\nFor the business community, the message is clear: strong advocacy builds strong economies. And in 2025, Texas REALTORS\u00ae helped deliver meaningful progress for property owners, employers and communities across Greater Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
Paul Epperley is the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS\u00ae President. www.GFWAR.org<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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- Property Tax Transparency and Relief
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