As Fort Worth nears one million residents, the city finds itself at a pivotal moment – one defined not just by expansion, but by the need for smart growth.
On Thursday, October 23, community and business leaders will gather for The Fort Worth Report’s “Fort Worth: One Million and Counting” Growth Summit, powered by JPMorganChase.
The event will explore the opportunities and challenges that come with the city’s rapid growth – from housing affordability to workforce readiness – and how collaboration across public and private sectors can help shape a more resilient future.
“There is something remarkable about Fort Worth – the way it blends tradition with new opportunity,” said J.T. Aughinbaugh, Fort Worth Market Manager at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Vice Chair of JPMorganChase’s Market Leadership Team in North Texas. “But as we expand, we have to make sure that growth benefits every corner of our community.”
The summit will feature panel discussions focused on key issues shaping Fort Worth’s next chapter: water availability, affordable housing and workforce development.
Michelle Thomas, Head of Global Philanthropy for the South at JPMorganChase, will speak about the firm’s initiatives to support homeownership and community development.
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“A strong economy begins in the neighborhoods where people live,” said Thomas. “Affordable housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head: It’s the foundation for Fort Worth families to build wealth, for children to grow up with stability and for our local economies to flourish.”
Another key theme throughout the day will focus on workforce development and skills readiness – a priority for JPMorganChase as industries across North Texas evolve.
By 2036, over 70% of Texas jobs will require a credential beyond a high school diploma. Yet less than 40% of adults in Tarrant County have an associate degree or higher.
“We’re focused not just on supporting today’s workforce, but on preparing the workforce of tomorrow,” said Aughinbaugh. “By helping place more than 10,000 Texans into jobs and apprenticeships, we are helping to build a pipeline of talent ready for what Fort Worth will need in the years to come.
The morning portion of the event will take place from 8 – 11 a.m. at Tarrant County College’s Downtown Fort Worth Campus. A keynote luncheon featuring Chris McLaughlin, CEO of DFW Airport, and a networking session will follow at PalmWood Event & Conference from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“Reaching one million residents is a major milestone for our city, and it’s also a call to action,” said Aughinbaugh. “The decisions we make about housing, jobs and education will ensure that Fort Worth remains a place where families can put down roots and businesses can grow. There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we all come together to solve these challenges.”
To learn more about the critical issues shaping Tarrant County’s future, get tickets to attend One Million & Counting here.
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