Fort Worth Mayor highlights growth in State of the City Address

“I think the biggest highlight for me was obviously around film and television production,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — On Thursday, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker delivered her annual State of the City address, and her introduction included a long list of accomplishments. 

Right away, Parker turned her attention to the city’s biggest win of the year — growth and success across every corner of the city. Inside Dickies Arena, the floor was packed wall to wall as Parker spoke to the crowd about momentum, progress, and pride in Texas’ 10th largest city nationwide status.

“I think the biggest highlight for me was obviously around film and television production,” Mayor Mattie Parker said. “It’s a bedrock industry now for our city.”

Parker assured the crowd that schools remain strong, as Fort Worth ISD faces the possibility of a state takeover. She shared personal stories from recent school visits, emphasizing her support for students and educators.

Public safety also took center stage. 

Parker highlighted the hiring of Police Chief Eddie Garcia and the service of longtime Fort Worth Police Sgt. Dana Stevenson, whose two sons are now following in his footsteps.

“It was a great opportunity to be recognized,” Sgt. Dana Stevenson said. “I’m really thankful for Mayor Parker reaching out to me and my sons.”

“It’s a big part — being able to be here with my dad and my brother,” Officer Antione Stevenson said. “For law enforcement, it’s huge. It just shows how we’re recognized, and the city is proud of the things that we do.”

The mayor reflected on Fort Worth’s rapid growth, noting the city’s population has surpassed one million residents. She encouraged more people to take part in local government by attending City Council meetings and staying engaged in city decisions.

Parker also addressed renewed public attention over a controversy from three years ago, when an empty casket was left on her front lawn. The moment resurfaced this week after her comments during a recent council meeting.

“Patrice, I still have your casket,” Parker said during that meeting.

When asked whether she regrets the remark, Parker responded candidly.

“I don’t right now,” Mayor Mattie Parker said. “I am a forward-thinking person, and I’ve lived a lot of life in the last two weeks across the City of Fort Worth. I regret anything that puts a negative light on the City of Fort Worth.”

Despite that scrutiny, Parker said she’s focused on the future — a future that includes Fort Worth’s growing role in hosting major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup games across DFW.

“I want them to be excited about what’s going on in our city, right?” Mayor Mattie Parker said. “But I want them to feel like the momentum is on our side here in the 10th largest city in the country.”

For Parker, that momentum is personal — a reflection of the city’s resilience and its people. She closed her address with optimism, calling Fort Worth a city that continues to grow, thrive, and get better every year.