817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

In a week focused on masks in FWISD, EJ and Jimmy look to focus on some major stories that made slightly smaller headlines. First, they talk about two companies announcing potential relocation of major manufacturing facilities. Then, we start trying to unpack all of the budget decisions coming up, starting with the city budget for FY2022, and followed by the $809 million coming to Tarrant County through the American Rescue Act.Finally, they break down the proposed $1.5 billion bond program for FWISD that'll be on the November 2 ballot, and talk about how the current uncertainty around masks and enrollment in school could affect voting on the bond.If you're looking for more information about the FW budget meetings, here's the schedule: https://twitter.com/jessica_priest/status/1425204067329060866?s=10.

This week Tony and EJ dissect the rapid growth in Fort Worth as they review an article in the Star-Telegram about property taxes. We are seeing 15,000 to 20,000 people moving to the city year over year making us the second-fastest growing city in the country.You also see the growth in the number of local podcasts we have about the city with the newest member being the mayor herself Mattie Parker.

This week we have a jammed pack episode with important updates about the city budget and the proposed 2022 bond package.EJ is joined by Tony who works in teacher recruitment and is a friend of the pod. Tony provides a great perspective on what we should expect as Delta, Abbott, and federal funds impact our schools this year for all very different reasons.City Council Information: (https://fortworthreport.org/2021/07/25/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-city-of-fort-worths-budget/)Attend virtual town hall meetings in the coming months, contact your City Council members or speak during the budget hearings at 7 p.m. Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 at City Hall, 200 Texas St., or online. To speak at the budget hearings, register by 5 p.m. the day of the hearing. Register by clicking the speaker/comment card link on the agenda posted on fortworthtexas.gov. You also may register by calling the City Secretary’s Office at 817-392-6150 or 817-392-6150, faxing the request to 817-392-6196 or completing the speaker card in-person at the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall. You may speak between three to six minutes, depending on how many people you represent.Participate in the 2022 Bond Program: (https://fortworthreport.org/2021/07/26/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-city-of-fort-worths-2022-proposed-bond-package/)Go to one of the city’s open houses this month to learn more and ask staff questions. The open houses are at:6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at Future City Hall, 100 Energy Way6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Dunbar High School, 5700 Ramey Ave.6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Heritage Church of Christ, 4201 Heritage Trace Parkway10 am. Saturday, Aug. 14, at R.D. Evans Community Center Gym, 3242 Lackland Road6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at Doxology Church, 4805 Arborlawn Drive

Jimmy and EJ recap the news for the week. The big story is Cary Moon's soccer complex initiative. They also get into a debate about tourism and how much should a city rely on it. If you want your voice to be heard about tourism fill out Visit Fort Worth's tourism survey now. https://survey.cmix.com/959F22C2/7E301C4Q/en-US

Jimmy and EJ are back reviewing the big stories in Fort Worth. They discuss Democrats leaving the state and what is next to protect voting rights. They also spend time sharing new data around homelessness and evictions in the city. They finally also have a chance to walk through the Tarrant Regional Water District story reported by the Fort Worth Report.

Jimmy and EJ have an intimate conversation with Smooth Vega to learn his Fort Worth origin story as a Mexican American with big dreams and why politicians ask for his endorsement.  In 2019 Smooth was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame and has worked to put on shows with Nipsey Hussle, Joyner Lucas, Royce 5’9, Joe Budden, Dave East, Bun B, Chamillionaire, The Game, Ginuwine, Erik B. & Rakim, Scarface, and countless others across the state of Texas.On July 31st he is throwing a highly anticipated music festival called Centro Popular. https://www.centropopular.com/

Annette Gordon-Reed is an American historian and law professor at Harvard University. Dr. Gordon-Reed won sixteen book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family.Today she joins Jimmy and EJ to talk about her new book On Juneteenth and what Texas can do to correct its history to represent the truth rather than Hollywood.You can get her book at The Dock Bookshop at 6637 Meadowbrook Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76112.

This episode is jampacked. Jimmy and EJ go over important info around redistricting schedule and the upcoming budget approval process for the city council. We also sit down with Supreme, a director of a new documentary about Fort Worth's gang history.FW Redistricting Schedule: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1iTWxwVnksF9FZ_voKC0Ewj-LQg_fX5?usp=sharingBudget Process: https://fortworthreport.org/2021/06/20/the-budget-is-the-new-council-members-first-big-task-but-their-impact-could-be-small/

Fort Worth was at the center of national news this weekend as Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday. What is next for the city and how do we continue with the momentum from the inspiring Opal Lee?Jimmy starts the pod telling all of us about the ERCOT debacle and how we should all have a plan this summer to leave Texas when the grid goes down.EJ breakdown the $180M stimulus Fort Worth is receiving and how the city plans to use the funds.  Largest Rubber Duck comes to Fort Worth:https://fwtx.com/culture/world-s-largest-rubber-duck-coming-to-fort-worth/

Jimmy and EJ get back to sharing weekly local news stories starting with discussing the recent education report that was shared with city council last week and the release of For Worth film 12 Might Orphans. The big story for today's episode is about how Mayor Betsy Price is wanting to become Judge Betsy Price.Education Report Story (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article251998108.html)12 Mighty Orphans (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRLSGC0NFAY)Betsy Price's Next Battle (https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/10/betsy-price-tarrant-county-judge/)

Are you aware of Fort Worth's robust hip-hop scene? Today we sit down with Hear Fort Worth ambassador Lou Charle$ who is a top Fort Worth rapper who hosts an annual hip hop show called Louapalooza. Jimmy and EJ get deep with Lou learning about his new album Life Goes On, how it was as a local artist during the pandemic, and his opinions on Judge Alex Kim's comments about rap culture.

The results are here! The people of Fort Worth have voted. Now, what?!? Jimmy and EJ have been looking forward to this episode after months of breaking down the mayoral and city council races. They sit down with a friend of the pod and political science professor at TCU, Emily Farris, to share her analysis and give some potential next steps for the people of Fort Worth.

This week, EJ and Jimmy sit down with one of the greatest connectors and influencers in the city of Fort Worth, Mitch Whitten. Mitch is the Executive Vice President for Marketing & Strategy at @VisitFortWorth; a non-profit focused on enhancing Fort Worth’s image, economy, and quality of life through business and leisure tourism. We learn about the history of Fort Worth through the eyes of a true marketer and storyteller who loves his city and all the communities that make it special. Enjoy the interview!

As the state opens up and things start to feel normal, Governor Gregg Abbott and our political officials are behind closed doors making ultra-conservative legislation that impacts everyday Texans. Jimmy and EJ shares their opinions on what happened this week and why we should be concerned. 

Jimmy and EJ sit down with Emily Farris, an associate professor in Political Science at TCU to discuss the current election and how the establishment in Fort Worth influences the narrative. Dr. Farris specializes in American politics on issues of urban politics and racial and ethnic politics. She teaches courses at TCU in American politics, survey research, urban politics, civil rights, and racial and ethnic politics. Her current research includes projects relating to Latino political behavior, county sheriffs, and urban public policy.

Local journalism is a crucial value add for citizens to stay educated about their cities. It is also important to keep people in power accountable. Today we sit down with the CEO and Publisher of the Fort Worth Report, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news source for Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Join their free newsletter now: http://fortworthreport.org/newsletter/Referenced article in the pod: https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/28/meet-fort-worths-biggest-history-buff-holding-mayoral-candidates-accountable/

Jimmy and EJ start with updated endorsements for mayor and share opinions on the jobs gap in Fort Worth.  We then have a strong ending with Fernando Peralta, City Council Runoff Candidate for District 9, to talk about representation in Fort Worth. Enjoy and share the pod with a friend.Learn more about Fernando Peralta -> https://www.fernandoperalta.com/

Jimmy and EJ react to the election results that came on Saturday night. They go through each district council seat and let you know which ones are going to a runoff. Lastly, they go through their wins and losses and why they are still hopeful for the city.Reference Links:Doyle Fine: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1821475568002375Fort Worth Memories Museum: https://fortworthreport.org/2021/04/28/meet-fort-worths-biggest-history-buff-holding-mayoral-candidates-accountable/

Jimmy and EJ sit down with Jen Sarduy who is running for city council in District 2. They also discuss the current data on voter turnout and what might be the outcome. 1.) Support Jen Sarduy's Campaign here2.) Watch 12 Might Orphans Trailer3.) Attend Leadership Fort Worth State of the Media Forum

Here is a bonus pod with Hayden Blackburn, the executive director of TechFW. We talk about the idea of Fort Worth becoming a tech hub and what are the challenges in making that a reality.