The Mayor's Community Engagement Neighborhood Awards

Fort Worth Pride Award

Honors a neighborhood association and a homeowners’ association that completed a successful beautification or revitalization effort in 2026. The award recognizes projects that enhance the neighborhood’s physical environment, including improvements to parks, public spaces, housing, landscaping, lighting, traffic safety or other community infrastructure.

Spirit of Fort Worth Award

Celebrates a neighborhood association and a homeowners’ association that strengthened community connection and neighborhood pride through social or cultural activities in 2026. The award recognizes neighborhoods that demonstrate the spirit of neighborliness by creating opportunities for residents to connect, participate, celebrate and build a stronger sense of community.

Healthy Neighborhood Award

Recognizes a neighborhood association and a homeowners’ association that made a significant effort in 2026 to improve the health and well-being of its community. The award honors initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, support physical or mental well-being, encourage recreation, or help connect residents of all ages with opportunities and resources that contribute to a healthier community.

Safety First Neighborhood Award

Recognizes a neighborhood association and a homeowners’ association that demonstrated an outstanding commitment to creating a safer community in 2026. The award honors neighborhoods that take proactive steps to address safety concerns, build community awareness and preparedness, and partner with public safety agencies or other organizations to enhance the safety and well-being of residents.

Partners in Learning Award

Honors a neighborhood association, homeowners’ association, or alliance that demonstrated an outstanding commitment to education and youth engagement in 2026. This award recognizes neighborhoods that build meaningful partnerships with schools, educators and students; create opportunities for young people to learn and engage with their community; or support educational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Neighborhood Communications Award (New)

Recognizes excellence in neighborhood communication and outreach in 2026. The award honors a neighborhood association, homeowners association or alliance that effectively keeps residents informed, connected and engaged through thoughtful and accessible communication. Entries may demonstrate the use of newsletters, websites, email, social media or other communication tools to share information, promote opportunities and encourage participation in the neighborhood.

Community Collaboration and Engagement Award

Honors a neighborhood association, homeowners association, alliance or community organization that demonstrated exceptional civic engagement and collaboration in 2026. The award recognizes initiatives that identified community challenges, engaged and mobilized residents, and built partnerships with the City, schools, businesses, nonprofits or other stakeholders to create positive change in their neighborhood and the Fort Worth community.

Honoring Our History Award (New)

Honors a neighborhood association, homeowners’ association, alliance or community organization that demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preserving and celebrating its neighborhood’s history and heritage in 2026. The award recognizes efforts to protect historic places, document and share neighborhood stories, preserve cultural traditions, or increase awareness and appreciation of the people, places and events that have shaped the community.

Eligibility and Judging:

• Neighborhood award categories are open to neighborhood associations, homeowners’ associations, alliances and community organizations registered with the City of Fort Worth, as applicable to each award category.
• For each eligible neighborhood award category, awards may be presented for first place, first runner-up and second runner-up. Neighborhood associations and homeowners’ associations are judged separately to account for differences in organizational structure and resources.
• Eligible projects and activities must have taken place in Fort Worth between Nov. 1, 2025, and Nov. 1, 2026.
• A program, project, initiative or event that received a first-place Neighborhood Award within the previous two award cycles is not eligible for nomination. Neighborhood associations, homeowners’ associations, alliances and community organizations that have previously received an award remain eligible to apply with a different qualifying program, project, initiative or event.
• Individual award nominees must meet the eligibility requirements outlined for their respective award category.
• Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027.
• The City may verify nominations and submitted information with neighborhood association officers, nominees or other appropriate sources.
• Nominations will be judged by members of the Neighborhood Engagement & Revitalization Alliance of North Texas. City of Fort Worth staff will not participate in the judging.
• Winners will be announced Saturday, March 6, 2027, during the Mayor’s Community Engagement Neighborhood Awards ceremony.

Submission Instructions:

• Nominations must be submitted using the online application available on the Community Engagement webpage.
• Applicants who need assistance completing or submitting the online application may contact the Community Engagement Office for assistance.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit up to five (5) digital photos with each nomination.
• By submitting a nomination, applicants acknowledge that nomination information and submitted materials may be used by the City of Fort Worth for communications, media, educational and promotional purposes.
• Following the Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards ceremony, submitted nominations may be published on the City of Fort Worth website. Applicants should not include confidential, sensitive or personal information that is not appropriate for public release.
• By submitting photos, applicants grant the City of Fort Worth permission to reproduce and use the submitted images for awards-related, communications, educational and promotional purposes.

Judging Criteria:

Neighborhood award nominations will be evaluated based on the overall impact of the nominated project or initiative, including the degree to which the neighborhood overcame challenges and effectively mobilized community resources.

Judges may consider the following:

• Self-Help/Financial Capability – Effective use of available resources and demonstrated resourcefulness.
• Grassroots Involvement – Meaningful participation and involvement of neighborhood residents.
• Innovation – Creative or effective approaches to addressing neighborhood needs or opportunities.
• Community Benefit – Demonstrated positive impact on the neighborhood and its residents.
• Sustainability – Potential for the effort or its benefits to continue over time.
• Leadership Development – Opportunities created for residents to develop skills, take responsibility and become community leaders.
• Partnership Building – Effective collaboration with community organizations, businesses, schools, the City or other partners.
• Volunteerism – Meaningful contributions of residents' time, skills and service.
• Replicability – Potential for the project, program or approach to be adapted or replicated by other neighborhoods.

Code Compliance Officer of the Year

Recognizes a Code Compliance Officer who demonstrated exceptional service to Fort Worth residents and neighbors in 2026. The award recognizes an officer who went above and beyond to address community concerns, provided responsive and professional service, built positive relationships with residents, and worked collaboratively to help create safe, healthy and vibrant neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) of the Year

Recognizes a Neighborhood Patrol Officer who demonstrated exceptional service to Fort Worth residents and neighborhoods in 2026. The award recognizes an officer who went above and beyond to build community trust, engaged with residents and businesses, responded to neighborhood concerns, and strengthened partnerships that promoted safety and community involvement.

Emergency Response Champion of the Year (New)

Recognizes a City of Fort Worth employee who provided exceptional service to residents during an emergency, crisis or critical situation in 2026. Nominated by community members, the award honors an employee who demonstrated compassion, responsiveness and a commitment to serving Fort Worth residents when they needed it most.

Danny Scarth Trailblazer of the Year

Honors an individual who demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership and advocacy for people with disabilities in 2026. The award recognizes someone who, through their volunteer service, has made meaningful contributions to advance inclusion, increase opportunities, remove barriers and improve quality of life for people with disabilities throughout the Fort Worth community.

Fort Worth Neighbor of the Year

Honors an individual who demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and dedication to their neighborhood in 2026. The award recognizes an “unsung hero” whose actions strengthened community connections, supported their neighbors and made a meaningful difference through generosity, compassion and civic engagement.

• Individual award nominations are open to individuals who demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, volunteerism, or commitment to Fort Worth residents and neighborhoods, as outlined in each award category.
• Nominees for Code Compliance Officer of the Year and Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) of the Year must be City of Fort Worth employees serving in their respective roles during the eligibility period.
• Nominees for Emergency Response Champion of the Year must be City of Fort Worth employees who provided exceptional service to residents during an emergency, crisis, or critical situation.
• Nominees for the Danny Scarth Trailblazer of the Year and Fort Worth Neighbor of the Year must have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and community contributions. Contributions made solely as part of paid employment do not qualify for these two awards.
• Nominated service, activities, or contributions must have taken place in Fort Worth between Nov. 1, 2025, and Nov. 1, 2026.
• Individuals may be nominated by Fort Worth residents, registered neighborhood associations, homeowners’ associations, community organizations, or others familiar with their contributions.
• Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027.
• The City may verify nominations and submitted information with nominees, supervisors, community members, or other appropriate sources.
• Nominations will be judged by members of the Neighborhood Engagement & Revitalization Alliance of North Texas. City of Fort Worth staff will not participate in the judging.
• Award recipients will be announced Saturday, March 6, 2027, during the Mayor’s Community Engagement Neighborhood Awards ceremony.

• Nominations must be submitted using the online application available on the Community Engagement webpage.
• Nominators should provide a description of the individual's contributions, including specific examples of service, leadership, or actions that demonstrate why the nominee deserves recognition.
• Nominations should describe how the individual's efforts positively impacted Fort Worth residents, neighborhoods, or the broader community during the eligibility period.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit up to five (5) digital photos that help illustrate the nominee's contributions or community involvement.
• Applicants who need assistance completing or submitting the online application may contact the Community Engagement Office for assistance.
• By submitting a nomination, applicants acknowledge that nomination information and submitted materials may be used by the City of Fort Worth for communications, media, educational, and promotional purposes.
• Following the Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards ceremony, submitted nominations may be published on the City of Fort Worth website. Applicants should not include confidential, sensitive, or personal information that is not appropriate for public release.
• By submitting photos, applicants grant the City of Fort Worth permission to reproduce and use the submitted images for awards-related, communications, educational, and promotional purposes.

• Exceptional Service – Demonstrated commitment to serving others and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.
• Community Impact – Meaningful, positive contributions that improved the lives of residents, strengthened neighborhoods, or addressed community needs.
• Leadership and Initiative – Demonstrated initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire or encourage positive action.
• Community Engagement and Relationship Building – Efforts to build trust, strengthen connections, and develop positive relationships with residents, organizations, or community partners.
• Compassion and Responsiveness – Demonstrated care, professionalism, and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of others.
• Dedication and Commitment – Consistent or significant contributions of time, effort, skills, or service that reflect a commitment to the Fort Worth community.
• Lasting Contributions – Actions or accomplishments that created meaningful improvements, strengthened community relationships, or provided benefits beyond the immediate situation.

1. Who is eligible for a Neighborhood Award?

Neighborhood Award categories are open to neighborhood associations, homeowners' associations (HOAs), neighborhood alliances, and community organizations registered with the City of Fort Worth, as applicable to each award category. Individual award nominees must meet the eligibility requirements for their respective categories.

2. Are neighborhood associations and homeowners' associations judged together?

No. Neighborhood associations and homeowners' associations are judged separately to account for differences in organizational structure and resources. First-place and first runner-up awards may be presented in each eligible Neighborhood Award category.

3. What types of projects or activities are eligible?

Eligible programs, projects, initiatives, and events must have taken place in Fort Worth between November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026. Review the individual award descriptions and nomination forms to find the best fit for your project.

4. Can previous award winners submit another nomination?

Yes! Organizations that have received awards in previous years are welcome to participate again. However, a program, project, initiative, or event that received a first-place Neighborhood Award within the previous two award cycles is not eligible for nomination. Organizations may submit a different qualifying project or activity.

5. How do I submit a nomination?

All nominations must be submitted using the online application available on the Community Engagement webpage. Select the appropriate award category, review the eligibility requirements and judging criteria, and complete the nomination form.

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2027.

6. Can I include photos with my nomination?

Yes! Applicants are encouraged to submit up to five digital photos that help illustrate their project, activity, or accomplishments.

7. How are nominations judged?

Nominations are evaluated by members of the Neighborhood Engagement & Revitalization Alliance of North Texas using the established criteria for each award category. City of Fort Worth staff do not participate in the judging. The City may verify submitted information with neighborhood association officers, nominees, or other appropriate sources.

8. How is Neighborhood of the Year selected?

Fort Worth's Neighborhood of the Year is selected from the winners of the Neighborhood Award categories. There is no separate nomination process for this recognition.

9. What is In It to Win It!, and how can I get help with my nomination?

In It to Win It! is a nomination training designed to help residents and neighborhood organizations understand the award criteria, navigate the application process, and showcase their accomplishments.

Applicants who need additional assistance completing or submitting an online nomination may also contact the City of Fort Worth Community Engagement Office.

Dates for the In It to Win It workshops will be announced soon, that tuned! .

10. When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 6, 2027, during the Mayor's Community Engagement Neighborhood Awards ceremony.

11. Will my nomination information and photos be made public?

Nomination information and submitted materials may be used by the City of Fort Worth for communications, media, educational, and promotional purposes. Submitted nominations may also be published on the City's website following the awards ceremony.

Please do not include confidential, sensitive, or personal information that is not appropriate for public release. By submitting photos, applicants grant the City permission to reproduce and use those images for awards-related, communications, educational, and promotional purposes.

Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) is Fort Worth's 2025 Neighborhood of the Year

The Lake Como community in Fort Worth has been named Neighborhood of the Year in recognition of a powerful year of impact, unity, and service for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW. From youth development to food access, from historic preservation to public safety, Lake Como demonstrated what happens when a neighborhood invests in its people. Through intentional programs and community partnerships, residents did more than host events; they strengthened opportunity, safety, health, and pride across generations.

The Como Lions Heart College Dorm Kit Program supported graduating seniors transitioning to college by providing up to $500 in dorm essentials, a $100 gift card, and a laptop, ensuring students entered their first year equipped and confident. Students participated in a Youth Conference focused on college readiness, life skills, and mentorship before being honored at a community luncheon celebrating their achievement.

The 2025 Beautification and Accessibility Expansion of the Como Community Garden added raised beds for seniors and residents with mobility challenges and introduced a greenhouse to allow year-round food production, strengthening food access and inclusion.

The Lake Como Unity Run / History Walk combined physical activity with historical education, guiding residents through culturally significant landmarks while promoting wellness and intergenerational connection.

Public safety and youth mentorship were strengthened through Friday Night Lights at the Como Community Center, a weekly program offering meals, structured activities, and safety education on gun violence prevention and conflict resolution in partnership with community leaders and local officers

And the historic W.H. Wilburn Lake Como Day Parade, founded in 1950 by W.H. Wilburn, celebrated its 75th anniversary during Lake Como’s 120th year, bringing together families, faith groups, youth organizations, and civic leaders in a powerful display of pride and unity. Together, these initiatives reflect a neighborhood that honors its past while actively building a healthier, safer, and more hopeful future, a true model of what Neighborhood of the Year represents.

AJ Jackson of Riverwalk Residences Neighborhood Association is Fort Worth's 2025 Neighbor of the Year

AJ has not missed a beat since moving to Fort Worth in 2019. What started with an inquiry for a train quiet zone has evolved into the inception of the Riverwalk Residences Neighborhood Association. As inaugural president, AJ established a solid network with Councilmember Martinez, Fort Worth Police Department - Central Division Commander Rob Stewart, and the Riverside Alliance to improve the care/services given to the community. AJ rallied his fellow Riverside Residences neighbors and established the Riverside Residences Neighborhood Association in November of 2024. Since then, AJ has spearheaded campaigns to deter illegal firework and gunshot activity along the Trinity River Trail during 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, and is involved in ensuring the trail and nearby Andrew Doc Sessions Community Center are well-maintained and that all neighbors feel safe.

Congratulations to all our 2025 Neighborhood Award Winners(PDF, 6MB)

Neighborhood Workshop Presentations

Presentation materials from the 2025 Mayor’s Community Engagement Neighborhood Workshops are available below. Each session was designed to provide practical tools, resources, and insight to support Fort Worth neighborhoods.

What’s Being Built Near You? Understanding Zoning and Development(PPTX, 12MB)

How Fort Worth Grows: Understanding the Budget, Bonds & the Comprehensive Plan(PPTX, 41MB)

Make It a Can’t-Miss Event: Planning + Promotion Strategies That Work(PPTX, 41MB)

“Help Wanted” to Event-Day Heroes: Volunteer Strategy Made Simple(PPTX, 11MB)

Recognize, Respond, Refer: Community Awareness for Homelessness & Trafficking: Homeless Presentation(PPTX, 9MB) & Trafficking Presentation(PPTX, 9MB)

Safer Neighborhoods 101: Partnering with Your NPO + Using the MyFW App(PPTX, 27MB)

Explore Neighborhood Event Submissions

For the first time, we are sharing Neighborhood Award submissions in the event categories with the community.

This update comes directly from resident feedback and survey responses asking for more visibility into the work happening across Fort Worth neighborhoods. By opening up these submissions, we hope to create stronger connections between neighborhoods and spark new ideas for events, programs, and activities.

You can explore the submissions in two formats:

• A PDF version for easy browsing and printing(PDF, 533KB)
• An Excel file for those who prefer to sort and filter(XLSX, 127KB)

Please note: the PDF may need to be enlarged for easier viewing. We are providing both options to support different accessibility needs and preferences.

We invite you to explore, learn from one another, and see the many ways neighborhoods are bringing people together across Fort Worth.

Past Neighborhood Award Winners(PDF, 118KB)