Neighborhood leaders form Community Leadership United; report festivals, volunteer efforts and outreach

Leaders from several neighborhood associations said they have formed Community Leadership United, an organization they said will coordinate neighborhood advocacy and community programs across Fort Worth.

James Walker, president of the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association, said Community Leadership United was founded by leaders of six neighborhood associations to strengthen communication with city leadership and to support collaborative neighborhood solutions.

“Community Leadership United was founded by the leaders of six neighborhood associations,” Walker said, and he listed the groups participating in the coalition. Christopher Johnson, executive director of Community Leadership United, described the coalition as a vehicle for collective problem-solving and accountability: “Our purpose is to work collectively to address the pressing issues facing our neighborhoods,” he said.

Several speakers described recent community events and volunteer-heavy efforts. David Martinez said his neighborhood-organizing work included fall and winter festivals that drew hundreds of residents, distribution of more than 1,000 books to children, and donation of 72 bikes last year with a goal of 200 this year. Martinez also thanked council members for local park improvements serving veterans and said he is planning a Native American powwow and would reach out to council members about park locations.

Speakers asked for city support for neighborhood collaboration and said they plan continued outreach to council offices and staff. No formal city action was recorded during public comment.