Kennedale council backs YMCA partnership, joint school outreach and faith‑network engagement

Kennedale — Community partnerships emerged as a top strategic priority at Kennedale’s planning session, with the council highlighting a near‑term YMCA facility move, closer coordination with the school district and a scheduled meeting with local churches as early implementation items.

City staff reported plans for the YMCA to move into a city‑owned building that will be renovated. The city manager said the remodel concept work will begin soon and that the YMCA move is projected to start in 2025 with facility work into 2026. Councilmembers said the partnership would increase foot traffic, create shared programming and reduce the city’s direct cost for some recreational services.

Councilmembers also discussed formal joint sessions with the school board and stronger regular outreach to local faith groups. The mayor said he expected to convene churches in the second quarter of 2025 to coordinate volunteer responses, social services and aid for residents in need. Councilmembers proposed an annual fundraiser—potentially led by the Chamber of Commerce with council sponsorship—to raise money for local nonprofits serving food and shelter needs during holidays.

Council appointed a councilmember to take the lead on coordinating a nonprofit fundraising effort and asked staff to return with a memorandum describing how shared facilities with the YMCA could reduce net city costs and increase program capacity.