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The Fort Worth Chamber’s West Area Board hosted a sold-out Entertainment District Task Force luncheon this week, drawing more than 110 Chamber members and community partners committed to shaping the future of one of the city’s most dynamic corridors.
Born out of Business Retention & Expansion conversations led by the West Area Board, the task force—co-chaired by Moody Young and Toan Luong—has quickly become a hub for coordinated action in the district. The luncheon convened business owners, developers, and city officials to discuss ongoing progress and shared priorities around safety, mobility, and economic vitality. The program began by revisiting the task force’s roots and mission, underscoring how critical broad business involvement is to its success.
Related: Bringing Business Leaders Together in the Cultural District
Public Safety Progress Takes Center Stage
During the event, Fort Worth Police Lt. Paul Genualdo, who oversees the district, shared encouraging data on neighborhood safety. He reported that overall crime in the area has dropped 36 percent over the past three years, including a sharp decline in aggravated assaults—from 21 incidents in 2022 to just three as of June 2025.
“We’re working very hard to change the entire outlook of the area,” Lt. Genualdo said. “When those incidents occur, they get a lot of headlines—but they’re the exception, not the rule.”
His remarks reflected the district’s ongoing transformation and the strong partnership between law enforcement, property owners, and local businesses.
Showcasing Collaboration and Community Impact
The luncheon also highlighted creative partnerships revitalizing the district’s cultural energy. I.M. Terrell Principal Ricky Brown and Arts Fort Worth Executive Director Wesley Gentle joined to preview a new Artisan Circle collaboration giving students hands-on opportunities in art, culinary, and technology fields with businesses in the district. The initiative represents a growing bridge between Fort Worth’s education system and the local business community.
Looking Ahead
The task force closed the program by previewing its 2026 focus areas, which include improving walkability, enhancing communication tools for business owners, and continuing to strengthen public-private coordination throughout the district.
The event reaffirmed that through collaboration, communication, and community-driven leadership, the Entertainment District can continue evolving into a safe, vibrant, and sustainable destination for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
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