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Fort Worth's 'Net Force' Program Tackles Nuisance Properties

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 21:29 GMT by KDFW
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

FORT WORTH, TX - February 21, 2026 - Fort Worth's innovative 'Net Force' program is demonstrating tangible results in its ongoing effort to address chronic nuisance properties, offering a multi-faceted approach to reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents in targeted neighborhoods. Launched in early 2023, the program is moving beyond simply issuing citations to actively intervening in situations where dilapidated or misused properties become magnets for criminal activity and sources of community distress.

Net Force distinguishes itself through its holistic strategy, seamlessly integrating code enforcement, targeted police intervention, and - crucially - proactive community engagement. This differs from traditional approaches which often focus solely on reactive measures. The program doesn't merely address the symptoms of neighborhood decline but attempts to dismantle the root causes by addressing the condition of problem properties. City officials emphasize that the program isn't solely about structural issues; it's about mitigating the negative ripple effects these properties have on surrounding homes and businesses.

Veronica Laizure, Fort Worth's Code Compliance Director, explains the rationale behind the program's focus. "It's not just about the buildings, but the impact on those surrounding properties," she stated. "They're negatively impacted by what's happening at that property - decreased property values, fear for safety, a general decline in the neighborhood's vibrancy. We're seeing that addressed." The impact isn't solely financial; the program aims to restore a sense of community pride and security.

Since its inception, Net Force has adopted a tiered approach. Initially, program staff work with property owners to identify and rectify code violations. This often involves providing resources and guidance to help owners bring their properties into compliance. However, for persistent offenders, the program escalates to more assertive measures. City Attorney Jennifer Wilson details this escalation: "We're seeing a real difference and a real impact on the communities," she said. "We're seeing reduced calls for service, fewer incidents of crime and we're seeing properties being brought back to compliance. But when cooperation isn't forthcoming, we're prepared to take legal action."

That legal action frequently takes the form of lawsuits seeking court-ordered receiverships. This is a key component of Net Force's success. Receiverships allow the city to appoint a neutral third party - a receiver - to take control of the property, make necessary repairs, and bring it into full compliance with city codes. The receiver then manages the property, often collecting rent to cover the costs of rehabilitation. This prevents further deterioration and restores the property to a safe and habitable condition. The program has successfully secured multiple temporary receiverships, demonstrating its ability to navigate the legal complexities involved.

While the program has already shown promising results, city officials recognize that addressing chronic nuisance properties is a long-term commitment. Expanding the scope of Net Force is under consideration, with discussions centered around increasing staffing levels to allow for more proactive inspections and faster response times. There's also a growing focus on preventative measures - identifying properties at risk of falling into disrepair before they become chronic problems. This could involve offering financial assistance for repairs or providing proactive code compliance education to property owners.

The city is also exploring partnerships with local non-profit organizations specializing in affordable housing and community development. These collaborations could help facilitate the rehabilitation of properties and ensure they remain affordable for low-income residents. This approach aligns with Fort Worth's broader commitment to equitable development and preventing displacement.

Net Force represents just one piece of Fort Worth's comprehensive strategy to tackle crime and improve neighborhood safety. It complements other initiatives focused on community policing, youth programs, and economic development. By addressing the physical environment, Net Force is creating a more positive and supportive environment for these broader efforts to succeed. The program's leaders emphasize the importance of continued collaboration between city departments, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to ensure its long-term effectiveness. The success of Net Force could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating the power of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to revitalizing troubled neighborhoods.