December 09, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cristian ArguetaSoto, Media Coordinator
Phone: 817-635-5411
Email: cristian.arguetasoto@fwhcc.org
Date: Dec. 9, 2024
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Strongly Supports Jay Chapa's Appointment as City Manager
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its community are proud to express their wholehearted support for the appointment of Jay Chapa as the new City Manager of Fort Worth. Chapa, a homegrown leader who has built a family and a remarkable career in the city, represents a commitment to excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership that will ensure Fort Worth’s continued growth and prosperity.
Jay Chapa’s extensive experience, including his previous roles as Assistant City Manager and longtime Deputy City Manager, makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Fort Worth into its next chapter. Chapa embodies the morals, values, and dedication that Fort Worth needs from its City Manager. His steady leadership has been pivotal to the city’s economic resilience and success, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chapa has played a key role in driving economic recovery and growth, contributing to Fort Worth’s position as one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the country. His strategic oversight of American Rescue Plan Act funds facilitated essential projects, including the renovation of the Fort Worth Convention Center to enhance tourism, initiatives to build capacity for minority-owned businesses, the first phase of a new soccer complex to boost sports tourism, and the development of affordable housing in the Evans and Rosedale area. Additionally, his efforts have supported widespread stormwater and wastewater infrastructure improvements, ensuring that the city remains resilient and sustainable.
His contributions extend beyond these efforts. Chapa led the initiative to resolve longstanding issues between the City of Fort Worth and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, ensuring compliance and continued access to federal funding. He was instrumental in securing the Facebook Data Center, an achievement that brought billions of dollars of investment to Fort Worth. He oversaw the development of the Fort Worth Renaissance project along Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway and Berry Street, driving significant economic revitalization in the area. Chapa also created a single-family infill housing program that led to the construction of dozens of homes in the Near Southside, Diamond Hill, and Near Southeast neighborhoods. Additionally, he negotiated the agreement that retained the American Airlines Headquarters in Fort Worth, a key achievement in preserving one of the city’s major economic anchors.
Chapa’s dedication to ethical development was evident when he returned to public service in 2022 to support the Texas A&M University System's expansion into downtown Fort Worth. His commitment to education and workforce development is reflected in his service on Mayor Mattie Parker’s Council on Education and Workforce Development, as well as his involvement with the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee on Child Care, the Steering Committee of CDFI Friendly Fort Worth, and the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business Advisory Council.
Throughout his career, Jay Chapa has mentored numerous city employees who have since risen to leadership roles within Fort Worth and other municipalities. His dedication to fostering the next generation of civic leaders further demonstrates his commitment to the long-term success and growth of the community.
Jay Chapa’s exemplary career, ethical leadership, and unwavering dedication to Fort Worth make him an outstanding choice for City Manager. The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is confident that under his guidance, the city will continue to thrive as an inclusive, prosperous, and forward-thinking community. We stand in full support of Jay Chapa’s appointment and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to Fort Worth.
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Co-Signed By:
About the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1973, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and supporting the economic advancement of Hispanic businesses and the broader Fort Worth community through advocacy, education, and connection.
Contact: Cristian ArguetaSoto, Media Coordinator
Phone: 817-635-5411
Email: cristian.arguetasoto@fwhcc.org
Date: Dec. 9, 2024
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its community are proud to express their wholehearted support for the appointment of Jay Chapa as the new City Manager of Fort Worth. Chapa, a homegrown leader who has built a family and a remarkable career in the city, represents a commitment to excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership that will ensure Fort Worth’s continued growth and prosperity.
Jay Chapa’s extensive experience, including his previous roles as Assistant City Manager and longtime Deputy City Manager, makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Fort Worth into its next chapter. Chapa embodies the morals, values, and dedication that Fort Worth needs from its City Manager. His steady leadership has been pivotal to the city’s economic resilience and success, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chapa has played a key role in driving economic recovery and growth, contributing to Fort Worth’s position as one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the country. His strategic oversight of American Rescue Plan Act funds facilitated essential projects, including the renovation of the Fort Worth Convention Center to enhance tourism, initiatives to build capacity for minority-owned businesses, the first phase of a new soccer complex to boost sports tourism, and the development of affordable housing in the Evans and Rosedale area. Additionally, his efforts have supported widespread stormwater and wastewater infrastructure improvements, ensuring that the city remains resilient and sustainable.
His contributions extend beyond these efforts. Chapa led the initiative to resolve longstanding issues between the City of Fort Worth and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, ensuring compliance and continued access to federal funding. He was instrumental in securing the Facebook Data Center, an achievement that brought billions of dollars of investment to Fort Worth. He oversaw the development of the Fort Worth Renaissance project along Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway and Berry Street, driving significant economic revitalization in the area. Chapa also created a single-family infill housing program that led to the construction of dozens of homes in the Near Southside, Diamond Hill, and Near Southeast neighborhoods. Additionally, he negotiated the agreement that retained the American Airlines Headquarters in Fort Worth, a key achievement in preserving one of the city’s major economic anchors.
Chapa’s dedication to ethical development was evident when he returned to public service in 2022 to support the Texas A&M University System's expansion into downtown Fort Worth. His commitment to education and workforce development is reflected in his service on Mayor Mattie Parker’s Council on Education and Workforce Development, as well as his involvement with the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee on Child Care, the Steering Committee of CDFI Friendly Fort Worth, and the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business Advisory Council.
Throughout his career, Jay Chapa has mentored numerous city employees who have since risen to leadership roles within Fort Worth and other municipalities. His dedication to fostering the next generation of civic leaders further demonstrates his commitment to the long-term success and growth of the community.
Jay Chapa’s exemplary career, ethical leadership, and unwavering dedication to Fort Worth make him an outstanding choice for City Manager. The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is confident that under his guidance, the city will continue to thrive as an inclusive, prosperous, and forward-thinking community. We stand in full support of Jay Chapa’s appointment and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to Fort Worth.
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Co-Signed By:
- Abel Sanchez, Board Chair 1982
- Alex Jiminez, Board Chair 1987
- Robert Fernandez, Board Chair 1989
- Carlos De La Torre, 1997
- John Avila Jr., Board Chair 1999-2002
- Dan Villegas, Board Chair 2005-06
- Sandra McGlothlin, Board Chair 2009-10
- Brad Gorrondona, Board Chair 2011-12
- Larry Anfin, Board Chair 2015-16
- Alfred Saenz, Board Chair 2017-18
- Michael Dimas, Board Chair 2019-20
- Gloria Starling, Board Chair 2021-22
- Ish Arebalos, Board Chair 2023-24
- Mario Valdez, Current Chair
- Rosa Navejar, President/CEO 2001-2012
- John X. Hernandez, President/CEO 2015-2019
- Anette Landeros, President/CEO 2019-24
About the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1973, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and supporting the economic advancement of Hispanic businesses and the broader Fort Worth community through advocacy, education, and connection.
Contact:
Cristian ArguetaSoto, Media Coordinator
cristian.arguetasoto@fwhcc.org, 8176355411
