FORT WORTH, Texas — The Tarrant County College Board of Trustees last Thursday approved a $415 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026 while holding the line on TCC’s property tax rate at 11.228 cents per $100 in valuation.
Applying zero-based budgeting for the first time ensures that every dollar directly supports students, furthers academic excellence and addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and community. A rigorous process, it requires every expense to be justified and to align with the College’s strategic priorities. It should enable TCC to do more with less by eliminating inefficiencies and directing resources to programs and services with the greatest benefit.
Effective Sept. 1, the operating budget represents a 1.41% decrease from the previous year’s $421 million.
“To get ahead we must stay ahead, and zero-based budgeting focuses our money squarely where it belongs — on the student experience,” said Board President Jeannie Deakyne. “This fresh approach stretches our resources to maximum effect, making us stronger, more responsive and better stewards of the public’s investment.”
TCC’s property tax rate is one of the lowest in Tarrant County — 56th of the 58 major public taxing entities — yet the College’s economic punch in education, workforce development and community service is huge — $2.3 billion annually. That’s $1.30 in taxpayer value for every dollar invested.
Chancellor Elva LeBlanc: “More than an educational institution, Tarrant County College is an investment — a strategic investment in North Texas. By focusing every dollar on what matters most, we’re not just managing resources, we’re transforming lives and empowering TCC Trailblazers to achieve their dreams.”
In addition to a new science building at TCC Northeast, the budget advances the facilities master plan, enhances security and refreshes technology across all campuses.
The College anticipates $63.4 million in state appropriations for 2025-2026, up $3.7 million from last year, based on House Bill 8 performance outcomes. TCC reached post-pandemic milestones in fall 2024 and spring 2025, with record numbers of dual credit students completing 15 hours and Trailblazers earning certificates or associate degrees in high-demand fields. Fall 2025 enrollment already exceeds 49,196 — generating more than $8 million in revenue for the new budget year.
TCC partners with K-12 independent school districts countywide to create higher education pathways, including 100 dual credit campuses, 14 Early College High Schools and 17 Pathways in Technology locations. New Early College High School opportunities with Birdville and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISDs and ResponsiveEd Texas are on the horizon, and TCC’s first adult high school partnership is growing.
Collaborations with Workforce Solutions, the Small Business Development Center and hundreds of industry partners are expanding true-to-career learning opportunities in the auto industry with Autobahn and Toyota; in aviation with Embraer, Bell, Bombardier and Gulfstream; in EMS continuing education on the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base; in law enforcement and fire rescue training for municipalities; and in healthcare by crafting in-demand programs for local hospitals. Four new fast-track film industry certifications are planned for spring 2026 as the state invests $1.5 billion over the next decade to boost Texas’ TV and movie industry.
“Outcomes like these, paired with a reduced operating budget and a stable property tax rate, are the result of a dynamic partnership between the Board of Trustees and College leadership. We work together to drive meaningful results for students and the community,” Deakyne said. “We applaud Chancellor LeBlanc and her team for their willingness to consider approaches that ensure Tarrant County College’s future.”
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.