OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fort Worth City Council Meeting - August 11, 2026: Data Center Moratorium, Commission, and Public Hearings

City Council — Tuesday, August 11, 2026
BodyFort Worth, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 11, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:33:13
Transcript — Verbatim
1:28

Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting.

1:31

Before Mayor Parker calls the meeting to order, we ask that you please be seated and silence all electronic devices.

1:37

City Council meetings are conducted for the official business of the city council and to re receive input from residents.

1:43

Members of the public attending the meeting shall observe rules of decorum and shall not engage in conduct that interferes with the ability of those present to observe or to participate in the meeting without disruption or fear of intimidation, threats, or hostility.

1:58

An individual engaging in disrupt disruptive conduct may be removed from the chamber and could be arrested for disruption of a meeting.

2:06

Speakers who engage in disruptive conduct could have their mic muted and may be removed from the chamber and arrested for disruption of meeting of a meeting.

2:32

A bell will sound when you have 30 seconds remaining.

2:35

Before you begin your comments, please state your name.

2:38

Thank you.

2:42

Thank you, Jeanette, and good evening, and welcome to your Fort City Council meeting.

2:45

Today is Tuesday, August 11th.

2:47

And today we have a very special guest, Miss Hollis Whitaker, who is our mayor for the day and is going to call our meeting to order and gavel us in.

2:54

Hollis, the gavel's yours.

2:56

Meeting is now called to order, and I'm going to call on my colleague, Councilmember Elizabeth Beck, who Hollis is very close to to tell us a little bit more about this lovely young lady.

3:05

Thank you, Mayor.

3:06

Um Hollis is a Fort Worth native.

3:08

She was born right here in Fort Worth in Council District Friday.

3:12

Um she unfortunately moved away uh to Ohio, but has come back for the week to experience her hometown.

3:18

So we've got to visit the zoo, cook children's, the fire department, the police department, and she's a great little girl.

3:26

Um super fabulous at golf.

3:28

I think she's gonna challenge uh our city manager to a round of golf that he might he might lose.

3:33

Um she's an a avid soccer player and is currently in her cowgirl era.

3:40

And she has the boots on this evening.

3:42

You can't see them, they look fantastic.

3:43

Please give Ms.

3:44

Hollis a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen.

3:50

Thank you, thank you.

3:51

Jeanette, please continue.

3:53

Tonight's invocation will be provided by Reverend Wallace Hall.

3:56

Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledges of allegiance.

4:08

Council members.

4:10

Let us bow Heavenly Father.

4:14

Today we pause to say thank you.

4:17

Thank you for the gift of life, for your grace, your mercy, and for the countless blessings you have poured into our lives.

4:24

Thank you for allowing us to gather here today and for the privilege of coming before you in prayer, seeking your wisdom and guidance.

4:31

We also recognize that we are blessed not because of our goodness, but because of your amazing grace.

4:47

Grant them wisdom to make sound decisions, courage to do what is right, and hearts committed to serving the people of Fort Worth with integrity and compassion.

4:56

We also thank you for the incredible citizens who call Fort Worth home.

5:00

We are a city rich in diversity, filled with different experiences, perspectives, cultures, and ideas.

5:06

Though we may come from different backgrounds and hold different perspectives, remind us that our shared purpose is greater than our differences.

5:13

Help us to listen with understanding, lead with humility, and work together to build a stronger, safer, and more united city.

5:21

As this meeting begins, may every conversation be guided by respect, every decision by wisdom, every action by a genuine desire to serve the common good.

5:30

May we never rely solely on our own understanding but seek your guidance in all that we do.

5:36

And Lord, let us be our commitment to you today that elected leaders and citizens alike will work together, trust one another, and trust you as we continue building a Fort Worth where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

5:48

In your whorey and precious name we pray.

5:51

Amen.

6:02

One nation, under God, as well.

6:42

Not yet.

6:43

I know he's on his way, so making sure he hasn't arrived yet.

6:49

No, no.

6:49

Okay.

6:50

I think at this time the council is going to recess into executive session.

6:55

I believe our speakers were all notified beforehand.

6:58

We just have a few logistics to make sure council's clear on for as many items as we have tonight.

7:02

We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

7:04

And that first item would be to present recognition, honoring Commander Williams, and then our special presentation by Councilman Nettles with Reverend Elisha as well.

7:12

So at this point, we'll convene into executive session.

7:15

Thank you.

8:27

Antoine, would you want to come up and then we'll invite your guests up?

8:31

I want to tell you a little bit about Commander Williams.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Data Center Regulation█████████████████████████████████████████████57%
Procedural█████████11%
Community Engagement████████10%
Public Safety████5%
Public Engagement██3%
Zoning██3%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Youth Programs█1%
Mental Health Awareness█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Fort Worth City Council Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Fort Worth City Council met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM, with a special guest mayor for the day, Hollis Whitaker. The meeting included recognitions, consent agenda approvals, numerous public hearings on zoning and data center items, and extensive public comment. The most significant actions were the unanimous passage of a resolution to initiate a 90-day moratorium on data center developments, the creation of a Data Center and Infrastructure Commission with expanded community representation, and adoption of an ordinance requiring data center permit applications to demonstrate completed PUC and ERCOT approval processes. The meeting concluded past midnight with public comment time reduced to one minute.

Consent Calendar

  • MNC 26-054 was withdrawn from the consent agenda to allow Councilmember Crane to abstain.
  • MNC 26-0606 was withdrawn to enable a community-driven park naming process.
  • MNC ZC26-017 was continued to October 13, 2026, at the applicant's request.
  • ZC26-082 was continued to September 15, 2026, at the applicant's request.
  • Item 7.1.2 (MNC 26-0560) was approved with updated attachments provided late in the afternoon.
  • The consent agenda as amended was approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Data Center Items (10.2.8, 10.2.9, 10.5.1): Over 50 speakers addressed the council, the vast majority expressing strong opposition to data centers and support for a moratorium. Speakers demanded a citizen-led commission with majority voting power, citing concerns over water consumption (up to 300,000 gallons per day per data center), noise pollution (exceeding ordinance limits at night), health impacts (including headaches, insomnia, and animal distress), property value declines, and insufficient job creation. Several speakers criticized council members for accepting campaign contributions from data center interests and called for Mayor Parker to recuse herself due to her husband's lobbying work. Speakers also urged that data centers be classified as heavy industrial with setbacks of at least 1,200 feet. State Representative Vicky Goodwin and Representative John Rosenthal spoke in favor of the moratorium, emphasizing the need for state-level regulation.
  • Parks and Recreation (Watson Street Park): Cindy Bowling and Armando Hernandez spoke in favor of acquiring land for a community park in Central Meadowbrook, expressing gratitude for council support.
  • CDBG Funds: Bob Willoughby alleged misuse of Community Development Block Grant funds and called for a Texas Rangers audit.
  • Polling Locations: Lauren Chong and others urged the council to oppose the reduction of polling locations by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
  • Other Items: Adrian Smith questioned spending on solid waste consulting and hail damage repairs. EJ Carrion and Justin Wells spoke on legal fees for former officer Aaron Dean. David Martinez, Randall Johnson, and others spoke on specific zoning cases.

Discussion Items

  • Commander Antoine Williams Recognition: The council honored Commander Williams for his 27-year career with the Fort Worth Police Department, reading a proclamation that highlighted his leadership and community programs.
  • Reverend Vernon Elisha Recognition: Councilmember Nettles recognized Reverend Elisha for his youth and family community outreach.
  • Council Proposal CP 341 (Reconsideration of MNC 26-0525 – Aaron Dean Legal Fees): After a unanimous vote to reconsider, Councilmember Nettles successfully moved to approve MNC 26-0525 with a corrected vote. Councilmembers Nettles and Martinez changed their votes to oppose further funding for legal representation of the former officer, citing their commitment to social justice. The motion carried.
  • Council Proposal CP 343 (Tarrant County Polling Locations): The council adopted a resolution requesting the Tarrant County Commissioners Court consider alternatives to reducing polling locations, with an amendment by Councilmember Peoples to also consider placement. The motion carried.
  • Data Center Moratorium Resolution (10.2.8): The council discussed and unanimously approved a resolution to initiate the process to adopt a 90-day moratorium on data center developments. Councilmember Beck moved to set the first public hearing no later than November 10, 2026. The final moratorium adoption will require a supermajority vote.
  • Data Center and Infrastructure Commission (10.2.9): After extensive debate, the council approved the creation of the commission with an amendment by Councilmember Nettles (substituting Councilmember Martinez’s motion) to designate the two open seats as community members without specific expertise requirements. The commission will consist of 11 members: six selected by Dr. Mike Slattery (including experts in economic development, data center operations, environment, electric provider, water district, and advocacy) and five community members (three with some expertise and two representing neighborhoods). Councilmember Hill recused from the vote on contracting with TCU. The commission is to report by November 3, 2026.
  • Data Center Ordinance (10.5.1): Councilmember Hill proposed an amendment to require only that data centers have applied for PUC and ERCOT approvals (rather than receiving full approval) before city permits are processed. After debate, Councilmember Nettles made a substitute motion to keep the original language requiring completed approvals. The substitute motion passed, and the ordinance was adopted as originally written.
  • Zoning Cases: The council approved numerous zoning changes, including ZC-26-053, SP-26-008 (auto repair shop with conditions), ZC-26-062, ZC-26-060, ZC-26-066, ZC-26-069, ZC-26-075, ZC-26-077, ZC-26-080, ZC-26-081, and SP-26-009. Several were moved with minimal discussion.
  • Tax Rate and Homestead Exemption: During public comment, a speaker urged the council to consider increasing the homestead exemption if the tax rate is increased and to send a notice to the Tarrant Appraisal District regarding frozen appraisals.

Key Outcomes

  • Moratorium Initiated: Unanimous approval of a resolution to start the 90-day moratorium process, with a public hearing required by November 10, 2026. The moratorium can be extended once for an additional 90 days and will expire by May 17, 2027, if adopted.
  • Data Center Commission Created: Approved with a revised composition: 11 voting members, including 5 community representatives (3 with expertise and 2 from neighborhoods) and 6 subject-matter experts. Dr. Mike Slattery (TCU) will chair. Councilmember Hill recused from TCU contract vote.
  • Ordinance for Permit Requirements: Adopted requiring data center applicants to provide evidence of completed PUC and ERCOT approvals before city permits can be processed. Existing vested projects are exempt.
  • Reconsideration of Aaron Dean Legal Fees: Council reversed its previous position, approving the MNC with a 10-1 vote (Councilmember Bean opposed). This ends any further city funding for the former officer's legal defense.
  • CP 343 Adopted: Resolution requesting Tarrant County Commissioners Court to avoid reducing polling locations and consider placement, passed.
  • Public Comment Time Reduced: Late in the meeting, the council voted to limit remaining public comment to one minute per speaker, prompting criticism from attendees.
  • Meeting Adjourned: At approximately 12:30 AM, in honor of Stephen Daleyon, a Vietnam veteran and community leader.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting. Before Mayor Parker calls the meeting to order, we ask that you please be seated and silence all electronic devices. City Council meetings are conducted for the official business of the city council and to re receive input from residents. Members of the public attending the meeting shall observe rules of decorum and shall not engage in conduct that interferes with the ability of those present to observe or to participate in the meeting without disruption or fear of intimidation, threats, or hostility. An individual engaging in disrupt disruptive conduct may be removed from the chamber and could be arrested for disruption of a meeting. Speakers who engage in disruptive conduct could have their mic muted and may be removed from the chamber and arrested for disruption of meeting of a meeting. A bell will sound when you have 30 seconds remaining. Before you begin your comments, please state your name. Thank you. Thank you, Jeanette, and good evening, and welcome to your Fort City Council meeting. Today is Tuesday, August 11th. And today we have a very special guest, Miss Hollis Whitaker, who is our mayor for the day and is going to call our meeting to order and gavel us in. Hollis, the gavel's yours. Meeting is now called to order, and I'm going to call on my colleague, Councilmember Elizabeth Beck, who Hollis is very close to to tell us a little bit more about this lovely young lady. Thank you, Mayor. Um Hollis is a Fort Worth native. She was born right here in Fort Worth in Council District Friday. Um she unfortunately moved away uh to Ohio, but has come back for the week to experience her hometown. So we've got to visit the zoo, cook children's, the fire department, the police department, and she's a great little girl. Um super fabulous at golf. I think she's gonna challenge uh our city manager to a round of golf that he might he might lose. Um she's an a avid soccer player and is currently in her cowgirl era. And she has the boots on this evening. You can't see them, they look fantastic. Please give Ms. Hollis a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, thank you. Jeanette, please continue. Tonight's invocation will be provided by Reverend Wallace Hall. Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledges of allegiance. Council members. Let us bow Heavenly Father. Today we pause to say thank you. Thank you for the gift of life, for your grace, your mercy, and for the countless blessings you have poured into our lives. Thank you for allowing us to gather here today and for the privilege of coming before you in prayer, seeking your wisdom and guidance. We also recognize that we are blessed not because of our goodness, but because of your amazing grace. Grant them wisdom to make sound decisions, courage to do what is right, and hearts committed to serving the people of Fort Worth with integrity and compassion. We also thank you for the incredible citizens who call Fort Worth home. We are a city rich in diversity, filled with different experiences, perspectives, cultures, and ideas. Though we may come from different backgrounds and hold different perspectives, remind us that our shared purpose is greater than our differences. Help us to listen with understanding, lead with humility, and work together to build a stronger, safer, and more united city. As this meeting begins, may every conversation be guided by respect, every decision by wisdom, every action by a genuine desire to serve the common good. May we never rely solely on our own understanding but seek your guidance in all that we do. And Lord, let us be our commitment to you today that elected leaders and citizens alike will work together, trust one another, and trust you as we continue building a Fort Worth where every person has the opportunity to thrive. In your whorey and precious name we pray. Amen. One nation, under God, as well. Not yet. I know he's on his way, so making sure he hasn't arrived yet. No, no.

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