Fort Worth City Council Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Fort Worth City Council convened on October 27, 2026, for a regular meeting presided over by Mayor Parker. The agenda included a consent agenda, council announcements, appointments to boards and commissions, and several public hearings. Major discussion centered on a proposed 10-year, 65% tax abatement for A-Turn Z Semiconductor Testing Corporation, a subsidiary of Taiwan-based KYEC, which would invest $1.3 billion and create 630 jobs in District 8. Public comment addressed topics ranging from water department spending and campaign finance to police accountability and noise ordinances. The council approved most items on the consent agenda and voted in favor of the tax abatement.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved a consent agenda (motion carried) after hearing two speakers: the first speaker alleged misuse of $1 million on a city employee's water line, accusing the mayor and council of waste; Adrian Smith (District 9) spoke in favor of two items (26-1012 and 26-1111) regarding environmental services department name changes and housing funding, but criticized the name change as insufficient without substantive action.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Rawlson (District 2) opposed the A-Turn Z tax abatement, arguing it contradicts the council's earlier stance on data center incentives, would strain water and electricity resources, and was negotiated opaquely. He linked the company to AI chip manufacturing.
• Stephen Sanchez (District 2) echoed opposition, stating the company relies on fossil fuels and would deplete local resources, urging denial of the abatement.
• George Chiles raised questions about campaign contributions from Rick Bennett (Black Mountain) to council members, highlighting disparities and questioning motivations.
• Conley Brewer (District 6) requested clarification on Councilmember Nettles' child care and meal programs, citing public-facing data that may be outdated or inaccurate.
• Michael Rawlson (second appearance) criticized Flock camera surveillance technology, citing constitutional concerns and potential use for immigration enforcement, and urged termination of the contract.
• Adrian Smith (District 9) advocated for remote public speaking and standalone votes, criticizing the council's top-down approach and lack of transparency highlighted by a $97 million shortfall.
• Carolyn Rodriguez spoke at length about police accountability, specifically detailing incidents involving Fort Worth police officer Matthew Kruger, alleging a history of violence and lack of accountability due to union agreements and campaign contributions from the police union to the district attorney.
• Jack Bowen thanked council for responsiveness on public safety issues, urged better workers' compensation for first responders, and cautioned against tax cuts that harm police services.
• Bobby Sanchez (declined to speak) and another speaker withdrew.
• Brian Patman spoke against the A-Turn Z tax abatement, questioning job residency requirements (minimum 30% local), environmental risks from undisclosed chemicals, and fire department preparedness.

Discussion Items

• MNC 26-1298 – A-Turn Z Semiconductor Testing Corporation Tax Abatement: Brianna Brown (Assistant Economic Development Director) presented a 10-year, 65% tax abatement on real and business personal property for a $1.3 billion investment (minimum) at 273 West Everman Parkway (District 8). The project would create 630 full-time jobs with an average salary of $80,000. Estimated incentive value is $50 million; the city cash-positive by year one with $26.8 million net new tax revenue over 10 years. Councilmember Flores clarified the facility is for testing and research and development, not manufacturing, and does not use heavy water/electricity like data centers. Councilmember Abels moved to close the public hearing and approve, noting the investment in District 8. Motion carried.
• MNC 26-1040 – Alcohol Variance for DFW Caribbean Marketplace: Adrian Smith questioned the applicant (not present) about business plans, neighborhood outreach, and operating hours. The public hearing was closed and motion to approve carried.
• ZC26-132 (unclear details): Councilmember Hill thanked the applicant (Carlos and Asmund Hospitality Group) for working with neighborhoods on parking. Motion to approve carried.
• Council Announcements: Councilmember Larsdorf introduced new District 4 director Brian Goff (Army retiree, Ranger, Black Hawk pilot). Councilmember Back (Dr. Hallman) recognized students from Crowley ISD for civic engagement. Councilmember Beck highlighted upcoming events: Fire Station Community Center groundbreaking (opening early 2028), Art Scoggle (taking two-year hiatus), Dia de los Muertos celebration, JPS lung cancer screenings, downtown parks meeting, arts incubator meeting, Veterans Day rucksack, and more. Councilmember Jameson announced a state of the district event on November 5th. Mayor Parker noted the passing of Officer Brian Gentry and invited attendance at his funeral.
• Boards and Commissions Appointments: Appointments approved: Elizabeth Brands to Park and Recreation Advisory Board; reappointments of LaCrucia Powell and Willie Rankin; at-large appointments to Art Commission; MNC 26-1123 and other items passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (motion carried).
• Tax Abatement (MNC 26-1298) approved: 10-year, 65% abatement for A-Turn Z Semiconductor Testing Corporation; motion carried after public hearing.
• Alcohol Variance (MNC 26-1040) approved (motion carried).
• Zoning Change (ZC26-132) approved (motion carried).
• Board Appointments approved as listed.
• Several motions on non-consent items (26-6154, 26-6157, MNC 26-1032, MNC 26-1040) carried.
• The meeting adjourned after the final speaker (Brian Patman).