City Council Meeting | August 11, 2026

The City Council meeting of Fort Worth on August 11, 2026, focused extensively on the issue of data center development within the city. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of a 90-day moratorium on new data center applications to allow for a regulatory review addressing concerns such as noise, water usage, energy demand, and land use compatibility. The council also established the Fort Worth Data Center and Infrastructure Commission, tasked with studying data center impacts and providing recommendations by November 3, 2026. Additionally, an ordinance was passed requiring data center projects to provide proof of approval from relevant state utility regulators before city permits are granted. The commission's composition was amended to include additional community members to ensure resident representation. Public comments overwhelmingly expressed concerns about environmental, health, and community impacts of data centers, urging for stronger regulations and transparency. The council took votes to approve the moratorium, commission formation, and ordinance, with some members recusing themselves due to conflicts of interest. These measures reflect a significant policy decision aimed at shaping future procurement and development activities related to data centers in Fort Worth.