Fort Worth has finalized the structure of a new advisory body focused on data center development, with Mike Slattery, director of the Institute of Environmental Studies at Texas Christian University, set to lead the group. A city spokesperson confirmed via email that the full membership and operational details will be announced publicly on Thursday, September 3.
The entity, formally named the Fort Worth Data Center & Infrastructure Commission, will consist of up to 11 members. Representation is allocated across several sectors, including the economic development business sector, data center operations, environmental and natural resource management, and a local electric provider. The Tarrant Regional Water District and an environmental advocacy organization will also hold seats.
Additionally, five seats are reserved for community members.
The commission is scheduled to deliver a report and recommendations to the City Council by November 3. This timeline places the submission one week before the city’s deadline to hold its first public hearing regarding a potential moratorium on new data centers, which is set for November 10.
The creation of this body was proposed by City Council member Jeanette Martinez in late July. Her proposal followed a call from five council members for the city to implement a moratorium on new data center construction.
In a July press release, Martinez described the group as being composed of dedicated community members and subject-matter experts who would address issues such as noise, water usage, power consumption, and zoning.
The City Council approved the commission’s formation on August 11. During that same session, the council initiated the process for a potential 90-day moratorium and adopted regulatory requirements for developers seeking to build data centers in the city.
