Fort Worth Advances $10 Billion Data Center After Heated Debate

The Fort Worth City Council voted 7-4 on Tuesday, August 25, to approve zoning amendments and a revised site plan for a 187-acre data center campus proposed by Black Mountain. This action advances the company's planned $10 billion private investment, which had received underlying data center entitlements in January and September 2025.

Key changes approved include allowing an electrical substation, buildings up to 70 feet tall, and one parking space for every four employees. Crucially, the final motion mandates data center buildings to be at least 300 feet from neighboring residential property lines, a requirement introduced by Council Members Chris Nettles and Michael Crain. The revised layout features four buildings occupying just over 1 million square feet at ground level, replacing an earlier 18-building concept.

The decision came after divided testimony from residents, with supporters emphasizing economic development and national AI leadership, aligning with the White House's 2025 AI Action Plan. Opponents raised concerns about infrastructure, resource use, particularly electricity demand and water consumption, and potential impacts on surrounding communities. Resident Brian Patman challenged the council's priorities, and Sue Weston requested a delay, citing insufficient analysis of potential stormwater and vibration effects.

Council Member Mia Hall clarified that the vote was on amending an existing entitlement for a data center, not on whether a data center could occupy the property at all. Mayor Mattie Parker acknowledged residents' concerns, stating they shaped her vote to support the revised plan. Fort Worth established a Data Center and Infrastructure Commission on August 11 and is considering a temporary moratorium on data centers for new projects while developing broader regulations, though any moratorium would not apply to vested or approved projects.