Potential data center development in southeast and southwest Fort Worth emerged as a growing concern during the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission May 11 meeting, with commissioners questioning possible environmental and community impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Commission chair Karen Johnson said the issue is becoming “louder in our city,” pointing specifically to concerns about environmental effects, water usage and potential inequities in where large-scale facilities may be located.
Commissioners requested briefings from city staff on how proposed data centers could affect residents, including environmentally and in their neighborhoods. Commissioners also requested a briefing on public access to information about projects planned near residential areas. Some members also raised questions about whether certain communities could face greater impact than others.
The conversation reflected a broader effort by the commission to expand discussions around equity and quality-of-life issues affecting Fort Worth residents.
Fort Worth Human Relations Commission
Documenter: Lou Chapman
Date: May 11, 2026
Learn more about this meeting by clicking here. For the agenda, click here.
Fair housing program update
Earlier in the meeting, staff gave an overview of the city’s Fair Housing Assistance Program, which investigates housing discrimination complaints under federal law and Fort Worth ordinances.
Officials said the city currently has nine open housing discrimination investigations and 13 pending inquiries.
In the last two years, the city has closed 156 cases, the staff said. Disability discrimination made up the largest portion (77), followed by race (40). Discrimination based on sex was the cause of 16 cases, followed by discrimination based on national origin (9), retaliation (7), familial status (5) and color (2).
Kristen Smith, director of human resources, civil service and civil rights, introduced several staffing changes intended to strengthen outreach, education and data analysis efforts, including expanded public education programming and improved tracking of civil rights metrics.
The commission also unanimously upheld a staff determination in a fair housing appeal case involving alleged disability accommodation issues at a rental property.
The complainant said the property owners didn’t make appropriate accommodations for a child with a disability. The staff denied the complaint, finding no discrimination, apparently in part because the child was not listed on the lease.
FIFA and public safety discussed
Commissioners additionally discussed regional preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, particularly the expected influx of international visitors to North Texas.
Although Fort Worth is not hosting matches directly, the city will still serve as a support location with transportation, watch centers and public safety coordination tied to matches in Arlington and Dallas.
Commissioners also discussed how local police have received training related to interacting with international visitors and during the event.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for June 1.
Lou Chapman is a member of the Fort Worth Report Documenters crew. If you believe anything in this account is inaccurate, please email us at news@fortworthreport.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.
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