Michael Morris, longtime Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, was fired after 30 years on the job.

DALLAS — Michael Morris, a longtime regional official and driving force behind the World Cup transportation plan, was fired from his position after 35 years on the job, officials said. 

Morris served as the Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for 35 years, according to a statement from the organization. His last day on the job was April 28, 2026, the statement reads. 

“We are grateful for his more than 40 years of service to the region, including 35 years of leadership that helped shape one of the nation’s most dynamic transportation systems,” the statement reads. 

The process of removing Morris from his position has been ongoing over the course of several months, according to reporting from the Fort Worth Report.

The Regional Transportation Council, an independent committee of the NCTCOG with 45 elected and appointed members from across the Metroplex, will hold a special meeting on April 30 to address Morris’ firing, 

Among the items on the special meeting’s agenda is approving funding for FIFA-related agreements, and also seeking $5 million in emergency funding “for unforeseen needs resulting from recent legal action that has impacted the Metropolitan Planning Organization status and the fiscal agency.

Morris’ work made a large impact on North Texas. Beyond planning for the World Cup, Morris has been responsible for distributing millions of dollars in grants and state funding to support transit in the region. His purview included plans for roads, toll lanes, rail, bicycle, and air quality.  

Dan Kesslet was named interim Director of Transportation after Morris’ departure, according to the statement from the council of government. 

“He brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s transportation priorities, and we are confident in his ability to lead the department during this transition,” the statement reads. 

The North Central Texas Council of Governments will conduct a national search for Morris’ replacement.