As Fort Worth weighs new regulations for data center development, a new report has added another layer to an already active public debate.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Mayor Mattie Parker’s husband, David Parker, has been listed since January as a lobbyist for the Data Center Coalition, a national trade group representing the data center industry. The coalition’s members include major technology companies such as Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft.
Mayor Parker told the Star-Telegram that neither she nor her husband has received any direct benefit from the coalition and emphasized that her husband’s work has no influence on her decisions as mayor. She also noted that he does not personally conduct advocacy work for the organization.
The disclosure comes as Fort Worth officials consider new rules to address concerns about data center development, including noise, water consumption, and energy use. Community interest in the issue has grown in recent months, with some residents calling for a temporary moratorium while the city evaluates long-term impacts.
City officials say there is currently no known legal reason for any council member to recuse themselves from discussions related to data centers. The city is also encouraging residents to participate in the public process as proposed regulations continue to be reviewed.
Fort Worth will host a public open house on June 30 to discuss the proposed regulations, with a final City Council vote expected Aug. 11.
Read Harrison Mantas’ full report at Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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