As Fort Worth weighs additional data center development, questions about campaign contributions and public policy are becoming part of the conversation.
Community advocate Julie Waters recently shared a timeline showing Black Mountain’s data center expansion in Fort Worth alongside political donations made by the company’s CEO, Rhett Bennett.
According to Waters, Fort Worth City Council approved multiple Black Mountain rezoning requests in 2025 totaling 479 acres. During that same year, Bennett contributed $46,000 to Fort Worth elected officials, including $12,000 to Mayor Mattie Parker, $20,000 to Council Member Chris Nettles, and $14,000 combined to seven other City Council members.
Waters also noted that Black Mountain later contributed $500,000 to Gov. Greg Abbott, $10,000 to State Sen. Phil King, and $10,000 to State Rep. Ken King. Together, those reported contributions total $566,000.
Waters questioned whether the timing of the donations and zoning approvals could influence elected officials’ decisions, though she did not present evidence that any votes were affected.
She also raised concerns about future data center growth, citing potential impacts on water resources and the company’s acquisition of approximately 2,000 acres near Dinosaur Valley State Park in Parker County. Waters is calling on Gov. Abbott to convene a special legislative session and consider statewide restrictions on data center development.
The discussion comes as Fort Worth continues reviewing additional data center proposals. Supporters point to economic development and investment, while opponents argue the projects deserve greater scrutiny over their long-term effects on water supplies, infrastructure, and surrounding communities.
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