Texas, HUD Investigating Islamic Community Development

State and federal agencies probe allegations of religious discrimination in planned EPIC City project.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The state of Texas and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are investigating the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its affiliated real estate development, EPIC City, over potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. The investigation was launched in response to allegations that the community was being marketed as exclusively for Muslims and that the development's financial terms discriminated against non-Muslims.

Why it matters

The investigation into EPIC highlights ongoing tensions around religious freedom, housing discrimination, and the role of government in regulating private real estate developments. The case raises questions about the boundaries between religious expression, community-building, and fair housing laws.

The details

In 2024, EPIC announced plans to build a 400-acre complex in Collin and Hunt counties called EPIC City, which was to include 1,000 homes, a K-12 Islamic school, athletic fields, and retail space. The Texas Workforce Commission later found a "large-scale pattern of religious discriminatory conduct by the developers," including marketing materials promoting EPIC City as an exclusively "Muslim community" and a "two-tier lottery system for lot sales" that allegedly favored Muslim buyers. EPIC later renamed the development "The Meadow" but the state and federal investigations have continued.

  • In March 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to investigate EPIC.
  • In May 2025, EPIC reached a settlement with the Texas Workforce Commission to complete fair housing training.
  • In January 2026, HUD announced it was investigating EPIC Real Properties, Inc. and Community Capital Partners.
  • In February 2026, HUD Secretary Scott Turner directed HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to investigate EPIC.

The players

East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC)

A multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-lingual, non-sectarian Islamic community in North Texas that is developing the EPIC City/The Meadow project.

Community Capital Partners (CCP)

A real estate development firm affiliated with EPIC that is building the EPIC City/The Meadow project.

Greg Abbott

The governor of Texas who directed multiple state agencies to investigate EPIC and its affiliated entities.

Scott Turner

The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who directed HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to investigate EPIC.

Dan Cogdell

The attorney representing EPIC who has criticized the investigations as being politically motivated.

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What they’re saying

“The Meadow was marketed as an exclusively 'Muslim community' intended to serve as 'the epicenter of Islam in America.'”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (blackchronicle.com)

“Several politicians have tried to pervert these so-called investigations for their political benefit.”

— Dan Cogdell, Attorney for EPIC (blackchronicle.com)

What’s next

The HUD investigation is ongoing, and the Texas Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit against EPIC City and CCP alleging securities law violations. The fate of the EPIC City/The Meadow development remains uncertain as the legal battles continue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of religious freedom, fair housing laws, and the role of government oversight in private real estate developments. It underscores the need for careful consideration of how to balance community-building efforts with anti-discrimination statutes.