Wichita Falls Considers Rezoning for Potential Data Center

City leaders voice concerns over broader industrial uses beyond the proposed data center project.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Wichita Falls City Council considered rezoning nearly 100 acres of commercial and residential land off Airport Drive to light industrial for a potential data center. However, the item was ultimately tabled due to concerns that the rezoning could allow for uses beyond just the data center, such as Bitcoin mining. The original developer has since withdrawn from the agreement, but city leaders say they remain optimistic and are looking forward to reviewing a revised proposal that will include stronger accountability measures.

Why it matters

The potential data center project represents an opportunity for economic growth in Wichita Falls, which has seen a decline in its ranking among top cities in Texas. However, there are concerns from residents about the impact on nearby homes, including issues around noise, lighting, and other performance standards.

The details

During the February 3 City Council meeting, councilors considered rezoning the land to light industrial for a potential data center. However, they voiced concerns that once the land was rezoned, developers could pursue uses beyond the proposed data center, such as Bitcoin mining. Since that meeting, the original developer has withdrawn from the agreement, but city leaders say they are now working on a new proposal that will be more direct and include stronger accountability measures.

  • The City Council considered the rezoning during their February 3 meeting.
  • The original developer has since withdrawn from the agreement.
  • City leaders say a new proposal could be presented to the Council as soon as April.

The players

Fabian Medellin

Wichita Falls director of development services.

Valerie Rhodes

A resident who lives near the land proposed for the data center and is concerned about the impact on nearby homes.

Jack Browne

A concerned citizen who believes data centers could serve as an economic boost for Wichita Falls.

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What they’re saying

“They didn't want any kind of misunderstanding or anything to be misconstrued that they're going to backdoor into some other use that's allowed within our industrial district. Their strict and only proposal is a data center.”

— Fabian Medellin, Wichita Falls director of development services (newschannel6now.com)

“I am concerned about what's happening to my little bitty neighborhood that's surrounded by all of this. If the zoning cannot be changed, let's focus on the solutions to lessen the impact sound barriers, physical barriers, lighting restrictions and performance standards.”

— Valerie Rhodes, Resident (newschannel6now.com)

“Wichita Falls was one of the top 25 cities in Texas, we're not now. But we've got a bunch of power lines, a bunch of gas lines, a bunch of land and enough water that technology's figured out how we could put some data centers here that would add a billion dollars in every trunk, every decision.”

— Jack Browne, Concerned citizen (newschannel6now.com)

What’s next

City leaders explained that with a new proposal in development, it could be April before the council hears anything further regarding the possible data center.

The takeaway

The potential data center project in Wichita Falls represents both an opportunity for economic growth and a source of concern for nearby residents. City leaders are working to find a balance, with a revised proposal that aims to address accountability and mitigate the impact on the surrounding community.