Forney directs staff to pursue legislative strategy and data survey on investor-owned rental concentration

The Forney City Council on June 2 directed staff to pursue a multi-pronged legislative strategy aimed at investor-owned rental concentration and voucher concentration in local neighborhoods. Actions include a citywide survey of rental density and crime incidents by subdivision (reported per 100 active residential lots), outreach to neighboring municipalities and the Texas Municipal League, and a formal request for voucher-concentration data and a meeting with the Dallas Housing Authority.

Councilmember Weatherford, who proposed the data-driven approach, said the city needs better comparative measures: "We need to perform a survey of our existing subdivisions and measure it per 100 active residential lots... so we can tell our story more effectively," and asked staff to include criminal incident data alongside rental-density figures. Several residents from Gateway Parks and others urged the council to move quickly; resident Nofal Malai presented maps, police-call counts and a petition with homeowner signatures.

Council also instructed staff to prepare formal resolutions to local legislators, the Texas Municipal League and federal representatives, and to coordinate with peers in nearby cities. Councilmembers voiced support for immediate outreach: "I have been talking to [Congressman] Gooden — his office released a letter today — and we should continue pursuing those channels," staff noted, and council approved the motion directing staff to proceed.

Residents recommended additional steps such as exploring a local housing authority or expanded enforcement tools; staff and council agreed to pursue the survey and outreach while continuing community engagement. The motion directing staff to coordinate and request data passed at the meeting.