1 Million & Counting (2025 Growth Summit)

Let’s talk about growth, affordability, and the critical issues shaping Tarrant County’s future during three dynamic panels and a luncheon.

The Fort Worth Report will host 1 Million & Counting — a thought-provoking growth summit at Tarant County College featuring three dynamic panels followed by a luncheon with keynote speaker, Chris McLaughlin. Community leaders and experts will explore the critical issues shaping our city’s future:

Panel 1: Will Fort Worth have enough water to accommodate growth?
- Moderator: Nicole Lopez – Environment Reporter, Fort Worth Report
- Panelists:
  - Brian Coltharp – President and CEO, Freese and Nichols
  - Dan Buhman – General Manager, Tarrant Regional Water District
  - Kyle Bass – Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Hayman Capital Management

Panel 2: Keys to Affordability: Housing Answers for Fort Worth
- Moderator: Bob Francis – Business Editor, Fort Worth Report
- Panelists:
  - Michelle Thomas – Executive Director of Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  - Becky Gilgo – Executive Director, Fort Worth Community Land Trust
  - Will Northern – Owner and Founder, Crescendo Development

Panel 3: Preparing Fort Worth’s Talent for the Future Economy
- Moderator: Eva-Marie Ayala – Assistant Managing Editor, Fort Worth Report
- Panelists:
  - Elizabeth Brands – President & CEO, Morris Foundation
  - Natalie Williams – President/CEO, T3
  - Elva LeBlanc – Chancellor, Tarrant County College

Chris McLaughlin, CEO of DFW Airport, will keynote our luncheon at PalmWood Event & Conference, sharing the airport’s impact on Tarrant County’s past 50 years of growth and its vision for the next 50. The luncheon will begin with a networking session at 11:30 a.m.

This event will be held Oct. 23, 2025.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, September 25.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Platinum “Presenting” Sponsor