Fort Worth's City Manager, David Cooke, has officially announced his plans to retire at the end of February 2025, setting the stage for a transition in leadership after a notable decade steering the city’s growth and government operations. Details of his retirement were disclosed in a city news announcement yesterday. Cooke, who took office on June 30, 2014, is the longest-tenured City Manager in Fort Worth's history, guiding an expansive $2.3 billion government enterprise that employs approximately 8,100 individuals.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed her sentiment in a statement, citing Cooke's propensity to lead with "integrity, intelligence, and most importantly always remembering to have fun along the way." She noted that Cooke's influence on the city has left an indelible mark, ensuring Fort Worth's fiscal condition remains robust among its contemporaries in the country, according to the City of Fort Worth.
Cooke's tenure was distinguished by several key achievements, ranging from comprehensively addressing infrastructure needs to accommodate a boom in the city's population—about 20,000 new inhabitants yearly—to fortifying the city’s pension system. Significant urban developments under his watch include the launch of the Dickies Arena and the expansion of Texas A&M University, among others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in which many cities struggled, Cooke was at the helm, ensuring that services continued without interruption and that residents and businesses received the necessary support.
In a reflection of his tenure, Cooke himself expressed his gratitude and detailed the pride he takes in what he and the city team have accomplished. Cooke remarked about the resilience and unity Fort Worth displayed during tumultuous times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, attributing success to the collective commitment to inclusive prosperity and transparent governance. With several months left in his tenure, Cooke indicated enthusiasm for both celebrating milestones and focusing on a smooth leadership transition.
