Texas Governor Greg Abbott has intensified scrutiny on the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) ambitious "EPIC City" development in North Texas, ordering yet another state agency to investigate the project—this time for potential violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act.
What is EPIC City?
EPIC City, a massive real estate development planned in Josephine, Texas, is set to cover more than 400 acres and include over 1,000 homes, a mosque, and schools. According to the project's promotional material, its goal is to “[bring] Islam to the forefront” while also fostering inclusivity and diversity.
However, the development has come under increased scrutiny, with critics questioning whether it could be violating state and federal laws related to housing, securities, and business operations.
A Growing List of Investigations
The latest development in this controversy comes as Gov. Abbott has directed the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate whether EPIC City is in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on religion, race, color, sex, familial status, or national origin.
This investigation is just one of several state-led inquiries into EPIC City:
Texas State Securities Board Investigation: Abbott previously ordered this agency to investigate whether EPIC’s financial dealings complied with state and federal securities laws, including protections against fraud.
Texas Funeral Service Commission Cease and Desist Order: The commission issued an order demanding that EPIC immediately stop any unauthorized funeral service operations.
Texas Attorney General’s Civil Investigation Demand (CID): Ken Paxton’s office opened an investigation into EPIC and its investment firm, Community Capital Partner (CCP) LP, citing multiple concerns about its operations and financing.
Fair Housing Act and Discrimination Concerns
At the heart of this latest probe is whether EPIC City is selectively restricting who can buy or rent homes in the development. Under the Texas Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to deny housing to individuals based on protected traits such as religion.
EPIC and its investment partner, CCP, have denied any blanket exclusions. In a previous statement, CCP asserted that it would comply with fair housing laws but also conduct “thorough individualized assessments” of buyers to ensure they align with the community’s goals of “safety and security.”
However, some critics argue that such assessments could be a way to screen out potential residents who do not share the development’s religious or cultural values, potentially violating fair housing laws.
What Happens Next?
With multiple agencies now investigating different aspects of EPIC City, the development is facing significant legal and regulatory hurdles. The Texas Workforce Commission's findings could determine whether the project is engaging in discriminatory housing practices, which could lead to legal penalties or forced changes to its sales policies.
In the coming weeks, Texans can expect more developments as these investigations unfold. For now, EPIC City remains a focal point in a broader debate about religious communities, housing rights, and Texas law.
Final Thoughts
While EPIC City markets itself as a place of inclusivity and belonging, the legal scrutiny surrounding the project raises important questions about who truly has access to this new community and whether its policies comply with existing housing laws. The outcome of these investigations could have broader implications for similar faith-based or culturally focused developments in Texas and beyond.
