Judge Reinstates North Texas Transportation Director After Firing Dispute

Court Order Returns Michael Morris to Regional Leadership Role

Judge Issues Temporary Injunction

ARLINGTON, Texas – North Texas transportation director Michael Morris returned to work Tuesday after a state district judge ruled that his firing last week was unconstitutional.

Tarrant County District Judge John Chupp issued a temporary injunction restoring Morris to his position at the North Central Texas Council of Governments while litigation over the dispute continues. Morris resumed work Tuesday afternoon at the agency’s Arlington office, according to Regional Transportation Council Chair Rick Bailey.

“I’m elated that Michael Morris is going to be joining us as soon as today,” Bailey said.

Lawsuit Challenges Authority Over Firing

The dispute began after Morris, 70, was fired April 28 by North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Director Todd Little. The dismissal came just weeks before FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to begin in Arlington in June.

A lawsuit filed April 6 in Denton County sought to block efforts to replace Morris and challenged the authority of the council of governments leadership over transportation department staffing decisions. The case was later moved to Tarrant County.

Regional Transportation Council members argue the transportation council, not the broader council of governments leadership, has authority over transportation personnel decisions. The council is made up of 45 elected and appointed officials from across the region.

Regional Officials Back Morris

Several regional leaders praised the judge’s ruling and criticized Morris’ firing.

Fort Worth City Council member Elizabeth Beck said the decision showed Little lacked authority to remove Morris from his position.

“Little overstretched and that was reflected today with the court undoing his decision,” Beck said. “It righted a wrong and it addressed unscrupulous behavior by the executive director of COG.”

Denton County Judge Andy Eads said the lawsuit was filed to address what he described as “the overreach” of the council of governments board and leadership.

“I was very pleased for our region that our transportation director has been returned to their position,” Eads said. “I think this is great for long-term planning, for our different modes of transportation but also in the short term, so we can fully execute the plans for FIFA.”

Agency Says Order Is Temporary

The North Central Texas Council of Governments acknowledged Morris had been reinstated but emphasized that the injunction does not settle the broader legal dispute.

“The court’s order is a preliminary measure that returns Mr. Morris to his position while litigation filed by Denton County and the Regional Transportation Council against the NCTCOG and NCTCOG Executive Board members proceeds,” the organization said in a statement. “It does not address the merits of the case.”

The agency added that it would continue operating under “applicable laws and established governance processes” while the lawsuit moves forward.

Little declined an interview request through a spokesperson.

Transportation Planning at Center of Case

The legal fight comes as North Texas prepares for major transportation demands connected to the upcoming World Cup games.

Bailey said restoring Morris ensures regional transportation leadership remains in place during a critical planning period.

“Now we have our leadership in place to make sure we have a successful World Cup,” Bailey said.

Regional leaders also said they plan to move forward with a Metropolitan Planning Organization agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation. Officials said the agreement would reaffirm the transportation council’s role as the region’s transportation policy-making body.

A trial in the case is scheduled for Nov. 9.