by Nick Walsh, The NRP Group
The Texas Legislature is a frantic, 140-day sprint through politics and policymaking. Last month, a contingent of real estate leaders from across the state spent one of those days lobbying lawmakers on behalf of the industry.
Members of TREC’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and Public Policy Committee, alongside our real estate council counterparts from Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, visited the Capitol for the biennial Real Estate Councils of Texas (RECsTX) Lobby Day on February 26.
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Our goal was to engage directly with our regional state legislators and advocate for policies that support the commercial real estate industry. We were there to bridge the gap between policy and practical impact, delivering a clear, unified message to the legislators who hold the reins.
This wasn’t just another networking event. It was a concentrated effort to shape the future of Texas’s booming commercial real estate landscape. According to RECsTX, the industry has a collective economic footprint of $270.6 billion within the state’s economy and generates over $3.8 billion in tax revenue, so our collective voice carries significant weight.
As TREC’s Young Guns PAC Liaison, I was granted a front-row seat to this high-stakes dance of influence.
The Power Players: A Who’s Who of Texas Politics
Our delegation met with a wide range of elected officials, including Reps. Matt Shaheen (R-HD 66), Jeff Leach (R-HD 67), Mihaela Plesa (D-HD 70), Giovanni Capriglione (R-HD 98), Venton Jones (D-HD 100), Ana-María Ramos (D-HD 102), Rafael Anchía (D-HD 103), Jessica González (D-HD 104), Terry Meza (HD-105), Morgan Meyer (R-HD 108), Aicha Davis (D-HD 109), Toni Rose (D-HD 110), Yvonne Davis (D-HD 111), Angie Chen Button (R-HD 112), Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D-HD 113), John Bryant (D-HD 114), and Cassandra Hernandez (D-HD 115); and Sens. Angela Paxton (R-SD 8), Tan Parker (R-SD 12), Nathan Johnson (D-SD 16) and Royce West (D-SD 23). These meetings provided valuable opportunities to discuss the real-world impact of proposed legislation on the Dallas region.
Key Issues at Stake
Our agenda was laser-focused, addressing the critical issues that define the future of commercial real estate:
- Housing Affordability: The quest for attainable housing in a state experiencing explosive growth. We advocated for streamlined regulations, increased funding, and fortified existing programs.
- Zoning and Development: Cutting through the red tape. We pushed for simplified zoning and land use regulations, dismantling bureaucratic roadblocks that stifle development.
- Economic Development: Attracting and retaining investment in Dallas, ensuring our city remains a magnet for business and innovation.
- Infrastructure: Building for the future. We emphasized the urgent need for robust infrastructure investments to support our burgeoning population.
- Mandatory Price Disclosure: A firm stance against policies that would mandate price disclosure.
- Public Safety: Initiatives aimed at fostering secure and thriving communities.
- Property Tax Reform: Championing efforts to alleviate the burden on taxpayers.
Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Impact, Real Influence
The Texas Legislature, notorious for its rapid-fire sessions, demands agility and strategic engagement. Direct engagement with legislators proved to be a valuable experience. It was evident that elected officials value input from their constituents and industry stakeholders. TREC members provided crucial insights into the potential impacts of proposed legislation on the Dallas region.
In a state where local control is increasingly challenged, our presence in Austin was more crucial than ever. By forging direct connections with our state-level officials, we ensured that the voice of the Dallas real estate community resonated loud and clear.
Next Steps
TREC’s Public Policy Committee is actively monitoring hundreds of bills that could affect our industry. With the support of external expertise, we are analyzing potential impacts and providing informed feedback. Given the condensed legislative session, many bills will advance or be dismissed quickly. Several Dallas-area officials hold positions on key committees, allowing for targeted engagement, and we have been asked to be a resource for these officials as bills progress through hearings.
The Takeaway: Unity is Power
The RECsTX Lobby Day was a testament to the power of collective action. Whether in the halls of the Capitol or around the horseshoe at City Hall, our unified voice can shape the policies that shape our future. Advocacy isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a strategic imperative. And in the high-stakes world of Texas politics, influence is earned, not given. We left Austin with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to champion the interests of our industry and our community.
If you are interested in joining TREC PAC, click here or contact TREC Senior Director Jennifer Schmiel here. Stay tuned for more commercial real estate policy developments from the Texas Legislature and Dallas City Council.
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