From: TREC - Constant Contact

Subject: The Download: Dallas Municipal Elections, TREC PAC Reception at Crow Library

May 2024

The Real Estate Council is actively monitoring issues at the state and local level that impact the commercial real estate industry and our partners. Our mission is to build a better city – and public policy is an essential component of that vision.

TREC PAC & Public Policy

TREC PAC Reception at Crow Library

We are grateful to state Rep. Morgan Meyer and state Sen. Nathan Johnson for joining us at our April 25 TREC PAC reception at the Crow Library. The legislators spoke about the issues our state government will focus on throughout the rest of the year before taking questions from our audience of about 50 TREC members. Special thanks to the Crow family for their hospitality, and our members for their attendance and participation.

May 4 Bond Election & TREC PAC Candidate Endorsements

TREC is proud to join its partners across Dallas to say "YES" on all 10 propositions for the bond election. Dallas City Council placed $1.25 billion in projects on the May ballot, including $521 million for streets and transportation, $345 million for parks and trails, $72 million for economic development, and $26 million for housing. These investments -- with no increase to the city's tax rate -- will provide much-needed service improvements and new opportunities across the city.

The Real Estate Council (TREC) is proud to partner with Dallas ISD and Dallas College leadership to prepare the future workforce of Dallas and the region. TREC Political Action Committee (PAC) interviewed all candidates in the trustee races for Dallas ISD District 1, Dallas ISD District 9, and Dallas College District 1. The following candidates have received the endorsement of TREC for the May 4, 2024 election. Each candidate demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening student success and preparing Dallas future workforce.

Lance Currie | Dallas ISD District 1
Ed Turner | Dallas ISD District 9
Dr. Edwin Flores | Dallas College District 1

Election Day is Saturday, May 4.

Did You Know?

The Development Services Department (DSD) rolled out a new Engineering Q Team on March 15. The goal is to offer more site-plan certainty earlier in the process, and staff wants to issue conditional or partial permits to clients the same day as the appointment

• Learn more here: Service First Bulletin #105
• Contact TREC with questions or concerns and we will continue to provide feedback to city staff on this new process.

While staff and the city Attorney's Office prepares the new parkland dedication ordinance draft, the CAO has recommended that new multifamily projects after January 1, 2024 should NOT pay a parkland dedication fee at this time. If you believe your project was assessed a fee in error, please contact TREC and we will connect you to the correct city staff.

Quick Hits

7800 N Stemmons
TREC is closely monitoring the unfolding story about 7800 N Stemmons and the transition of all permit and related staff to the new building. TREC is seeking more information about the purchase and renovation of the building.

Charter Review Commission
After vetting 123 total suggestions, the Charter Review Commission advanced 30 recommended amendments to the city charter for full Council consideration. Council was briefed on May 1. Council must vote to put the amendments on the ballot by mid-August for the probable November election.

Digital Kiosk Meetings
Dallas hosted two public input meetings on April 22 and April 29 about a potential RFP for digital advertising kiosks in city right-of-way. Council was briefed on the kiosks at the May 1 Council meeting. TREC opposed the first RFP process and has requested more transparency, planning, and consideration for current property owners in any future considerations.

Dallas Morning News Op-Ed: Digital Kiosks Would Create Obstacles for a Walkable Dallas

Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan
Staff wants to advance the Forward Dallas Comprehensive Plan this summer. After initial approval by the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Committee on January 9, it has been briefed to CPC several times and staff outlined a potential timeline for final Council adoption by June 2024. The plan has come under greater scrutiny by neighborhood groups who are concerned about changes to future zoning for single-family neighborhoods. Join a community meeting or weigh in at the next
CPC public hearing on May 9.

Get Involved

If you are interested in public policy and want to serve on a committee or working group, please contact Jennifer Schmiel.

The next Public Policy Committee meeting is Thursday, June 6.

Manage Your Preferences

The Real Estate Council

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214.692.3600 | recouncil.com