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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.
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Dallas City Manager Appointment
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Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
was appointed Dallas’ permanent city manager following a 13-2 City
Council vote on January 22. TREC supported the appointment, with
President & CEO Jamee Jolly praising Tolbert’s leadership in
streamlining permitting and enhancing development services.
Tolbert’s new100-day plan
aims to boost government efficiency, public trust, and economic
growth, focusing on public safety, homelessness and housing,
financial stability, and process improvements.
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Parking Reform
On January 16, the City
Plan Commission discussed the off-street parking code amendment to
remove parking minimums from Chapter 51A. The amendment was
initially approved by ZOAC in January 2024 and reviewed by CPC in
December 2024.
Commissioner Housewright proposed a compromise amendment, which
removes the proposed new Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP)
and reduces, instead of eliminating, required parking ratios around
single-family zoning and bar/restaurant uses. TREC provided feedback
before the special-called CPC meeting on February 13, when CPC heard
additional testimony and advanced the proposal to Council with a XX
vote.
HFC/PFC Bylaw Revisions
The Housing and Homelessness
Solutions Committee reviewed proposed changes
to the city's HFC/PFC bylaws on January 28. These changes could
significantly hinder affordable housing development in Dallas by
adding restrictions and regulatory burdens. The committee directed
staff to work with industry stakeholders to resolve policy
differences. TREC is advocating for efficient, flexible, and broadly
affordable housing solutions. Read TREC’s feedback to Council here.
Filing for City Council is Now Closed
Filing to run for
Dallas City Council opened on January 15. Four council seats are
open, with all other council members facing reelection in May.
Term-limited members include Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins (District
8) and Councilmember Omar Narvaez (District 6), and Councilmember
Carolyn King Arnold (District 4). Councilmember Jaynie Schultz
(District 11) chose not to run. Filing closed on February 14.
View the full list of filed candidates here.
TREC PAC will interview all candidates for the May 4 election. Engage
in the interview and recommendation process by donating to TREC PAC
today. Your investment in TREC PAC supports endorsed candidates.
Dallas Police Chief Search
On January 31, City
Manager Kim Tolbert, announced
a nation-wide search for a new police chief to replace Eddie Garcia,
who resigned last summer. The city aims to have a semi-finalist by
early March and a final candidate by April.
Digital Advertising Kiosks
On January 31, staff
briefed Council on plans to issue an RFP for digital advertising
kiosks by late February, with a vendor chosen by April 23. Ten
councilmembers supported further exploration of digital kiosks in
December. Dallas’ static kiosks, in place for over 20 years, will not
be replaced but supplemented by digital kiosks. Staff reviewed
similar programs, consulted stakeholders, and identified compliance
issues in one-third of static kiosks.
City Meetings
View upcoming city
meetings here.
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State lawmakers
convened on January 14, for the 89th Legislature’s Regular Session,
which runs until Monday, June 2.
On opening day, all House and Senate members were sworn in, and Rep.
Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) was elected Speaker of the House. Both
chambers also adopted their rules.
Session Rhythm: The
first 30 days focus on introducing bills and resolutions, addressing
emergency appropriations, confirming interim gubernatorial
appointments, and handling emergency items set by the governor. The
next 30 days allow committees to hear proposed bills and emergency
measures. After the March 14 bill filing deadline, the session
accelerates, with more legislation considered through May.
Committee Assignments and New Rules:
New House rules eliminated, renamed, and reassigned responsibilities
of several committees and established new ones. A significant
change mandates all standing committee chairs must be from the
majority party, effectively preventing Democrats from leading any
committees.
With the new rules adopted, House members await committee
assignments, which the Speaker will announce soon.
Senate committee assignments
remain largely unchanged from last session.
Governor’s Emergency Items
During the State of the
State address on February 2, the Governor outlined his emergency
legislative priorities, which include:
• Cutting property taxes
• Making a “generational investment” in Texas’
water infrastructure
• Increasing teacher pay
• Expanding vocational career training programs
• Allowing public dollars for educational savings
accounts
• Reforming state bail laws
• Establishing a cybersecurity hub in San Antonio
The Senate took swift action on the Governor’s agenda, passing a bill
related to educational savings accounts on February 5.
TREC Legislative Priorities
TREC is closely
monitoring legislation that could impact the commercial real estate
industry. Key focus areas include:
• Housing affordability
• Zoning and permitting processes
• Economic development
• Infrastructure investment
• Property tax reform
Austin Lobby Day
This week is TREC
PAC's Austin Lobby Day!
Our representatives are in Austin, engaging directly with legislators
and key decision-makers, discussing pressing industry issues, and
helping shape policies that support a strong and dynamic
industry. Learn more about the Austin Lobby Day schedule and
priorities here.
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REMINDER: Renew Your TREC Membership
Renew your TREC
membership and take advantage of all 2025 has to offer. You can renew
online by clicking here.
If you have questions, please email the membership team.
Join TREC PAC
State and local
officials influence commercial real estate through zoning,
permitting, and tax policy. TREC needs your support to elect
candidates who back sound policies. Champion-level (and above) TREC
PAC members enjoy exclusive benefits, including attending the 89th
Texas Legislature RECsTX Lobby Day, interviewing Dallas City Council
candidates, and voting on endorsements and contributions. Join TREC PAC today
to help shape our industry.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2025
| Market Matters: Data
Centers in DFW, with panelists Anthony Bolner, Stream Data Centers,
and Brant Bernet, CBRE, and moderated by David Liggitt, Data Center
Hawk
March 4-7, 2025 | PAC
City Council Interviews
View all upcoming events here.
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Manage Your Preferences
The
Real Estate Council
3100 McKinnon Street, Suite 1150 Dallas, TX 75201
214.692.3600 | recouncil.com
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