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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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The Future of Dallas City Hall
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The Dallas City
Council’s Finance Committee has met three times since October 21 to
discuss the state of City Hall,
the I.M. Pei–designed building that opened in 1978. The building
faces decades of deferred maintenance, that could potentially cost
tax payers hundreds of millions of dollars to repair. City staff
outlined three options: maintain the status quo, plan for and fund
repairs, or explore alternatives for relocation such as leasing,
purchasing, or constructing a new facility.
While there is unanimous agreement from council that inaction and
scenario one are not an option, the Finance Committee forwarded a
recommendation for full Council to consider a resolution on November
12 directing staff to conduct a comprehensive review of options for
City Hall’s future, including assessing space needs, exploring
relocation possibilities, analyzing repair versus replacement costs,
and examining redevelopment scenarios that could be a catalyst for
economic development downtown. TREC is closely monitoring the
discussion, its potential impact on city governance, and the impact
whatever change could have on Dallas’ urban core.
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Park Land Dedication
Ordinance
TREC has continued working with Park and Recreation Department
leadership and leadership of the Parks, Trails, and Environment
Committee on updates to the Park Land Dedication ordinance. TREC
supports the proposed amendments that simplify the fee structure,
reduce the number of nexus zones, and exempt affordable housing while
phasing in new fees and clarifying the Park Director’s authority for
on-site dedications. On Friday, November 14, the HHS Committee will
also host an interview session about the basics of housing finance
corporations, public facility corporations, and multifamily
construction broadly.
Dallas HFC and PFC Program
Statements
At the October 21 Housing & Homelessness
Solutions Committee meeting, discussions continued on
proposed program statements defining the roles and responsibilities
of the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation (DHFC) and Dallas Public
Facility Corporation (DPFC). The briefing focused on remaining
governance and policy differences, including oversight of excess
revenues, board composition, and restrictions tied to poverty levels
for project siting. Both corporations have been central to the city’s
attainable housing strategy accounting for construction of more
than 70 percent of Dallas’s new affordable units in 2024. Council
members emphasized the need to maintain production momentum while
resolving policy concerns to ensure transparency, legal compliance,
and equitable distribution of affordable housing opportunities across
the city. The HHS Committee will continue discussions about the
proposed program statements in December. On Friday, November 14, the
HHS Committee will also host an overview session about the basics of
housing finance corporations, public facility corporations, and
multifamily construction broadly.
City Meetings
View upcoming city meetings here.
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Strengthening TREC's Impact Across North Texas
TREC has initiated municipal
outreach with a meeting in cities throughout North Texas. We’re
strengthening relationships with policymakers across Dallas and
Collin Counties, proactively tracking citywide development policies —
including code revisions and parking reforms — and elevating
practical and responsible development policy. If you live or work in
these communities and can serve as a policy liaison, helping staff
monitor agendas and flagging key items, please contact Public Policy
and Community Relations Manager Michael Williams to
get involved.
Renew Your TREC Membership for 2026
As the year winds down,
make sure your membership is active for 2026. Renewing ensures you
have continued access to our events, networking, leadership
development, advocacy, and community investment opportunities when
the new year begins. You can renew your membership here,
and if you have questions about membership, please email members@recouncil.com.
ALC Class of 2026 Applications Now Available
TREC’s premier
leadership development program turns 30 in 2026! Apply to be a part
of this milestone year for the Associate Leadership Council (ALC) and
take the next step in your commercial real estate career. Application materials
are due Friday, January 9, 2026.
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Public Policy Committee
Interested in joining
TREC's Public Policy Committee? Contact Public Policy and
Community Relations Manager Michael Williams to
learn more.
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Thursday, December 4|Public
Policy Committee Meeting
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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