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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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Texas Legislature Interim Charges
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The 90th Texas
Legislature will gavel in January 2027, and the state House
and Senate have released interim
charges, which signal that housing and development policy will remain
a major focus heading into next session. Both chambers directed
committees to monitor the implementation of land use bills --
including SB 840, which allows for
mixed-use multifamily development on commercially zoned land -- an
important step given the degree of discretion some impacted cities
have exercised to blunt the effect of these bills through local
ordinances. The Texas House also specifically flagged local fees and
third-party review as tools to improve housing affordability and
speed permitting.
TREC is working with members and other stakeholders to evaluate any
changes to SB 840, review third-party proposals, and monitor other
state and local policies affecting commercial real estate, including
issues related to permitting, zoning, fees, and development
processes.
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EV Capable Parking
Requirements Update
After Dallas eliminated most parking minimums in 2025, city
staff adopted the interpretation that EV-ready/EV-capable
requirements are calculated based on total parking provided, not
required. This has increased costs and created retrofit issues for
some expansion projects. TREC worked with City staff to recommend a
cap of EV-capable spaces at six
(6) for projects with 26 or more spaces.
TREC staff spoke at the March 25 City Council meeting, where an amendment was proposed
to amend the chart to raise the cap for EV-capable spaces to the
lesser of 10 or 20 percent. While the amendment ultimately passed,
some council members raised concerns over the city's larger EV
parking requirements and advocated for EV parking to be market
driven. Staff will bring updated EV parking research and policy
recommendations to the Economic Development Committee in June.
City
Meetings
View upcoming city meetings here.
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Dallas Convention Center
On Monday, March 30, construction crews began demolishing part of the Kay Bailey Hutchison
Convention Center, marking the first visible phase of a redevelopment
effort that has been under City Council review for several years. The
project has advanced amid ongoing Council
questions about cost, funding sources, traffic circulation, parking,
and phasing, while also moving forward on near-term preparations for
the convention center’s role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when
portions of the facility are expected to serve as the International
Broadcast Center. More than 70 conventions have already been booked
beginning in 2029, when the redeveloped center is expected to be
complete.
Dallas
City Hall
Dallas’ City Hall discussion has continued to move forward as
city leaders evaluate the building’s long-term future. In late
February and early March, the Finance Committee, Economic Development
Committee, and full City Council all took up the issue, with discussion
centered on major repair needs, potential relocation of city
functions, and possible redevelopment of the current site. Council
directed staff to pursue dual tracks – to repair City Hall or to
relocate its functions – and staff will bring back additional
information to full Council later this spring. TREC is continuing to
monitor the conversation closely given its significance for downtown
and the CRE industry.
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Local Elections
North Texas voters will have several important local decisions
on the May 2 ballot, including City of Irving races for mayor and city council as well
as Dallas ISD trustee and bond elections. Dallas ISD's
proposed $6.2 billion bond package, divided into four
propositions, would fund major capital needs across the district,
including 26 replacement schools, districtwide renovations, removal
of roughly 700 portable classrooms, technology upgrades, debt
refinancing, and repairs to district swimming pools. Together, these
elections will shape local leadership and major public investment
decisions with long-term implications for schools, infrastructure,
and community growth across the region.
Invest in TREC PAC
By investing in TREC PAC, members strengthen the industry’s
voice in local and state elections and ensure policymakers understand
how development decisions affect jobs, housing supply, mobility, and
economic competitiveness across North Texas. Invest in TREC PAC
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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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