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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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Voters resoundingly approved the 2026 Dallas ISD Bond
on Saturday, May 2. The $6.2 billion package, the largest school bond
in Texas history, will fund construction of 26 new schools
and improvements to campuses throughout the district.
- Proposition A: Funds 26 replacement schools,
districtwide renovations, removal of roughly 700 portable
classrooms, transportation improvements, playgrounds, athletic
facilities, and safety, security, and technology upgrades.
- Proposition B: Replaces devices for students,
staff, classrooms, CTE labs, and library/media centers.
- Proposition C: Allows the district to refinance
debt, saving an estimated $10 million and freeing up $100
million in operating cash for reinvestment.
- Proposition D: Funds critical repairs and
renovations to district swimming pools.
TREC’s Executive
Committee voted to endorse the bond, recognizing its importance to
Dallas ISD’s long-term facility needs and the broader role strong
schools play in supporting communities and regional growth.
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Dallas Housing Finance
& Public Facility Program Statements
On April 22, after more than a year of discussion,
the Dallas City Council voted 12-1 to approve updates to the
Dallas Housing Finance Corporation and Dallas Public Facility
Corporation program statements. The updates clarify procedures,
the city’s oversight role, reporting, revenue use, and long-term
affordability monitoring while preserving the ability of the DHFC and
DPFC to partner on income-restricted housing projects across Dallas.
TREC supported preserving these tools but raised concerns that the
proposed two-thirds approval requirement and geographic limits, which
ultimately were not included, could create uncertainty, make viable
projects more difficult to advance, and weaken the programs’ effectiveness.
TREC voiced its support for the final compromise and approved
statements.
Planning and Development
Contacts
Need to know who to contact at Planning and Development? The
department has published an updated staff contact list to help members connect with the
appropriate staff more efficiently.
City Meetings
View upcoming city meetings here.
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2026 City of Dallas Budget
On Friday, April 24, the City of Dallas announced immediate cost reduction measures in
response to projected FY 2025–26 budget shortfalls, including General
Fund expense overruns, lower-than-expected sales tax revenues, and
higher employee health benefit costs. The cost-cutting measures
include a selective hiring freeze, overtime limits, reduced
non-essential spending, and a pause on non-essential travel. Staff is
simultaneously preparing next year’s budget and City Council will
adopt its FY 2027 budget in September.
Municipal DART Elections
On May 2, three suburban cities held elections to decide
whether to withdraw from DART, following concerns from some member
cities that they contributed more in sales tax revenue than they
received in transit service and board governance. Residents of
Highland Park voted to withdraw, while Addison and University Park
voted to remain in DART. Previously, Plano, Irving, and Farmers
Branch rescinded their ballot referendums after a proactive deal was
reached to return a portion of sales-tax dollars to member cities
and advance governance reforms.
Dallas City Hall
The City Manager put out a call for ideas for the current City
Hall building and location. Over 418 responses were received by the
May 3 deadline and will be shared publicly by mid-May. The City
Manager also engaged two firms to develop 10-year phased repair
schematics; these plans will be shared with Council over two briefings in May.
2026 D CEO Commercial Real
Estate Awards
D CEO honored Colin Fitzgibbons, former president of
Hunt Realty Investments, with its Legacy Award on March 26 in
recognition of his distinguished career and lasting impact on North
Texas real estate. A generous supporter of TREC and TREC Community
Investors, Colin is remembered for his leadership, service, and deep
commitment to our city and industry.
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90th Texas Legislature
The 90th Texas Legislature will convene in January 2027,
and TREC is already monitoring interim charges, committee hearings,
and policy discussions that may affect the commercial real estate
industry. Our Legislative Bill Working Group will begin meeting later
this year and member expertise will be critical to helping TREC weigh
in effectively. If you have policy expertise or industry experience
that could help inform TREC’s legislative priorities, please
email Michael Williams to get plugged in.
Invest in TREC PAC
Invest in TREC PAC to help strengthen the commercial real
estate industry’s voice in local and state elections. Through
endorsements, contributions, and direct engagement with elected
officials, TREC PAC supports candidates and policies that shape land
use, housing, infrastructure, taxation, and the long-term economic
competitiveness of North Texas. Invest in TREC PAC
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May 26|Texas
Primary Runoff Election Date
June 2 | Public Policy Committee
Meeting
June 4 | TREC 101: Get Started,
Get Connected, Get Involved
Full events calendar 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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