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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 Council Summer Recess
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As the Dallas
City Council is in recess in July, TREC will continue monitoring the
city’s 2026-27 budget process and prepare for potential August policy
decisions amid ongoing fiscal constraints and competing demands for
core services, infrastructure, and economic development.
TREC has also begun reviewing the policy issues and priorities
that will likely influence next year’s 90th Texas Legislature. TREC
was invited to testify before the Texas House Land and Resource
Management Committee on SB 840 implementation and will continue
focusing on the discussion around City Hall, electric vehicle parking
requirements, the development code rewrite, permitting and
transportation issues, and other policies affecting housing and
commercial real estate as we head into the fall.
Leading up to the November elections for state House and Senate
seats, TREC PAC will meet with candidates and make endorsements in
select elections later this summer.
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Opportunity Zones 2.0
On April 6, the Economic Development Committee was briefed on Opportunity Zones 2.0, a reauthorized federal economic
development program that allows governors to nominate eligible census
tracts for new 10-year designations. TREC submitted a letter to the governor's office supporting
Dallas' recommended tracts and emphasizing areas where opportunity
zone incentives can help close feasibility gaps, leverage
infrastructure investment, and advance redevelopment, housing, jobs,
and tax-base growth. This federal program, reauthorized for a second
10-year cycle, can have a transformational impact on local economic
development and commercial growth.
EV Parking Requirements
After Dallas eliminated most parking minimums in 2025,
staff and TREC worked together earlier this year to update the
related charts in the city's Building Code to clarify
that EV-ready and EV-capable requirements apply to all parking
spaces provided, rather than only spaces required by
code. Council adopted a cap on the number of EV-capable
required parking spots in new construction to 10 spaces or 20
percent of parking provided, whichever is less. Council also
directed city staff to research and conduct stakeholder
outreach about further amendments to Dallas’ code governing EV
capable parking. Recent stakeholder
discussions have identified unresolved fire and
life-safety review requirements for installed EV chargers in
structured garages, which can create significant redesign, cost,
and permitting impacts. TREC is working closely with
city staff on its review and ultimate recommendations.
City Meetings
View upcoming city meetings here.
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Dallas City Hall
Dallas City Council held a second special-called meetingon June 17 to direct the city manager to advance evaluation of potential City Hall
relocation options. Council authorized up to $3 million in due
diligence for up to four potential sites for City Hall staff and
functions, as well as separate sites for 911 and emergency
operations. The work will provide more detailed relocation costs and
site information for Council to compare against the costs,
disruption, and operational challenges of repairing City Hall while
occupied. This information is expected to be presented publicly in
late August.
TREC weighed in on this generational decision by submitting a letter supporting redevelopment of the City
Hall site as a transformational opportunity to strengthen downtown
connectivity, catalyze investment, and create long-term economic
value for Dallas.
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Legislative Bill Working
Group
TREC’s Legislative Bill Working Group will begin meeting later
this year to review filed legislation, evaluate potential impacts,
and help guide TREC’s advocacy priorities throughout session. Member
expertise is essential to this process. If you have policy knowledge,
project experience, or industry insight that could help inform our
work,please email Michael Williams to get involved.
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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The Real Estate Council Has Moved!
In July, TREC relocated to our new offices at 3333 Lee Parkway, Suite 200. The office features sleek finishes, new
furniture, a coffee bar, and space to continue providing a
first-class experience for our members. We look forward to
welcoming you to the new space at an upcoming open house in August.
Board Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2027 TREC Board of Directors,
TREC Community Investors Board of Directors, and TREC PAC Board of
Directors. Board members provide mission-focused leadership,
strategic guidance, and support for TREC's work across the commercial
real estate industry and broader community. Members may nominate more
than one candidate, and self-nominations are also welcome.
Nominations are due by Friday, July 31.
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July 21-August 21 | TREC
PAC Candidate Meetings
August 4 | Public Policy Committee
Meeting
September 24 | FightNight
XXXVII
Full events calendar here
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