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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 House Interim Hearings
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TREC is
preparing for the 90th Texas Legislature by meeting with candidates
for the Texas House and Senate, working with members and other
stakeholders on policies impacting housing affordability, land use,
data centers, third-party review, economic development, and other
issues that directly affect our members and the broader commercial
real estate industry.
On July 20, TREC President and CEO Jamee Jolly testified
before the Texas House Land and
Resource Management Committee on the implementation of SB 840 (89R),
which allows multifamily and mixed-use development by right in most
commercial zones. Dallas was highlighted for its effective
implementation and urged legislators to close loopholes that allow
cities to impose costly requirements that make qualifying housing
projects financially infeasible. Governor Abbott has voiced support for closing loopholes for cities that
have circumvented the state law.
If you are interested in advocacy and public policy, please
contact Michael Williams to help find ways you can get involved.
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EV Parking Requirements
Following Dallas’ elimination of most parking minimums in
2025, the City clarified that EV-ready and EV-capable requirements
apply to all parking spaces provided. Council capped EV-capable
requirements for new construction at 10 spaces or 20 percent of provided
parking, whichever is less, and directed staff to gather stakeholder
feedback and propose additional amendments. Current stakeholder
discussions include EV-ready, EV-capable and possible
installed-charger requirements, as well as fire and life-safety
standards for chargers in structured garages. TREC is continuing to
participate in the review process to offer feedback.
City Meetings
View upcoming city meetings here.
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Data Center Moratorium
Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of
Texas and ERCOT to pause approvals for data centers seeking grid
connections pending additional review. Developers must disclose
electricity and water use, on-site generation, tax incentives,
community impacts and facility ownership. ERCOT has paused its
existing “batch zero” review while evaluating the directive. This
marks a shift from Abbott’s June position, which focused on proposed
regulations addressing infrastructure costs, electric capacity, water
efficiency, resource reporting, tax incentives and community impacts.
The Dallas Economic Development Committee is expected to be
briefed on data centers on September 1.
Dallas City Hall
In June, Dallas City Council directed the city manager to
pursue evaluation of potential City Hall relocation options and
authorized up to $3 million for due diligence to identify up to four
potential sites to relocate city government operations. Questions
abound regarding the number of votes it will require to vacate 1500
Marilla, and staff has recommended amending council rules to require a simple eight-vote
majority to dispose of city property. Sites
for a new city hall are expected to be presented by August 26. TREC supports redevelopment of the current City Hall
site.
City Budget
Council members return from their July recess to a difficult
budget debate. Dallas is facing a $31 million deficit in its current
budget and more than a $50 million shortfall in the fiscal year 2027
projected budget. Council will be briefed on the City Manager’s draft
balanced budget beginning August 11 and must adopt the final budget
by the end of September before the new fiscal year begins on October
1.
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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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July 21-August 21 | TREC
PAC Candidate Meetings
September 17 | North
Texas Giving Day
September 24 | FightNight
XXXVII
October 19 | First Day of Early
Voting
November 3 | Election
Day
November 4 | Capital
Markets Update
Full events calendar here
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