Dallas Citizens Council

10/15/2026

Early voting starts next week, and Dallas voters will consider a $443 million public safety bond that would fund five major facility projects supporting the city’s police, fire and emergency response operations.

City of Dallas Proposition A would authorize bonds to fund a new police academy at the UNT Dallas a separate public safety training complex, emergency operations and 911 facilities, a property room and crime lab and the replacement of Fire Station No. 4.

Together, these investments would strengthen the public safety infrastructure that supports a safer Dallas, from first-responder training and emergency communications to police, fire and crime lab operations.

Should you support the city’s $443 million public safety proposition?

10/14/2026

Dallas is climbing the ranks of the world’s leading cities.

Oxford Economics ranked Dallas No. 17 overall in its 2026 Global Cities Index – that's up two spots from last year. Dallas also ranked No. 6 globally for economic strength and No. 21 for human capital, reflecting the region’s economic scale, corporate presence and talent base.

And among the largest U.S. metro economies, Dallas sits at No. 4.

Dallas’ strong and diverse business community continues to fuel this growth. The region has attracted major corporate locations, including AECOM, Caterpillar, Charles Schwab, while long-standing corporate leaders and DCC members American Airlines, AT&T, Southwest Airlines and Texas Instruments, continue to anchor the region’s economy.

“Diversification away from oil production since the 1980s into downstream oil refining and other high-value services sectors means that the city is less beholden to oil booms and busts, and it is now among the most stable economies in the world,” Oxford Economics said.

The index points to areas that will shape Dallas’ continued growth, including housing affordability, educational attainment, mobility and quality of life. Sustaining Dallas’ global competitiveness will require building on these economic strengths while addressing the challenges that come with a rapidly growing region.

Dallas rose two spots to No. 17 in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index and ranked No. 6 in the world for economic strength.

10/13/2026

Omni Hotels & Resorts Robert Rowlings joins podcast hosts Kyle Waldrep and Tom Leppert, Dallas Citizens Council Honorary Life Member, for a conversation about his journey building Omni Hotels & Resorts, the business risks that shaped his career and his contributions to North Texas economic development on their podcast, Intersections.

This podcast brings together leaders with deep ties to Dallas and its business community, offering another opportunity to spotlight the people helping shape the region’s future.

Hosted by former Dallas Mayor,Tom Leppert and Entrepreneur Kyle Waldrep, Intersections takes a mutli-generational look at the critical issues facing America.

10/08/2026

Dallas’ deck parks demonstrate how thoughtful infrastructure can do more than connect places—it can strengthen communities.

In this D Magazine CEO article, Dallas Citizens Council member Ryan Schutt reflected on lessons from transformative park projects, such as Halperin Park and Klyde Warren Park, that reconnect communities. Schutt serves as the principal, Dallas Office Director and Studio Design Leader, Commercial/Mixed-Use, at award-winning global architecture firm HKS Architects.

He explored the role public-private collaboration can play in shaping a more connected Dallas: “The best infrastructure doesn’t simply move people through a city—it brings people together. That’s an investment worth making."

The best infrastructure doesn't simply move people through a city—it brings people together, writes HKS' Ryan Schutt.

10/06/2026

This October, we’re highlighting Dallas Citizens Council Honorary Life Member, The Honorable Jeanne L. Phillips.

Phillips built a distinguished career spanning business, public service and international relations. She held senior leadership roles with Hunt Consolidated, including serving as senior vice president of corporate engagement and international relations and president of Hunt Global Partnerships, the company’s corporate social responsibility program.

Her leadership also extended to the international stage. Phillips served as U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, attaining the rank of U.S. Ambassador.

Throughout her career, Phillips remained actively engaged in civic and community leadership. Her service included leadership and board roles with organizations focused on Dallas and Texas, reflecting a longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and bringing together leaders across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

We’re proud to recognize Phillips as our October featured member and appreciate the leadership, global perspective and dedication to Dallas she has brought to our organization and community.

10/01/2026

For Dallas Citizens Council member, Kim Kesler, staying curious and embracing change are essential to moving business and communities forward.

In a recent D Magazine CEO's Dallas 500 profile, Kim Kesler, Dallas managing partner at KPMG shares insights on leadership, embracing new technology and preparing for the future.

Kesler leads more than 2,000 employees in KPMG’s Dallas office and also serves on the boards of the North Texas Food Bank and All Stars Project of Dallas.

Her approach to leadership is grounded in trust and accountability: “I believe in leading by example and being transparent and approachable,” Kesler said. “Nothing destroys trust faster than saying one thing but demonstrating another.”

Her perspective reflects the forward-thinking business leadership helping shape Dallas and its future.

The accounting firm's Dallas managing partner shares her proudest moments and her desires for industry change.

09/29/2026

September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and in celebration, we honor Frank Cuellar, Sr., who became the first Hispanic member of the Dallas Citizens Council in 1971.

Cuellar was a restaurateur who helped lay the foundation for Tex-Mex culture in Dallas by growing and leading his family business, El Chico Cafe. What began as a family enterprise grew into a Dallas institution, helping introduce generations of diners to the Cuellar family’s food and traditions.

His contributions extended beyond the restaurant industry. Through his business and civic leadership, Cuellar helped shape Dallas’ growth and opened doors for greater Hispanic representation in the city’s business community.

His legacy remains an important part of DCC’s history and the story of Hispanic leadership in Dallas.

09/28/2026

Here in Dallas, the "Y'all Street" financial sector is booming.

Morgan Stanley officially selected Dallas for a new regional hub, with plans for a more than $1.2 billion development and 3,800 employees at its new Uptown campus by the end of 2035.

The investment reflects Dallas’ growing strength as a destination for global business, talent and opportunity. It also adds to a growing concentration of major financial institutions investing in the heart of our city.

Dallas continues to strengthen its position as a leading center for business and finance, creating new opportunities for our city and the region.

It's official. Morgan Stanley has selected Dallas to house its billion-dollar regional hub, signaling a major win for Dallas., Gov. Greg Abbott announced.

09/25/2026

Dallas continues to attract talent and investment from across the country, Texas Capital Chairman, President & CEO Rob C. Holmes and Energy Transfer Co-CEO and Texas Capital Board Member Thomas E. Long said during a Dallas Citizens Council member luncheon.

The event brought together the two Dallas business leaders for a discussion on Texas Capital’s transformation, the state’s economic growth and the future of Y’all Street. David S. Huntley, former DCC board member and current Texas Capital board member, moderated the conversation.

Key themes from the discussion included:
Texas’ continued economic and financial growth: Texas is now the world’s eighth-largest economy, and Holmes and Long discussed the state’s competitive advantages, including its growing population, strong talent pipeline and business-friendly environment.

Growing energy demand: AI and data center growth are driving significant demand for energy and infrastructure, creating new opportunities for investment and development across Texas.

Y’all Street’s growth: Holmes and Long discussed the Texas Stock Exchange and Dallas’ growing position as a financial hub, supported by the city’s technology and strong business community.

Preparing for the next decade of opportunity: Continued investment in infrastructure will be critical as Texas grows, while businesses navigate broader economic pressures, including federal deficits, interest rates and significant investment in AI.

The conversation highlighted Dallas’ growing influence in finance, energy and technology and strategies that will create additional growth.

DCC Members Weigh In on 2027 Legislative Priorities
During the luncheon, attendees were asked which issue DCC should support and advocate for during next year’s legislative session. Water infrastructure investments received the most votes, reflecting members’ focus on the resources needed to support continued growth.

09/24/2026

Dallas-Fort Worth continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for technology talent and innovation.

A new report from DCC member organization CBRE ranks DFW No. 8 among 50 North American markets for tech talent — the region’s first time in the top 10. North Texas added more than 37,000 tech workers from 2022 to 2025 and saw its specialized AI workforce grow by at least 45% year over year.

The rankings underscore the momentum of Dallas-Fort Worth’s workforce and the region’s growing ability to compete for the talent and industries shaping the future.

CBRE's Scoring Tech Talent 2026 ranks Dallas-Fort Worth No. 8 in North America, with the second-largest tech job gain and at least 45% growth in AI talent.