Dallas- City of Dallas

When I arrived at Dallas City Hall I wondered how much natural light the building received. It appears to be greater than 80% thanks to the multiple large windows dominating both sides. The architect was well ahead of their time.

  

Our first meeting was with Mr. Paul Dyer Director of Park and Recreation. Mr. Dyer discussed the importance parks. According to Mr. Dyer  parks are vital in making cities more appealing for potential companies and homeowners. The development of parks or lack thereof  can affect demand. Properties in decent proximity of parks will more than likely see increases in property value. Currently Dallas's Uptown and Downtown areas lack connectivity. The creation of  a 6 acre park that bridges over  the bustling Woodall Rogers Freeway (aka 75) will connect the two areas.  This is part of the city's bigger plan to connect all corners of the 68 acre cultural district that consists of museums, restaurants, and residential towers, and performing art centers. Please note areas also include Fair Park and Deep Ellum.The City of Dallas was awarded $16 million in stimulus funds for the project, contributed $20 million of their own funds, and are also receiving private donations amongst others. The city did receive $30 million dollars for their Barnett Shale mineral rights and may renew the contract upon it expiration. No drilling has occurred to date.  

The power to raise capital privately is vital all major cities. The City of Dallas has a Real Estate Council made up of successful local real estate agents, developers, and professionals that assist with raising capital for various projects.  The project will revive Dallas' downtown quality of life as the gray brick turns into a green lush parking with trails, and amenities that  include a dog park. 

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and former CEO of Turner Construction surprised me and I believe the majority of my classmates by taking time out of his busy schedule to briefly take our questions. Mayor Leppert discussed his efforts to address some of the ailing portions of the city such as the southern section. The city has doubled the demolition docket to remove abandoned antiquated potential hazardous properties. He also mentioned that the city has incentives for those that develop along the DART line. When I questioned him on the city's stance on sustainability he stated that the City of Dallas has the largest alternative fuel fleet in the United States.To improve downtown the city acquired 7 vacant buildings. The city is not seeking  LEED existing building certification due to their physical conditions and current lack of occupancy.  Dallas truly benefits from having a world renown real estate developer in office.      

Ms. Teressa O'Donald Director of Sustainable Development spoke to us candidly. Ms. O'Donald stated that housing has pushed the economy out of economic meltdowns historically including 9-11. The mortgage crisis has taken its toll. The city generated $2 million dollars in prior years but after the mortgage crisis that amount has reduced by 50% In the past the city averaged 3500 development permits per year which is far from last years total of 700. According to Ms. O'Donald the Medical District is Dallas' largest economic provider in that it can offer full time employment to those that have a GED or a Ph.D.  

Ms. O'Donald stated that the city was land locked and as the biggest city surrounded by several suburbs there are greater expectations. The City of Dallas offers temporary housing/shelters for those that find themselves in need. Neighboring cities are thought to often refer those in need of housing to Dallas. Dallas has roughly 6000 homeless people which can be taxing on the city. 

In the Sustainable Development department Ms. O'Donald's staff must also consider pedestrian access for the disabled. To fight blight the city will occasionally  purchase property demolish it and replace it with a public use such as a library or school.  The department works with the Police, Housing, and Economic Development  departments to sustain or improve areas.

The City if Dallas received a $5 million dollar trust and $2 million of that is allocated to the creation of the  City of Dallas-CityDesign Studio. This was improve the Trinity River Corridor,  change the culture of  City Hall, and ensure viability. According to Assistant Director Mr. David Whitley the studio is looking to assist with development and redevelopment of West Dallas. In the past the City of Dallas has not intentionally created urban design. That along with Dallas' skyline is about to change, thanks to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

The CityDesign Studio will set out to enforce these initiatives. Recently an investment group purchased 80 acres. The challenge is to preserve the community and avoid gentrification. Part of the plan is to add color and sculpture elements while improving the area with new housing, retail, and the much needed grocery store. The older predominately Hispanic, Latino La Bajada neighborhood will receive in-fill housing. Developers in search of financing in todays climate still proves to be difficult.



Director of Economic Development Mr. Karl Zavitkovsky discussed the City of Dallas Regional Center which allows foreign investors who can purchase or create businesses valued at $500k-$1.0 million in Targeted Employment Areas while creating 10 full time jobs will receive temporary EB-5 visas for themselves and their immediate family members. The United States benefits with additional job opportunities, collection of    tax, and additional available capital. Investors can maximize their stay in the United States improving their business and gaining educational opportunities for family members.