By Rebekah Chenelle, Vice President, Public Policy
The Dallas Regional Chamber has officially set our legislative priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
Our legislative agenda is the result of a robust planning process that spanned more than six months and dozens of meetings with input from nearly 80 of our member companies from a diverse set of industries. We take this thorough approach in the interim to ensure that these conversations happen early and often to lay the groundwork to represent the business community’s interests when working with lawmakers. This agenda provides the framework through which we evaluate proposed policies and establishes the areas of focus we will advocate for to sustain the Dallas Region’s growth and economic prosperity.
The Dallas Region is the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan area, so this agenda also reflects where we want to see the State make strategic investments with its estimated $18 billion surplus to ensure the needs brought on by our unprecedented growth are met.
The DRC Public Policy team will be hard at work in Austin over the next several months. Here’s a look at where we’ll focus our efforts.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
Every day, the Dallas Region adds about 400 people. North Texas is growing fast, and we need the necessary tools to keep up with this growth. That means ensuring our water supply, roads, public transit, and internet connections can handle the demand. A long-term funding plan for water is critical to prepare us for decades of expansion. We’re also laser-focused on keeping our power grid strong and resilient to support our booming region. And when it comes to broadband, to keep our families, students, and businesses connected, we need robust infrastructure in place.
Education and Workforce
If we want North Texas to lead the future, we have to invest in the people who will shape it. That begins with making sure every child has access to an education that prepares them for life after graduation, whether they’re heading to college, the workforce, or the military. When they become adults, they also need pathways to the high-demand jobs our region is creating. We’re working to connect education and industry so businesses find the talent they need and North Texans land the careers they want.
Health Care
A healthy talent pool is the foundation for a strong economy. That’s why we’re advocating for better access to affordable health care options—for both employees and employers. With Dallas now home to ARPA-H, the federal hub for health innovation, we’re positioned to become a biotech powerhouse. To make that vision a reality, we’re championing state support to help North Texas compete with other top regions in this fast-growing industry.
Tech Policy
From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, tech is transforming everything about how we live and work. Texas is leading the charge nationally, and North Texas is at the heart of it as the largest data center hub. With our Convergence AI conference showcasing groundbreaking innovation and our growing tech ecosystem, we’re ready to help shape smart, forward-thinking policies. It’s all about creating an environment where innovation can thrive while ensuring the infrastructure can support it.
Quality of Life
Great communities attract great talent. In North Texas, that means making our region a safe, welcoming place with plenty of housing options and vibrant communities. Whether promoting public safety, advocating for housing solutions, or ensuring Texas stays a place where everyone feels welcome, we’re working to make this region the best place to live, work, and do business.
We are excited to work with state lawmakers and our partners on behalf of the DRC’s more than 700 members and partners to move this agenda forward in the 89th Texas Legislative Session. With your continued support, we can ensure that North Texas remains a beacon of economic opportunity, innovation, and high quality of life for all people.
To read the full Legislative Agenda, go here. If you’d like to join us in our advocacy efforts, send us a note at publicpolicy@dallaschamber.org.