By Catie George, Manager, Communications & Storytelling
The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) has deepened its public policy expertise, adding J. Travis Reynolds as Vice President of Public Policy to champion fiscal and local policy advocacy for Dallas-area companies.
“We need to decide what good fiscal policy looks like at the local level, at the state level, and at the federal level, and then go out and make sure that we’re talking to our elected leaders at City Hall, in Austin, and in D.C. to enact that,” said Reynolds. “The DRC is very impactful and influential at the state level and at the federal level. I think that what we’d like to see is for us to increase our already significant local advocacy to match.”
Reynolds has a history of working in politics and most recently worked for The Real Estate Council as the Manager of Public Policy and Programs. Reynolds’ expertise will help set Texas and Dallas up for long-term success, which is especially important considering ongoing financial matters, such as budget appropriations and surplus spending.
“There are so many good things that government can do with public dollars, but at the end of the day, there are a finite amount of resources that are available for the government to use,” said Reynolds. “The DRC and other like-minded business organizations around the state can try to leverage our influence to ensure that those dollars are spent strategically to set Texas up for long-term success.”
The expansion of the DRC’s Public Policy team came after DRC leaders identified an opportunity to grow the chamber’s expertise and leadership in local policy matters.
“As the Public Policy team continues to grow, we are able to expand our reach on behalf of our members,” said Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy. “Having a dedicated team member focusing on critical issues at the local level will contribute to establishing our region as one primed for economic development and attracting companies.”
Reynolds will also work on public safety, an area of increased focus for the DRC in recent years.
“Companies have increased their engagement on the topic because public safety is required for economic growth,” said Garcia. “Beginning with our first annual State of Public Safety in 2022, the DRC has concerned ourselves with how we can make our region stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”
Reynolds’ role fortifies the DRC’s leadership in the Public Policy space on behalf of its member companies.
“Our focus is on advocating for policies that make the business community here in North Texas as attractive as possible, both for new companies and for existing companies,” said Reynolds. “It’s great that the DRC is taking on even more of a leadership role locally because it is going to have the most direct impact on our members, on their families, and on the community at large. It’s important for people to understand that and be engaged in it.”
To connect with Reynolds, send him an email at treynolds@dallaschamber.org. To learn more about the DRC’s Public Policy work, visit our website.