By Jack Niland, Manager, Public Policy
At the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), promoting a high quality of life is central to our mission of making the Dallas Region the best place in America for all people to live, work, and do business. As we engage in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, we are focused on strategic initiatives that strengthen our communities, support our businesses, and enhance opportunities for everyone.
Our quality of life priorities in Austin center on four key areas: homelessness, housing, organized retail theft deterrence, and workforce reentry. Each of these issues directly impacts our region and companies, and we are committed to working alongside lawmakers to drive meaningful progress.
Here’s a deep dive into each of these areas and how we’re measuring progress.
Reducing homelessness through employment and data-driven solutions
At the heart of reducing homelessness is ensuring access to stable, well-paying jobs. The DRC is working closely with business and community partners to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities that can set them on a path to success by securing funding to improve data sharing across in-state networks, which would enable more effective coordination of services and resources for individuals in need. By removing barriers and expanding opportunities, we can help rebuild lives and grow our region’s economy.
Strengthening housing resilience against extreme weather
The Dallas Region has experienced extreme heat, freezing temperatures, windstorms, tornadoes, and hail—all of which pose risks to homeowners and increase insurance costs. Investing in resilience initiatives is crucial to ensuring our communities remain protected. This session, we are advocating for critical funding to support windstorm-resistant housing and infrastructure improvements, which will help homeowners safeguard their properties and make our region more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Mitigating organized retail theft to protect businesses
Retail theft has evolved into a highly organized enterprise, posing a significant threat to businesses of all sizes and negatively impacting economic growth. In this session, we are advocating for stronger deterrence measures to combat organized retail theft, including enhanced penalties for offenders and improved coordination between law enforcement and the private sector. Ensuring businesses can operate without the threat of large-scale theft is essential to maintaining a thriving commercial environment.
Supporting workforce reentry to strengthen our economy
Successfully reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into society begins with stable housing and employment. The DRC is championing policies that remove unnecessary barriers to reentry, allowing individuals who have served their time to secure jobs and contribute to our workforce while building a good life and career. This includes advocating for automatic orders of nondisclosure for certain non-violent misdemeanor offenses, which will help eligible individuals reenter the workforce without the long-term stigma of a criminal record. By easing this transition, we can create pathways to stability and reduce recidivism while addressing critical workforce shortages in key industries.
Ensuring long-term prosperity for the Dallas Region
The Dallas Region is already one of the nation’s best places to live, work, and do business. The DRC’s advocacy efforts at the Texas Capitol are crucial to preserving and strengthening that success. By reducing homelessness through employment, building more resilient communities, protecting businesses from organized crime, and supporting workforce reentry, we are ensuring that our region remains a place of opportunity and prosperity for all. As the 89th Texas Legislature progresses, the DRC is steadfast in our commitment to advancing policies that promote a high quality of life for all people.
To learn more about the Public Policy team’s work, visit our website.