GDPC President's Message

1st Quarter 2024

Ruben Landa
GDPC President

The Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) has been the leading planning organization in North Texas for 79 years, and we take tremendous pride in having participated in the planning and development of this great city and region. We continuously work to engage the various industries and professionals that drive the planning and development for the city of Dallas. The participation of these and other exceptional professionals has made the GDPC highly effective as an advocacy organization.

We foresee 2024 being a banner year as we plan to implement our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan that will guide the organization to new heights. What is more exciting is that we have a new, dynamic Executive Team and Board of Directors, which include professionals and leaders from all corners of the industry. These industry leaders are ready to contribute their time to make meaningful changes to the greater Dallas region.

In addition to the implementation of our strategic plan, the GDPC has committed to advocating on two major issues important to the future of the city of Dallas: housing and water public policy. We have mapped out an ambitious schedule of meetings and events to engage leaders and decision-makers on these two very important issues.

In addition to housing and water public policies, we also plan to advocate on these other important issues that are driving the future of Dallas:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Climate Action Policy

• DART System Modernization

• High Speed Rail (Houston > Dallas > Fort Worth)

• Historic Preservation Policy

• Planning (Legislative) Policy

• Office Real Estate – Potential Crisis

• Parking Reform / Parking Minimums

• Parks, Green Space, and Trails

• Renewable Energy Policy

• Sports Economics

• Urban Sprawl / Regionalism vs. Urbanism

Please watch for our 2024 program schedule, which we will release soon.

You can take part in our efforts by engaging with these critical topics that will drive the creation of a 21st Century Dallas. You can do so by joining one of our five task forces: Mobility, Urban Design, Natural Resources & Environment, Equity & Inclusion, and Technology & Innovation. Our task forces provide a forum for hands-on involvement in issues that will impact the direction and quality of life of Dallas. We encourage you to participate and be a part of something special by contacting our task force chairs to learn more about our task force meetings and events.

Finally, for the GDPC to thrive and remain a source of thought leadership in the industry, we need the support of our members and corporate partners. Your involvement and the participation of new members and partners will help drive, shape, and promote the creation of a better Dallas. Your support is essential, and if you have not already done so, please consider renewing your membership or consider joining the GDPC so we can work together to be a voice in our community’s future.

Wishing everyone a prosperous and successful 2024.