About Us

Mission

The Greater Dallas Planning Council’s mission statement is simple and to the point:

Advocates, educates, and plans for a prosperous, equitable Greater Dallas.

The Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC), founded in 1946, is the oldest Dallas area civic organization that focuses on issues shaping regional growth. The members of the GDPC address a range of issues from a broad range of community and professional perspectives. The GDPC's membership is comprised of a group of successful professionals from architect design firms, planning consultants, construction and engineering firms, developers, real estate industry leaders, community and civic organizations, corporations and municipal entities. The GDPC membership also includes elected or appointed officials. The GDPC members evaluate local and regional policies in order to promote the long-term sustainability of the City of Dallas and surrounding region.

Urban design issues, economic development, transportation, water issues, energy and education remain a core focus of the organization. A variety of issue task forces bring together professionals concerned about the future of the region and evaluate policies and new design concepts. The members of the task forces evaluate information, invite area leaders to their meetings and develop policy recommendations that are forwarded to local leaders and the media.

In order to promote a better understanding of issues facing the region, the GDPC sponsors monthly breakfast meetings open to members and non-members. These breakfast meetings include a presentation by local politicians and leaders on issues ranging from urban development, education reform, transportation changes, water planning and other timely issues.