GDPC President's Message

The Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) has been the leading planning organization in North Texas for 77 years, and we take tremendous pride in having participated in the planning and development of this great city and region. Historically, we have also been the launching pad for many of our past and present elected officials and community leaders on the front line of creating the Dallas we know today. Each day we work to engage the various industries and professionals that drive the planning and development of Dallas, including planners, engineers, contractors, developers, public administrators, corporate leaders, and educators. The participation of these and other exceptional professionals has made the GDPC very effective as an advocacy organization.

As we finally move past the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 is seen as the year that many major initiatives and programs move forward in earnest. The GDPC plans to be on the forefront of these movements and the major issues that we plan to engage include, but are not limited to:

• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) DART Modernization

• Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) Master Plan Implementation

• Fair Park First Master Plan Implementation

• TxDOT State of the Heavy Highway Industry in Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas

• Expansion of Broadband Infrastructure in North Texas

• Economic Impact of 2026 FIFA World Cup and Major Sporting Events in North Texas

• Dallas-Fort Worth Private Commercial Development Forum

• Dallas Workforce Development Initiative

• 2024 City of Dallas Bond Program

• NCTCOG Transportation and Stormwater Initiative

You can take part in our efforts by engaging with the 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, Environment & Natural Resources, Diversity & Equity, 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.