Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas earned Site Selection magazine’s No. 1 business‑climate ranking for the fourth year in a row, beating states such as Georgia, North Carolina, California and Virginia. The accolade reflects the state’s strong tax environment, affordable electricity and a record number of corporate facility projects.
Dallas‑Fort Worth’s Strong Project Numbers
In 2025 Texas logged 1,406 qualifying corporate facility projects, more than double Illinois’ 680, securing its 14th consecutive Governor’s Cup. The Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area ranked third among large metros with 410 projects, trailing Chicago’s 606 and Houston’s 590.
New Corporate Commitment in Dallas
In September, Morgan Stanley announced a new U.S. hub in Dallas, promising a $684 million capital investment and more than 3,800 jobs. The state backed the deal with a $43,849,500 Texas Enterprise Fund grant and a $40,000 veteran‑job bonus, according to the governor’s office.
AT&T Relocates Headquarters to Plano
AT&T disclosed on Jan. 5 that it will move its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano, with initial occupancy expected in the second half of 2028. Plano approved the site plan in September, anticipating at least $1.35 billion in property improvements.
Governor Abbott linked the move to Dallas’ public‑safety challenges, noting at a Fort Worth law‑enforcement event that the city’s police staffing shortfall contributed to AT&T’s decision. While Abbott’s comment reflects his assessment, AT&T has not formally confirmed the staffing issue as the sole reason for relocation.
Public‑Safety Improvements and Ongoing Gaps
Downtown Dallas Inc. President Jennifer Scripps reported that the downtown police force grew to about 130 officers, up from the 90s several years earlier. She cited declines of 16.5% in violent crime, 29% in robberies and 45% in auto thefts. Raw offense counts show 171 downtown incidents this September, down from 323 a year earlier, and a homeless count of 22 people versus 103 in September 2025.
However, Dallas voters approved Proposition U in 2024, mandating at least 4,000 full‑time sworn officers and additional pension and compensation funding. An October 13 hiring report listed 3,447 sworn officers—553 below the minimum. The city’s adopted budget projects 3,651 officers by Sept. 2027 and 3,800 by Sept. 2028, still short of the charter requirement.
The city council approved funding for a new police training center at the University of North Texas at Dallas on Oct. 28, but the construction funding alone does not satisfy the staffing mandate.
Legal Mechanisms for Accountability
Proposition S, also approved in 2024, allows qualifying residents to sue the city if it fails to meet specified legal obligations, including the police staffing requirement. Lawsuits are currently testing the scope of this provision, and courts have not yet resolved all enforcement questions.
What This Means for Downtown Dallas
While Texas enjoys a top national business climate, downtown Dallas must translate its recent public‑safety gains into retained or new corporate commitments. The loss of AT&T’s headquarters underscores the importance of meeting voter‑approved staffing goals and maintaining a business‑friendly environment.
City leaders continue to emphasize Dallas’ appeal to corporations, but the gap between current police staffing levels and the 4,000‑officer target remains a critical hurdle for future economic development.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
