The Metroplex Civic and Business Association hosted its latest leadership luncheon on February 3, where Mayor Eric Johnson delivered a straightforward address on Dallas\u2019 recent growth and the business community\u2019s role in sustaining it.<\/p>\n
MCBA President and Chief Executive Officer Onyinye Akujuo kicked<\/a> off the fireside chat alongside moderator Amy Robbins of Alexo Athletica<\/a>, with Johnson promising a conversation rooted in truth and simple facts.<\/p>\n Doug Hutt<\/a>, chairman and CEO of Dallas Capital Bank, introduced Johnson as a mayor known for understanding and appreciating business. Johnson then presented MCBA with a special formal recognition for its work addressing challenges ranging from crime to homelessness while convening executive leaders from more than 100 companies.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a distinct honor to receive special recognition from Mayor Eric Johnson, highlighting the MCBA\u2019s dedicated service to the City of Dallas and the five counties of the Metroplex. We deeply valued the Mayor\u2019s candid dialogue regarding his vision for attracting premier corporations to our region,\u201d Akujuo said. \u201cSeeing nearly the entire Dallas City Council in attendance was a testament to our shared commitment to collaborative governance, which remains essential as we address our city\u2019s most pressing priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n Following the recognition, Johnson addressed both the city\u2019s challenges and recent developments across Dallas, emphasizing transparency.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to spin you. I don\u2019t do that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Five Years of a Decline in Crime<\/p>\n Johnson cited reported public safety improvements, describing five consecutive years of overall declines in violent crime, including a 12% drop last year and a 24% reduction in homicides, despite Dallas\u2019 population size.<\/p>\n \u201cWe say safest large city in America, because we want to be honest about the fact that we\u2019re not Mayberry,\u201d Johnson explained. \u201cWe\u2019re the ninth largest city in America. It\u2019s got big city problems.\u201d<\/p>\n $27 Billion in \u201cReal\u201d Development<\/p>\n Johnson highlighted development milestones he said distinguish Dallas from other major cities. The city\u2019s park system now reportedly serves more than 80% of residents within a 10-minute walk, up from less than 60% a decade ago, a change he said has improved quality of life and produced economic returns.<\/p>\n \u201cThe economic benefit of this park is immeasurable,\u201d Johnson said, gesturing toward Klyde Warren Park in Downtown. \u201cIt\u2019s in the billions already.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnson cited $27 billion in new development since taking office, including Goldman Sachs\u2019 planned investment of roughly $750 million expected to bring approximately 2,500 jobs, as well as Scotiabank\u2019s expansion into Dallas with an estimated 1,000 new positions. He said Dallas continues to attract financial institutions relocating from higher-tax and higher-regulation jurisdictions.<\/p>\n Johnson also highlighted that Dallas leads the nation in both family migration and corporate relocations.<\/p>\n Leaning into a Modern Urban Identity<\/p>\n Addressing AT&T\u2019s downtown departure, previously covered by The Dallas Express<\/a>, Johnson refused to apologize for Dallas being an urban core, saying, \u201cWe can either cry about that as a city, or lean into who we are and the successful deals we have with companies who want to be in this environment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to be aggressively going after companies who want to look out this window,\u201d Johnson declared, before referencing financial firms and other corporations fleeing hostile regulatory environments outside of Texas.<\/p>\n One of Johnson\u2019s most pointed remarks targeted the business community, saying, \u201cOne of my biggest frustrations has been with our business community. Voting is the bare minimum that we need from the business community.\u201d<\/p>\n He would go on to challenge executives to understand what economic freedom means in terms of policy, and ask the audience to hold elected officials accountable year-round. \u201cIf you don\u2019t have policymakers who make policies that reflect those values, we\u2019re all just screwed.\u201d<\/p>\n The mayor would also warn against supporting political leaders who oppose principles that promote economic freedom, simply because they might help with individual development deals, calling that thinking \u201cshortsighted.\u201d<\/p>\n Professional Sports in Dallas and Protecting Taxpayers<\/p>\n When asked about negotiations with Dallas sports franchises, specifically the future of the Dallas Stars, Johnson was blunt: \u201cThey all still want free stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnson explained the delicate balance of keeping teams while protecting taxpayers from wealthy owners seeking subsidies.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve never had a more sports crazy mayor in the history of the city,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cBut I have to make sure that we are doing good deals for the taxpayers of Dallas.\u201d<\/p>\n The mayor added that such negotiations can\u2019t happen publicly. He defended maintaining discretion while working to keep the Stars and Mavericks close to the center of Dallas, unlike other pro teams that carry the city\u2019s name but have moved their stadiums outside of the city.<\/p>\n Looking Forward with a World Cup Focus<\/p>\n When asked about 2026 priorities, Johnson spoke about the importance of executing a flawless World Cup<\/a> \u2013 being the best host possible so that the city can reap the benefits of the global tournament.<\/p>\n