FAQS

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

General & Strategic
  • What is the role of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation (Dallas EDC)?
    The Dallas EDC promotes Dallas as a globally competitive business destination that fosters economic opportunities for all members of the city. We serve as your strategic partner in growth, focusing on engaging the world, attracting business and investment, and activating real estate assets to drive sustainable economic development.

 

  • How does Dallas EDC support companies looking to relocate or expand in Dallas?
    We are your single point of contact from initial inquiry through launch. Services include tailored site selection, incentive navigation, talent pipeline access, infrastructure coordination, strategic marketing, and data-driven intelligence—all designed to ensure a successful and efficient expansion.

 

  • Is there a cost to work with Dallas EDC?
    No, our services are provided at no cost to businesses as part of our public-private partnership mission to attract and retain investment in Dallas.

 

  • What types of businesses do Dallas EDC prioritize for growth and recruitment?
    We target industry sectors aligned with Dallas’s competitive advantages: Financial Services & Fintech; Technology (AI, Semiconductors, Data Centers); Life Sciences & Biotechnology; Advanced Manufacturing; Aviation, Defense & Aerospace; Transportation & Logistics; and Professional Services & Corporate HQs. Although these are our target industries, we welcome interest in other types of business as well.

 

  • How does Dallas EDC coordinate with the City of Dallas and other regional partners? We work in close collaboration with the City of Dallas, Dallas County, the State of Texas, Dallas Regional Chamber, Visit Dallas, Downtown Dallas Inc., and other economic development organizations to ensure aligned strategies, seamless incentives, and comprehensive support for businesses.
Site Selection & Real Estate
  • What types of available sites and buildings does Dallas EDC help identify?
    We assist with all property types: office (including HQ campuses), industrial, warehouse, mixed-use, R&D, and “site-ready” land. We also maintain a database of city-owned properties and activated assets.

 

  • Can Dallas EDC assist with confidential site selection projects?
    Yes, we manage all inquiries with strict confidentiality and can sign non-disclosure agreements to protect your search.

 

  • Does Dallas EDC provide demographic, labor market, and market analysis data?
    Yes. Our data team provides detailed analytics on labor supply, wage trends, industry clustering, education, commute patterns, real estate metrics, and demographic projections to support informed decisions.

 

  • How does Dallas EDC support redevelopment or infill projects within the city?
    We help identify underutilized parcels, navigate zoning and permitting, connect developers with incentives, and support projects that align with the city’s strategic growth plans in target areas.

 

  • Can Dallas EDC help navigate zoning, permitting, and land-use regulations? Yes, we facilitate introductions and coordinate with the City of Dallas Planning & Urban Design, Development Services, and other relevant departments to streamline approvals.
International Business
  • How does Dallas EDC support international companies expanding to or investing in Dallas?
    The Dallas EDC serves as the primary point of contact for trade officials and international firms, providing tailored support in market entry, site selection, regulatory navigation, and cross-cultural business integration. We coordinate with government offices, local consulates, and international trade offices to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success in the Dallas market.

 

  • What resources or partnerships exist to help international businesses with trade, logistics, and supply chain connectivity in Dallas?
    Dallas offers unparalleled global connectivity through DFW International Airport — a designated Foreign Trade Zone — direct flights to over 270 destinations, and a multimodal logistics network including three Class I railroads and major intermodal facilities.

 

  • Does Dallas EDC offer programs or networks to help international companies integrate into the local business community? Yes. We connect international firms to the business community. Additionally, we will help international executives to engage with peer networks, and access localized market intelligence to accelerate community and business integration.
Incentives, Grants & Financial Assistance
  • What types of incentives and financial programs are available?
    Incentives are locally decided. The Dallas EDC can connect you to the City of Dallas incentive programs that may include City of Dallas tax abatements, Chapter 380 grants, public improvement reimbursements, TIF financing. We can also connect you with the State of Texas incentives. Start with the City of Dallas Incentives Inquiry Tool in order to identify the best-fit programs for your project. The Texas Comptroller’s office serves the state by collecting, processing, administering, or overseeing 100 separate taxes, fees, assessments, and program applications, including local sales taxes.

 

  • How do tax abatements, grants, or rebates work in Dallas?
    Most incentives are negotiated and they are performance-based agreements where the city may abate a portion of property taxes or provide grant funding in exchange for capital investment, job creation, and/or wage targets.

 

  • What is a TIF district and how can it assist with a proposed project? A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district captures the incremental increase in property tax revenue generated by new development and reinvests it back into the district for public improvements, infrastructure, and eligible private project costs.
Workforce & Talent
  • How does Dallas EDC assist companies with workforce recruitment and training?
    We connect you to talent pipelines through Dallas College, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, and industry-specific training programs. We also facilitate introductions to universities. 

 

  • What partnerships exist with local colleges, universities, and workforce boards?
    We work with the Texas Talent Accelerator and partner with four R-1 research universities (UT Dallas, SMU, UNT, University of Texas at Arlington), Dallas College, Dallas ISD, Texas Workforce Commission, and industry councils to ensure a steady flow of skilled talent.

 

  • Is there data available on Dallas’ labor force, wages, and talent pipeline? Yes. We provide current data on labor force size, occupation concentrations, wage trends, graduation rates, in-migration patterns, and talent availability in key sectors such as tech, finance, and life sciences.
Infrastructure & Utilities
  • How does Dallas EDC assist with utility coordination and infrastructure planning?
    We facilitate early engagement with Oncor (electricity), Atmos Energy (natural gas), Dallas Water Utilities, and telecommunications providers to ensure capacity, timelines, and cost estimates align with project needs.

 

  • What transportation assets support business operations in Dallas? Dallas is served by DFW International Airport (3rd busiest globally), Dallas Love Field, four interstate highways (I-20, I-30, I-35E, I-45), three Class I railroads (BNSF, UP, KCS), and multiple intermodal logistics facilities.
Business Expansion & Retention
  • How does Dallas EDC support existing businesses looking to expand or reinvest?
    We proactively meet with Dallas-based companies to understand growth barriers, identify site solutions, navigate incentives, connect to talent programs, and ensure they have the resources to scale here.

 

  • Does Dallas EDC help during business transitions or operational challenges? Yes. We assist with troubleshooting operational, regulatory, or expansion challenges by coordinating with city departments, utility providers, and community partners to find timely solutions.
Investor Relations
  • What are the primary ways to invest in or partner with the Dallas EDC?
    The Dallas EDC offers structured partnership opportunities for organizations committed to Dallas’s economic future. These include joining the CEO Council and participating in Industry Councils.

 

  • What is the CEO Council and what does membership entail?
    The CEO Council is an invitation only, high-level advisory body that provides strategic insight, executive leadership, and visible support to strengthen Dallas’s economic competitiveness. They act as Ambassador’s for Dallas. Membership requires an investment commitment and offers exclusive access to quarterly Economic & Market Insights briefings, networking with top leaders, and opportunities to shape Dallas’s economic priorities.

 

  • Who should I contact to learn more about investor opportunities? For more information on partnership and investor engagement, please contact Tricia Roark, Director of Investor Relations, at troark@dallasedc.com or 270.348.4428. We welcome conversations about how your organization can contribute to and benefit from Dallas’s growth.
Marketing, Branding & Business Support
  • What marketing or promotional support does Dallas EDC provide to Dallas-based companies?
    We include local success stories in our global marketing campaigns, feature companies in press releases and social media, and provide opportunities for visibility at domestic and international trade missions.

 

  • Who should companies contact to start a conversation with Dallas EDC? Contact Linda McMahon, President & CEO, at Lmcmahon@dallasedc.com or 214.851.8687. You may also visit dallasedc.com for more information and to submit an inquiry.
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