During the recent joint meeting of the City of Dallas Economic Development Commission and the SDURDAC on July 27, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the infrastructure needs for attracting large industrial companies to the region. The conversation highlighted the importance of assessing the city's water, sewer, and power capacities, particularly in relation to potential data centers and other large-scale industries.

Commission members expressed concerns about the current limitations in infrastructure, noting that the area has traditionally not been recognized for its power capacity suitable for data centers. This raises questions about the city's readiness to support new industrial developments, especially given the limited number of rail-served sites available in the three-county area.

One member emphasized the need for collaboration between the commission and city staff to explore resources that could provide insights into the market potential for these industries. The discussion underscored the urgency of identifying suitable sites, as there are only a couple of locations that meet the necessary criteria for rail access, which is crucial for large industrial operations.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the commission to take a more proactive role in attracting industries to the region, recognizing that enhancing infrastructure and understanding market demands are essential steps in fostering economic growth. As the city looks to the future, addressing these infrastructure challenges will be vital for ensuring that Dallas can compete for new business opportunities and support local economic development.