Last week, the Real Estate Councils of Texas (REC of TX) hosted its Commercial Real Estate Advocacy Day, bringing industry leaders from across the state to Austin to engage with lawmakers and discuss the pressing issues impacting real estate development. The event provided a platform for Fort Worth representatives and other regional councils to connect with elected officials, advocate for development efficiency, and emphasize the importance of infrastructure investment.
A Strong Start in Austin
The two-day event kicked off on Tuesday, February 25, with a Legislative Reception at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel, where attendees had the opportunity to meet key policymakers in an informal setting. The evening continued with a dinner at Ranch 616, allowing our delegation to prepare for the full day of advocacy ahead.
On Wednesday, February 26, the day began with a networking breakfast in the Capitol Grille Private Room, where attendees heard from the office Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham. Staffers provided insights into the state's long-term vision for land use, infrastructure, and economic growth—setting the stage for productive legislative meetings throughout the day.
Engaging with Lawmakers
Throughout the day, members of REC of GFW engaged in targeted discussions with state representatives and senators who play a vital role in shaping policies that impact commercial real estate and development across Texas.
Our delegation met with:
Representative John McQueeney
Representative Ramon Ramero
Senator Phil King
Senator Kelly Hancock
Representative Charlie Geren
Key Advocacy Topics
During these meetings, REC representatives emphasized the importance of efficiency, infrastructure, and smart regulations to support Texas’s rapidly growing communities. While we remained neutral on specific bills, our discussions focused on three core priorities:
Lowering Development Costs – Advocating for streamlined regulatory processes and avoiding unnecessary delays that increase costs for businesses and end users.
Enhancing Real Estate Development Efficiency – Promoting policies that ensure Texas cities, especially Fort Worth, maintain predictable and transparent development regulations.
Investing in Mobility, Water, and Workforce – Highlighting the need for increased infrastructure investment in transportation, water, and workforce development to sustain Texas's rapid growth.
Looking Ahead
REC of TX's Advocacy Day was a success, setting the foundation for ongoing engagement between real estate leaders and policymakers. By fostering strong relationships with state legislators, we ensure that the voice of the real estate industry continues to shape Texas's future development.
We appreciate all attendees, legislators, and staff members who took the time to meet with us and discuss these important issues. As we move forward, REC of GFW remains committed to advocating for smart policies that drive economic growth, enhance development efficiency, and support critical infrastructure investments.
Stay tuned for future advocacy efforts and ways to get involved!