Meeting Summary
The Dallas City Council held a comprehensive meeting focusing on major preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and a significant design update for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Key discussions centered on regional transportation logistics, economic development in the southern sector, and the refinement of the convention center's schematic design to reduce costs while maintaining functionality.
Key Decisions & Votes
Fort Worth to Houston High-Speed Rail Corridor Resolution
21:30Reaffirmed the council's opposition to above-ground rail through the Central Business District and supported a $500,000 federal planning grant with conditions to protect city parkland and evaluate multiple alignments.
Approval of Minutes
20:00Approval of the minutes from the December 3, 2025, city council meeting.
Board and Commission Appointments
20:30Appointments to the North Oak Cliff Municipal Management District and Reinvestment Zones 7 and 17.
Upcoming Community Events
FIFA World Cup 2026
Dallas will host nine matches, including a semifinal. Fan Festival to be held at Fair Park for 34+ days.
Tina Fest (Proposed)
A proposed festival to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tina Turner's 'rebirth' in Dallas, coinciding with the World Cup.
Financial Matters
Convention Center Construction Budget
Refined construction budget range reduced from previous estimates of $3.3B-$3.5B through design efficiencies.
FIFA Safety and Security Grant
Grant received by the North Texas FIFA Organizing Committee to support regional public safety efforts.
Project Financing Zone (PFZ) Collections
Reported over-performance of tax collections for convention center financing compared to the $87M forecast.
Public Comments
Citizens spoke on economic development for the southern sector, sanitation issues, support for a 'Tina Turner' festival, and concerns regarding bike safety and road closures during construction.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Specific thoroughfare amendment decisions for Jefferson and Houston viaducts
Deadlines
- January 31, 2025: End of FIFA volunteer 'tryouts'
- February 16, 2025: Release of the first version of the FIFA Human Rights Plan
Watch For
- January 28 Meeting: GMP2 for Convention Center and TxDOT SIB loan application
- March 2025: Community Sustainability Cleanup Challenge
- Q4 2026: Long-term revenue bonding for the Convention Center
Announcements
- FIFA officially took over the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on January 14, 2025, for the International Broadcast Center build-out.
- Dallas was ranked #6 on the New York Times '52 Places to Go in 2026' list due to the World Cup.
- The DART station under the convention center closed on January 5, 2025, to begin the 'cocooning' process for demolition.
Agenda Summary
Approval of Minutes
Review and approval of the December 3, 2025 meeting minutes.
Board and Commission Appointments
Full council appointments to various municipal districts and reinvestment zones.
High-Speed Rail Resolution
Resolution regarding the Fort Worth to Houston high-speed rail corridor and federal grant acceptance.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Update
Briefing on regional planning, safety, transportation, and the International Broadcast Center.
Convention Center Master Plan Update
Briefing on 100% schematic design, cost reductions, and construction progress.