Plano, Texas, January 10, 2026
AT&T has announced plans to move its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to a new 54-acre campus in Plano by 2028, consolidating over 10,000 employees. This decision raises concerns over the future economic stability of downtown Dallas, with predictions of a significant drop in property values and increased office vacancy rates. Political leaders have reacted with mixed opinions, attributing the move to various factors including public safety and the appeal of suburban campuses. Despite challenges, there remains a sense of optimism regarding downtown Dallas’s future.
Dallas, Texas
AT&T has announced plans to relocate its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to a new 54-acre campus in Plano, Texas, by 2028. This move will consolidate all of AT&T’s North Texas operations, which include over 10,000 employees, onto a single campus located on Legacy Drive. The decision has raised questions about the future of AT&T’s real estate holdings in downtown Dallas and the potential economic impact on the area.
Details of the Relocation
The new headquarters in Plano will span 54 acres and is expected to be partially occupied by the second half of 2028. This consolidation aims to create a corporate campus designed for collaboration, innovation, and engagement. This strategic move comes over a decade after AT&T transitioned from San Antonio to downtown Dallas in 2008. The company has not disclosed future plans for the three buildings it owns and a fourth it leases in downtown Dallas. With its current policy requiring employees to work in the office five days a week, the relocation may considerably affect employee commutes.
Economic Implications for Downtown Dallas
The departure of AT&T, a major employer in downtown Dallas, is anticipated to result in significant economic repercussions. A study commissioned by Downtown Dallas Inc. estimated that the relocation could lead to a 30% drop in property values, which would amount to approximately $2.7 billion in total value and a loss of $62 million annually in property tax revenue. Furthermore, the central business district’s office vacancy rate could rise to 33.7%, positioning it to surpass Seattle for the highest vacancy rate among central business districts in the country. This trend mirrors broader challenges facing downtown Dallas, including ongoing concerns over public safety and the appeal of suburban campuses.
Political Reactions
Governor Greg Abbott has attributed AT&T’s decision to relocate to what he perceives as Dallas leaders’ failure to adequately fund local law enforcement and address homelessness. He emphasized that local leaders must ensure that homeless individuals do not endanger citizens and must fully fund local law enforcement efforts. In contrast, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert contended that AT&T’s move was primarily driven by the company’s desire for a new suburban campus with significant acreage for development, rather than a negative assessment of public safety or city leadership. She noted that AT&T’s transition will be gradual, and the company will continue to be an integral part of Dallas in the years to come.
Background Context
AT&T’s decision to move its headquarters to Plano reflects a broader trend of companies seeking suburban campuses that offer more space and modern facilities. This development underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and homelessness in downtown Dallas, which have indeed influenced corporate relocation decisions. Despite these obstacles, city leaders maintain a degree of optimism regarding the future of downtown Dallas, highlighting various ongoing development projects and the potential for revitalization in the area.
FAQ
Why is AT&T moving its headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano?
AT&T is relocating its global headquarters to Plano to consolidate all of its North Texas operations onto a single campus, aiming to create a corporate environment designed for collaboration, innovation, and engagement. The company has not disclosed future plans for its downtown Dallas properties. The move may also be influenced by factors such as the desire for more space and modern facilities, as well as concerns over public safety and employee commutes.
What are the economic implications of AT&T’s relocation for downtown Dallas?
The relocation of AT&T is expected to have significant economic repercussions for downtown Dallas. A study estimated that the move could lead to a 30% drop in property values, amounting to approximately $2.7 billion in total value and a loss of $62 million annually in property tax revenue. The central business district’s office vacancy rate could rise to 33.7%, surpassing Seattle for the highest vacancy rate within a central business district in the country. This trend reflects broader challenges facing downtown Dallas, including concerns over public safety and the attractiveness of suburban campuses.
How have political leaders responded to AT&T’s decision to relocate?
Governor Greg Abbott has attributed AT&T’s decision to relocate to Dallas leaders’ failure to adequately fund local law enforcement and address homelessness. In response, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert emphasized that AT&T’s move was driven by the company’s desire for a new suburban campus with significant acreage for development, rather than a judgment on public safety or city leadership. She noted that AT&T’s transition will be gradual, and the company will remain part of Dallas’s fabric in the years ahead.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Relocation Announcement | AT&T plans to move its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to a new 54-acre campus in Plano by 2028, consolidating all North Texas operations onto a single campus. |
| Economic Impact | The relocation is expected to lead to a 30% drop in downtown property values, amounting to approximately $2.7 billion in total value and a loss of $62 million annually in property tax revenue. The central business district’s office vacancy rate could rise to 33.7%, surpassing Seattle for the highest vacancy rate within a central business district in the country. |
| Political Reactions | Governor Greg Abbott attributed AT&T’s decision to Dallas leaders’ failure to adequately fund local law enforcement and address homelessness. In response, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert emphasized that AT&T’s move was driven by the company’s desire for a new suburban campus with significant acreage for development, rather than a judgment on public safety or city leadership. |
| Background Context | The move reflects a broader trend of companies seeking suburban campuses offering more space and modern facilities. It also highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and homelessness in downtown Dallas, which have influenced corporate relocation decisions. Despite these challenges, city leaders remain optimistic about downtown Dallas’s future, citing ongoing development projects and potential for revitalization. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
