Dallas, October 7, 2025
News Summary
AT&T has not made a clear public statement on its plans to remain in downtown Dallas, raising concerns among local business and civic leaders. As the lease for Whitacre Tower approaches its end, discussions emerge around potential relocations to suburban areas. With a reported 42% increase in violent crime downtown, AT&T’s headquarters stands at a crossroads, potentially impacting economic stability in the region. Stakeholders urge for public safety improvements and a commitment from AT&T to remain, given its significant presence in the local economy.
Dallas
AT&T has not provided a clear public statement regarding its plans to keep its headquarters in downtown Dallas. The company’s silence has left local business and civic leaders concerned as AT&T reviews its real estate footprint and analyzes future office needs. The situation has taken on added urgency because the Whitacre Tower lease, which AT&T occupies, is approaching its end, and the company currently employs thousands of people and occupies over 2 million square feet of office space in downtown Dallas.
Key developments and immediate implications
Business leaders in downtown Dallas are feeling uneasy as they await AT&T’s decision while the company reviews its real estate footprint. AT&T is analyzing its office needs, including potential sites in suburban areas such as Plano. The company has consistently refused to comment on ‘rumors and speculation’ when approached by media, and multiple inquiries have been sent to AT&T for information regarding its real estate review and employee safety concerns but have received no response. The combination of a pending lease decision and public silence has intensified concerns about the short-term economic impacts on downtown activity.
Public safety data and relocation risk
A study by Boston Consulting Group for Downtown Dallas Inc. indicated that violent crime in the city’s downtown has increased by 42% between 2019 and 2023. The same study warned that AT&T might consider relocating if public safety issues in downtown are not addressed. Those findings have heightened pressure on local officials and public safety agencies to show measurable improvements, as the study framed public safety as a central factor in AT&T’s location analysis.
Potential economic consequences
If AT&T were to move its headquarters, researchers estimate that it could reduce downtown property values by approximately 30%, resulting in a loss of about $2.7 billion in value and $62 million in annual property tax revenue. Downtown Dallas comprises roughly 4.5% of the city’s total property value, and that share makes a large corporate presence materially important to city finances. Local business groups warn that the loss of weekday employees would hit restaurants, hotels, and retail shops that depend on office-worker traffic.
Stakeholder response and projects at risk
Civic and business leaders emphasize the need for AT&T to publicly commit to staying in downtown Dallas, given its symbolic and economic role in the area. Ongoing major projects, such as the convention center expansion and various high-rise redevelopments, may be adversely affected by the uncertainty surrounding AT&T’s future. Developers and municipal planners have noted that financing and tenant confidence for such projects can be sensitive to changes in the downtown corporate landscape.
What is known about AT&T’s review process and timeline
AT&T is undertaking an internal review of its office footprint and workplace needs. This review includes evaluating suburban options and the company’s existing downtown footprint. With the Whitacre Tower lease ending and office planning underway, stakeholders expect a decision timeline that will align with lease negotiations and corporate real estate planning cycles, though the company has not provided a public timeline.
Next steps for local leaders
Local officials and business organizations say they will monitor AT&T’s review closely and press for actions that address public safety concerns and support downtown vitality. Efforts being discussed at the municipal and civic level focus on public safety improvements, incentives to retain major employers, and measures to sustain downtown commercial activity in the event of prolonged uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has AT&T provided a clear public statement about its headquarters plans?
AT&T has not provided a clear public statement regarding its plans to keep its headquarters in downtown Dallas.
What is happening with AT&T’s lease in downtown Dallas?
The Whitacre Tower lease, which AT&T occupies, is approaching its end, adding urgency to the situation for downtown stakeholders.
Is AT&T considering suburban locations?
AT&T is analyzing its office needs, including potential sites in suburban areas such as Plano.
What does the recent study say about public safety?
A study by Boston Consulting Group for Downtown Dallas Inc. indicated that violent crime in the city’s downtown has increased by 42% between 2019 and 2023.
Could AT&T leave because of safety concerns?
The same study warned that AT&T might consider relocating if public safety issues in downtown are not addressed.
What would be the economic impact if AT&T left?
If AT&T were to move its headquarters, researchers estimate that it could reduce downtown property values by approximately 30%, resulting in a loss of about $2.7 billion in value and $62 million in annual property tax revenue.
Has AT&T responded to media inquiries?
Multiple inquiries have been sent to AT&T for information regarding its real estate review and employee safety concerns but have received no response.
How important is AT&T to downtown Dallas?
AT&T employs thousands of people and occupies over 2 million square feet of office space in downtown Dallas.
Key figures and features
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Increase in violent crime (2019–2023) | 42% |
| Potential downtown property value reduction if AT&T leaves | approximately 30% (about $2.7 billion) |
| Estimated annual property tax revenue loss | $62 million |
| Downtown share of city’s total property value | roughly 4.5% |
| AT&T office footprint in downtown | over 2 million square feet |
| Local workforce tied to AT&T presence | thousands of people |
| Key downtown asset with upcoming lease end | Whitacre Tower |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF 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.
