Dallas, Texas, January 8, 2026
Governor Greg Abbott has placed blame on Dallas city leadership for AT&T’s decision to relocate its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano. Abbott cited failures in public safety and homelessness management as key reasons for the move. In contrast, Dallas officials argue that AT&T favored a suburban-style campus and note ongoing city efforts to address these issues. The shift is expected to have significant economic implications for downtown Dallas, affecting property values and local businesses that depend on AT&T employees.
Dallas, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott Blames City Leadership for AT&T’s Relocation to Plano
Governor Greg Abbott has attributed AT&T’s decision to move its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano to the city’s shortcomings in public safety and homelessness management.
Governor’s Remarks
At a law enforcement event in Fort Worth, Abbott stated that Dallas leaders failed to fully fund and staff the police department and address the downtown homeless issue, leading to AT&T’s departure. He emphasized that local leaders are responsible for ensuring public safety and adequately funding law enforcement.
City’s Response
Dallas city officials, including Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, responded by highlighting the company’s preference for a suburban-style campus over the city’s urban environment. They also pointed out the city’s efforts to improve public safety and address homelessness, noting that business leaders have praised these initiatives.
AT&T’s Announcement
AT&T announced plans to relocate its headquarters to a 54-acre site in Plano, aiming to consolidate three North Texas locations. The company did not mention public safety concerns in its announcement. The move is expected to reshape downtown Dallas’s economy and could impact property values.
Impact on Downtown Dallas
The relocation raises questions about the future of downtown Dallas, especially concerning the 37-story Whitacre Tower and the Discovery District, which have been significant to the city’s urban landscape. Local businesses that rely on AT&T employees are also concerned about potential declines in customer traffic.
State’s Position
Governor Abbott indicated that the state would review whether Dallas’s police funding decisions comply with a 2021 law restricting cuts to police budgets. He suggested that the city’s failure to fully fund law enforcement contributed to AT&T’s decision to move its headquarters.
Conclusion
The situation underscores the complex relationship between corporate decisions, urban development, and public safety. As AT&T prepares to relocate, both Dallas city leaders and state officials continue to discuss the factors influencing the move and its implications for the city’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Governor Greg Abbott say about AT&T’s move?
Governor Abbott stated that Dallas leaders’ failure to fully fund and staff the police department and address the downtown homeless issue led to AT&T’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Plano.
How did Dallas city officials respond to Abbott’s remarks?
Dallas city officials highlighted AT&T’s preference for a suburban-style campus over the city’s urban environment and emphasized the city’s efforts to improve public safety and address homelessness, noting that business leaders have praised these initiatives.
What are the potential impacts of AT&T’s relocation on downtown Dallas?
The relocation could reshape downtown Dallas’s economy, potentially depress property values, and affect local businesses that rely on AT&T employees for customer traffic.
What is the state’s position on Dallas’s police funding decisions?
Governor Abbott indicated that the state would review whether Dallas’s police funding decisions comply with a 2021 law restricting cuts to police budgets, suggesting that the city’s failure to fully fund law enforcement contributed to AT&T’s decision to move its headquarters.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Remarks | Governor Abbott attributes AT&T’s relocation to Dallas’s shortcomings in public safety and homelessness management. |
| City’s Response | Dallas officials highlight AT&T’s preference for a suburban campus and emphasize the city’s efforts to improve public safety and address homelessness. |
| AT&T’s Announcement | AT&T plans to relocate its headquarters to a 54-acre site in Plano, aiming to consolidate three North Texas locations. |
| Impact on Downtown Dallas | The relocation raises questions about the future of downtown Dallas, including potential impacts on property values and local businesses. |
| State’s Position | Governor Abbott suggests that the state’s review of Dallas’s police funding decisions may have influenced AT&T’s decision to move its headquarters. |
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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.
