On Wednesday, September 30, Downtown Dallas, Inc. hosted its 2026 State of Downtown, bringing together residents, business leaders, property owners and civic partners to reflect on Downtown’s progress and look ahead to the opportunities that will shape its next decade.

This year’s program centered on Big Ideas. Bold Action. Downtown Vision 2036, DDI’s planning initiative developed in partnership with MIG, Inc. to guide the next phase of growth, investment and connectivity in Downtown Dallas. Chris Beynon, Chief Development Officer, Vice President & Treasurer at MIG, shared the emerging vision and priorities informed by months of research and stakeholder engagement.

Building on the progress of the Downtown Dallas 360 Plan, Downtown Vision 2036 identifies five areas of focus:

• Convert vacant office space to right-size the market by advancing public-private funding strategies and repurposing the Discovery District.
• Boost residential growth with a goal of doubling Downtown’s residential population.
• Make critical connections between neighborhoods by building the Thru-Line and transforming the DART Transit Mall.
• Cultivate districts and destinations by advancing Dallas College and the Convention Center District.
• Invest in the ground-level experience by reimagining key north-south streets and activating vacant ground-floor spaces.

The Downtown Vision 2036 provides a framework for building on more than two decades of progress and turning today’s opportunities into bold action for the future of Downtown Dallas.

Download the Big Ideas. Bold Action. Downtown Vision 2036 presentation from the 2026 State of Downtown.

For more information on the plan, download here.