Bank of America Dallas President Jennifer Chandler said Dallas has reached a pivotal moment in the future of its urban core, with measurable progress on public safety and homelessness creating an opportunity to strengthen downtown as a business and cultural center.
The interview is part of The Dallas Express’ Business and Civic Leader City Hall Redevelopment Series, which asks local business owners, executives, developers, and civic leaders how they view the future of downtown Dallas, City Hall, public safety, sports, and redevelopment. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas de Brazil President and co-founder Salim Asrawi said Dallas should think long term about what downtown will look like in 20 years.
“Revitalizing downtown is critical to Dallas’ long-term competitiveness as a leading financial and business center,” Chandler told DX in an interview about the future of the urban core.
Chandler said progress on crime and homelessness downtown is foundational to any broader revitalization strategy. She pointed to the Safe in the City initiative and increased police presence, noting that Safe in the City reported a 12% drop in violent crime from 2024 to 2025.
“At the same time, efforts to address homelessness are showing tangible results, with a meaningful reduction from prior peaks and a more coordinated, sustained approach,” Chandler said.
Chandler also tied downtown revitalization to long-term housing stability, saying Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment helps remove financial barriers for prospective homebuyers. Bank of America says eligible homebuyers can combine its down payment and closing cost programs for up to $17,500 in assistance, and that support can be layered with the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program.
“Homeownership remains a key generational wealth-building tool,” Chandler said.
Downtown And Suburbs Can Both Thrive
Chandler said Dallas does not need to frame downtown growth and suburban growth as competing goals.
“Dallas is a ‘can-do’ city and part of a dynamic metroplex with an opportunity for all areas to thrive,” Chandler said. “As Jim Collins describes in ‘The Genius of the AND,’ it is not an either/or. Dallas can continue to see strong growth in both the suburbs and a vibrant, connected downtown.”
She said Dallas’ relatively competitive cost of living and young, growing population position the city well for continued growth.
Strengthening connections to the Arts District and expanding access to cultural assets will also help make downtown a place where people want to live, work, and engage, Chandler said.
Chandler added that delivering on that vision also requires a strong focus on workplace experience. Just as Bank of America prioritizes a vibrant, safe, and high-quality environment for its employees, she said it is important to ensure City of Dallas employees have a similarly positive and supportive work experience.
Asked how city leaders can persuade the public that downtown revitalization is urgent, Chandler said the answer is results.
“The strongest way to build confidence is through results and transparency,” Chandler said. “Demonstrating measurable improvements, especially in safety, cleanliness, and housing outcomes, helps the community see that progress is real and sustainable.”
Sports, FIFA, And Downtown Energy
Asked about the role professional sports play in Dallas’ future, including major events such as FIFA World Cup 26, Chandler said sports can help strengthen communities and drive civic energy.
“Dallas thrives on the business of sports, and at Bank of America, we have seen firsthand how sports bring people together and strengthen communities,” Chandler said.
Bank of America is the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26. Chandler also pointed to the company’s Golf with Us initiative, which is designed to help children ages 6-18 access tee times for $5 or less through Youth on Course.
While Chandler said Bank of America does not take a position on the specific location of individual teams, she said professional sports remain important to Dallas’ broader vitality.
“We recognize and deeply value the important role professional sports play in driving economic development, community engagement, and the overall vibrancy of our city,” Chandler said.
Schools, Safety, And Small Businesses
Chandler said quality schools are essential if Dallas wants downtown revitalization to attract families, employees, and long-term business activity.
“Strong schools and access to quality education are essential to attracting families, employees, and long-term investment, and we are seeing encouraging progress,” Chandler said.
Dallas ISD’s student achievement score rose from 71 in 2022-2023 to 73 in 2023-2024 and 76 in 2024-2025, though the district remained rated C in that category, according to TXSchools.gov.
She said city leaders should also focus on green space, walkability, and policies that help businesses of different sizes succeed downtown.
“It all starts with safety,” Chandler said. “From there, we must create a downtown that supports not only large corporations, but also small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.”
A safe and walkable downtown with strong amenities would be compelling to both employees and businesses, Chandler said.
“The progress being made, which includes reducing crime, improving conditions on the street, and creating pathways to stable housing, positions Dallas well to deliver a true work/live/play environment that attracts both talent and businesses,” she said.
City Hall And Long-Term Planning
Chandler did not say whether Dallas should sell, relocate, preserve, or redevelop City Hall. Asked whether the I.M. Pei-designed building should factor into the debate, she said long-term planning should weigh existing assets against the city’s broader goals.
“Long-term planning should thoughtfully consider the role of existing assets alongside the broader vision for downtown, with a focus on what will create the greatest long-term benefit for the city,” Chandler said.
She also said city leaders should keep the public discussion focused on outcomes rather than process alone.
“Thoughtful, transparent engagement with the community is essential,” Chandler said. “Continuing to focus on outcomes, such as public safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life will help build broad-based support.”
Asked whether the timing is right for Dallas to pursue an ambitious downtown revitalization strategy, Chandler said the city has momentum it can build on.
The Dallas Express is also asking readers to weigh in through a related poll on the future of downtown Dallas and City Hall. The informal poll asks readers about repair costs, relocation preferences, historic preservation, access to city services, downtown economic activity, and possible redevelopment.
“With the positive momentum Dallas is experiencing, particularly the measurable improvements in safety and reductions in homelessness, it is an important time to thoughtfully advance revitalization efforts,” Chandler said.
