Texas has once again been named the best state for businesses by Chief Executive magazine, making it the 21st year in a row that the Lone Star State has ranked first.
The magazine’s rankings are based on an annual survey of CEOs from across the country. These executives assess each state on factors such as business climate, workforce quality, and overall quality of life for their employees.
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the survey’s results in a recent press release, describing the continued success of Texas’ business environment as proof of the state’s long-term economic strategy and anti-red tape stance for small businesses.
“Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed – that’s why the nation’s CEOs have ranked Texas as the Best State for Business for more than two decades and counting,” Abbott said. “We will continue to cut red tape and partner with job-creating businesses and innovators to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for decades to come.”
According to the survey, the state’s appeal among big business executives also stems from its low-tax, low-regulation environment and growing workforce.
The rankings follow new legislation aimed at maintaining that business edge in America. Last week, Abbott signed Senate Bill 14 into law—a measure informally dubbed “Texas DOGE,” establishing the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The new agency will help review and limit business regulations and repeal any unnecessary Biden-era impositions on companies.
Texas continues to draw new residents and companies at a rate unmatched by most other states, with recent relocations including all of Elon Musk’s main business ventures: SpaceX, Tesla, and X.
As businesses across the country continue to fight with financial uncertainty, Texas is doubling down on its reputation as a place where they can thrive.
So, why does downtown Dallas continue to have problems sustaining business operations, with rumors that large businesses may soon leave the area?
According to a social media post from Keep Dallas Safe, infrastructure and crime problems in downtown could lead to a huge loss in city revenue if companies like AT&T leave.
“AT&T is considering leaving Downtown due to crime. If they go, it could wipe out $2.7 billion in property value. It would also cost the city $62M in lost tax revenue. Why is Dallas leadership willing to gamble the entire economy instead of cracking down on crime?” Keep Dallas Safe wrote.
However, things aren’t so clear over at the AT&T headquarters.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, AT&T CEO John Stankey has drawn criticism from Dallas residents after reports that company leadership is pushing back against proposed legislation that specifically aims to revitalize downtown and lower crime in the area.
Despite AT&T’s own complaints about rising crime, copper theft, and homeless encampments near its Dallas headquarters, the company has reportedly opposed House Bill 4078 and Senate Bill 2594, laws that would reform how Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) are structured and funded in cities like Dallas.
Stankey has not responded to DX‘s inquiry for comment on why the company would oppose these new laws or whether it intends to publicly commit to staying in downtown Dallas.
For now, the fate of downtown Dallas weighs heavily on managing the pro-business environment that Texas is known for.