As crime trends fluctuate downtown, questions linger about the future of AT&T’s Whitacre Tower headquarters.

Multiple sources indicate that AT&T is quietly exploring suburban campuses, including the 1.8 million-square-foot Park at Legacy in Plano, The Dallas Express previously reported.

A&T has repeatedly declined to comment on whether rising crime is influencing its real estate decisions.

Growth in crime and disorder downtown has coincided with declining property values and a slowdown in residential growth, according to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report commissioned by Downtown Dallas Inc. (DDI).

The report warns that if public safety does not improve, major employers such as AT&T could contemplate relocation, potentially causing a 30% decrease in downtown property values—roughly $2.7 billion in total value—with an annual property tax loss of $62 million.

Crime Data Shows Mixed Trends

A closer look at Dallas Crime Analytics shows divergent trends across the reporting areas surrounding Whitacre Tower:

  • Reporting Area 2061: 227 crimes YTD in 2025, up 24.7% from 182 in 2024. Most common offenses include simple assault (59), drug/narcotic violations (44), and vandalism (29).

  • Reporting Area 2062: 118 crimes YTD in 2025, a modest 1.7% increase from 2024. Most non-violent crimes are property-related, including thefts and vandalism.

  • Reporting Area 2073: 72 crimes YTD in 2025, up 41.2% from 51 in 2024, with simple assault (19) and property damage (13) leading.

DDI’s data, however, showed overall decreases in violent crime across the same areas. In an email, Scott Goldstein, a spokesman for DDI, wrote, “DPD and DDI data shows a significant decrease in crime and quality of life issues throughout Downtown, including in the area you are focused on. The Safe in the City initiative is continuing to increase safety, security, and cleanliness in Downtown Dallas.”

When asked if these decreases were sufficient to mitigate the risk of corporate relocations, Goldstein added, “AT&T is an active DDI board-level member. The company remains engaged with us on shared initiatives, including Safe in the City. We do not comment on any Downtown companies’ hypothetical future plans.”

AT&T Offers Rewards

On September 26, Dallas law enforcement and AT&T executives convened to tackle a surge in copper theft costing the company $4 million annually, disrupting vital services like internet and 911 access.

Michael Peterson, an AT&T representative, emphasized the impact on vulnerable groups, such as seniors reliant on copper or fiber lines for healthcare, while also linking the issue to homeless encampments and related crime, as the The Dallas Express previously reported.

Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot highlighted how these thefts jeopardize community safety by crippling critical infrastructure and noted that new legislation he helped draft streamlines prosecution efforts.

AT&T is offering rewards of up to $10,000 in Dallas-Fort Worth for tips leading to convictions, as copper prices, ranging from $3.20 to $4 per pound, drive thefts. The company is enhancing security and plans to phase out copper lines by 2029.

AT&T Remains Silent

Despite attempts by The Dallas Express to obtain a comment from AT&T, including emails to Communications Manager Jim Kimberly and President John Stankey, the company has not provided an on-the-record statement explaining its plan. Kimberly responded directly to a query about speculation on relocation, “We do not comment on rumors and speculation.”

Past statements from AT&T executives suggest the company is aware of downtown crime issues. In April 2025, Michael Peterson, Vice President of External Affairs, highlighted copper theft and its consequences for Dallas residents and infrastructure, warning that outages could imperil the lives of customers dependent on emergency services, KRLD reported.

When DX asked AT&T’s communications team how crime was influencing the company’s decision to stay or go, the outlet did not receive a response. Similarly, Whitacre Tower’s owner did not return a request for comment on how PacElm Properties’ leadership viewed crime in the area surrounding their building.

The Stakes for Downtown Dallas

The BCG/DDI analysis warns that a corporate relocation could have cascading effects on downtown’s economy, including property values, tax revenue, and residential growth. The report highlights examples from other cities, such as Detroit and San Francisco, where the departure of anchor tenants triggered sharp declines in downtown property values.

While some Dallas Police Weekly Compstat data points provided by DDI suggest crime may be trending downward, granular crime data—including auto theft, vandalism, and quality-of-life violations—indicates ongoing challenges. Public safety advocates and residents argue that more aggressive measures, including reform of Public Improvement District (PID) funding and enforcement, may be needed to maintain confidence in the downtown core.

The unanswered question remains: Will AT&T stay at Whitacre Tower, reinforcing downtown’s status as a corporate hub, or will the threat of crime drive the company to the suburbs, with potentially dramatic consequences for the city’s economy and urban vitality?