Clay Lewis Jenkins, County Judge, Dallas County

In an interview with Invest:, Clay Lewis Jenkins, county judge of Dallas County, shared how Dallas County’s thriving economy boasts real wage growth and diverse industries, how regional collaboration is needed for economic growth for all, and stated their intention to continue focusing on public education and mental health services.

What is the current state of Dallas County’s economic climate and how does it compare to other regions in North Texas?

The economic climate in Dallas County is performing well. When you look at North Texas as a whole, it is the largest area in America that is growing, creating jobs, and experiencing economic development. Wage growth here is particularly noteworthy, unlike other areas where inflation outpaces salary increases. For instance, if your salary goes up 2% but inflation goes up 3%, then that is not real wage growth. In fact, that is a 1% wage decline.

However, in Dallas County, along with Collin County, we are seeing wage growth that surpasses inflation across all jobs cumulatively. While there may be individuals not receiving raises and feeling the effects of inflation, the overall median wage is increasing. This trend is not observed in other large areas of the United States. Smaller regions experiencing specific booms, such as mining, might see similar trends, but it is rare in large areas with a broad range of economic drivers like Dallas-Fort Worth. This region is also leading the nation in job creation, which is a significant positive.

However, inflation and home price affordability continue to be two challenges affecting both Dallas County and the country as a whole. While home prices here remain more affordable than in other parts of the country, they are less affordable than they were four or five years ago. Rent, in particular, is increasing at a faster pace than wages.

What industries do you see as key drivers of the economy in Dallas County, and where do you see potential for further growth?

Several industries are driving the economy in Dallas County. For instance, Goldman Sachs, a financial services and equity company, is constructing a large campus just two blocks from our courthouse. This highlights the importance of banking and financial services in our region. Additionally, legal services continue to grow, with national and international law firms acquiring well-established Texas firms and expanding their operations.

Medicine is another significant sector. There is currently about $10 billion being invested in medical facilities. UT Southwestern is building a large psychiatric hospital, and Children’s Medical is constructing a $5 billion new children’s facility. This substantial investment in the medical district and other hospitals and medical offices is fueling growth. Projects like these, whether it is a Goldman Sachs campus or a new medical facility, create opportunities for additional growth and development for businesses that work with these industries.

How does the county participate in strategies to attract and support businesses entering the region while maintaining the unique character of Dallas?

The most important role for the government in attracting businesses is not necessarily offering economic incentives to individual companies. Instead, businesses are drawn to areas that meet their employees’ needs. That said, we do participate in economic development through mechanisms such as Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and tax abatements. For example, while we did not offer Goldman Sachs a tax abatement, they still chose to establish their campus here.

The key drivers from a government perspective include functioning public schools, which are essential for maintaining a strong workforce pipeline. When public schools prepare students to be college and career ready, businesses can rely on a steady supply of skilled workers. Predictable and low taxes, good public safety, and reliable transportation systems are also critical. Companies want to locate in areas where their employees feel safe and can commute reliably, whether they live near the business or in surrounding suburbs.

Beyond education and commute considerations, quality of life plays a significant role. This includes arts, sports venues, and parks. For example, Dallas has a 55-mile bike loop that attracts residents who value outdoor activities. A vibrant medical district also adds to the appeal, especially for specialized industries like medical research and treatment.

With the population growth in the county, how are you addressing infrastructure and transportation needs to support expansion and maintain quality of life?

Our regional transportation area, which includes twelve counties and is overseen by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), is performing better than most competitors in terms of commute times and project execution. As the chairman of this group for the year, I can confirm that our collaboration with federal and state partners has been highly effective.

We are also pursuing ambitious projects such as high-speed rail connecting Houston to Dallas, with a one-seat ride extending to Fort Worth. This would allow passengers to travel from Houston to Dallas, stop briefly, and then continue to Fort Worth, with stops in Arlington along the way. Additionally, both of our airports are undergoing expansions. At DFW Airport, we are constructing Terminal F, and at Love Field, we are improving efficiency and capacity.

In terms of infrastructure like water and electricity, there is a need to focus on infill development in less dense areas closer to central business districts. This approach is more cost-effective than expanding infrastructure to accommodate population growth in outlying areas such as northern Collin County or southern Grayson County. By concentrating development closer to the city’s core, we can optimize resources and infrastructure more efficiently.

Housing affordability remains a significant challenge. Are there any partnerships in place with the state to address these gaps?

Here in Dallas, we have a mortgage assistance program specifically for first-time homebuyers. We operate a Loan Counseling Center in Dallas County, which is the only one in county government across the state. Even if someone does not receive loan assistance from us, they can visit the center to learn about different loan products and determine which ones might be the best fit for them. The mortgage process can be confusing, and people might inadvertently choose an option that seems beneficial but is not the best available. This program provides education to help individuals make informed decisions.

In addition to this, although it is more of a city initiative than a county one, we need to explore ways to increase housing affordability. For example, there are neighborhoods that could benefit from redevelopment. Some areas, particularly those with high crime rates and limited opportunities, could be stabilized by introducing modern duplexes. Around the Hospital District, for instance, we see lots being converted into three- or four-story duplexes. While these duplexes might replace older, single-family homes from the 1940s, they provide housing for more people, and sometimes accommodate two to four families. This type of development can create more affordable housing options and improve neighborhood conditions by reducing crime and increasing opportunities.

How are you collaborating with neighboring counties and cities within Dallas County to address challenges and identify opportunities for a better North Texas?

Collaboration is key. One significant project is the high-speed rail that we hope to build, connecting Houston to Dallas. This rail will terminate near the police station in downtown Dallas, in a neighborhood called Cedars. To make this a one-seat ride to other areas, Dallas County, its cities, and neighboring counties like Tarrant County are working together. This collaboration acknowledges that residents frequently cross county lines for work. Effective transportation and roads benefit everyone, regardless of which side of the boundary line they are on.

For instance, businesses in Dallas County thrive when they can attract good employees, even if some come from Ellis, Tarrant, or Collin counties. Similarly, we address crime through joint efforts. Criminals, such as car thieves, do not recognize county borders. Our auto theft task force includes police officers from a dozen counties, allowing us to work together effectively. The same applies to issues like human trafficking and illegal drug distribution.

Economic opportunities also require regional collaboration. For example, FIFA’s semi-final games for the World Cup will be held in Tarrant County at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. However, the broadcasts will be centered at the Dallas Convention Center, with related events likely occurring in Fort Worth and Collin County. Hosting such events is akin to hosting 11 Super Bowls and requires unified efforts. Similarly, companies like Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo moving significant operations to Dallas County benefit the entire region. These developments create a ripple effect, attracting more businesses and boosting the local economy.

What are some of the challenges that you are currently facing in Dallas County?

The biggest challenge we face is related to public education. Dallas Independent School District (DISD), along with Irving ISD, Richardson ISD, and Mesquite ISD, are considered models of public education in Texas. However, the push for a voucher system by Governor Abbott threatens to divert funds from urban public schools to private schools. This could severely impact the education pipeline that feeds our workforce, which is critical for our economic future.

Another challenge involves mixed-status families. At least 25% of the children in DISD live in households with an undocumented family member. With approximately 150,000 students in the district, this poses logistical challenges, particularly if mass deportations occur. Ensuring these children can continue their education and receive care in such scenarios is a pressing concern.

On the flip side, where do you see the biggest opportunities for Dallas County in the next few years?

On the opportunity side, mental health is a major focus. We are increasing capacity to provide mental health services through partnerships with ISDs and organizations like Metrocare. For instance, we are working to implement mental health testing for middle school students, with parental consent, to identify and address issues early. Our new Southwestern Mental Health Hospital and expanded resources at Metrocare allow us to assist individuals in crisis, often on the same day, regardless of their insurance status. DISD also has the highest number of mental health professionals per capita in the country, which positions us well to address these challenges.

Childcare is another area of opportunity. A strong workforce pipeline requires quality childcare. The county is collaborating with the YMCA and other partners to provide high-quality pre-K and early childhood education, ensuring parents can work confidently knowing their children are in good hands.

What is your outlook and top priorities for Dallas County over the next two to three years?

Over the next two to three years, our top priorities for Dallas County include preserving strong public education, addressing funding challenges, and expanding mental health services and childcare as I mentioned regarding the challenges and opportunities we face. 

Beyond education and mental health, we are also committed to improving regional infrastructure and housing affordability to accommodate our growing population. Attracting and supporting businesses remain central to our strategy, but we are equally focused on ensuring that growth is sustainable and equitable for all communities in the region.