View the letter to Chairman Craddick and Chairman Nichols, April 2, 2025
Re: Legislation impacting DART funding (SB 1557 and HB 3187)
Dear Chairman Craddick and Chairman Nichols:
The Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas) is opposed to Senate Bill 1557 and House Bill 3187 because the legislation would cause irrevocable harm to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and to the economic interests of our region. Regional transit is essential to the future of our communities and creates new opportunities for economic growth, connectivity, and urban placemaking.
For over 75 years, AIA Dallas has represented the voice of architects and design professionals in
north Texas. With over 2,500 members and 150 allied members, AIA Dallas partners with civic
and elected leadership across the region to influence the design of the built environment. Our
organization has partnered with DART to advocate for design integration of its stations and
improvements to its service plans. We have confidence in CEO Nadine Lee and the locally
appointed board of directors to advance our transit system forward in the best interest of the
riders and our region.
The proposed legislation would undercut our region’s ability to manage growth and mobility
challenges in the coming decades. A 25 percent reduction in sales tax contributions from each
member city would cripple the agency and harm its ability to serve regional transit riders. DART
leadership is focused right now on service delivery and the rider experience; they are investing in
more timely bus and train routes, safety and security improvements, and the opening of the Silver
Line from Collin County to DFW Airport. A robust transit agency like DART creates new economic
development opportunities for the production of new jobs, housing density, and smart growth. It
is also a key component in attracting and retaining corporate locations and large-scale events like
the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The potential economic harm from this bill to the North Texas region
would be devastating.
Thank you for considering this feedback from AIA Dallas. Please do not hesitate to reach out to
us if we can provide additional information or industry expertise.
Sincerely,
Mattia Flabiano, AIA
Board President
Zaida Basora, FAIA
Executive Director