[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6529855,"mediaKeyId","3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9","parentId",3789172,"title","Council approves bridge loan authority and initial GMP for downtown convention center expansion","audioSeconds",377,"startMs",22734000,"endMs",23111000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9&start=22734&end=23111","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9/thumbnail_22734000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6529855/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-bridge-loan-authority-and-initial-GMP-for-downtown-convention-center-expansion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529855-945363dde6b5903c5328ecbd3998a6cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147923&Signature=I8-qL7eYCTgwVQZuGsGRNmMehKHXh50Bm5xEkALSvsDpzEMKZX1Pn3Sw8uzYpXIJSe7Rp9Krx57Jm0iUfs7MniUE3enj8W4keeS17AI-ItoBWP3MhUabwK9g~D1-gmddasnyaNwwIh0PXE49i-1M5EY6gxMVuGwKRmsYpgSvWc5c9la5zsIMPMeOpuXKrTTNNY36LXgY~aZsnnPaS09pC~A-S4vPS1V9rtwLr2~KzBoKo86xCaevfTJk26FWp-AKM2KuE9HN6xWfKs7ojpFaJQrRib0G3qbVWmCLgEHj9tIHuEt6hjr7hV3Wa6nS9Y8cG-kmksIBsDuMWWYRpb5XIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas","date","2025-06-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Dallas City Council on June 11 approved authority for a short-term bridge financing instrument and accepted a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the first construction package (Component 1) of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center master plan.

The council authorized the city to enter a bridge loan arrangement (not to exceed $1 billion) to provide interim cash flow while the city prepares to issue long-term bonds next year. Staff described the bridge loan as a standard industry tool that enables the project to begin critical early work — including demolition and steel procurement — while longer-term debt markets are finalized.

Separately the council accepted GMP 1 for the construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) contract for the portion of the expansion described as the “expansion west of Lamar only” and related demolition work. The supplemental agreement and GMP totaled roughly $259.4 million (GMP $249.98M plus contingencies and owner contingency), which staff said covers the immediate construction package needed to maintain the project schedule.

Supporters said the bridge loan reduces delay risk and avoids future escalation in construction costs; they argued beginning work now protects voter-approved commitments and FIFA-related deadlines. Backers also emphasized the city’s ability to retire bridge borrowings once longer-term bonds are sold and to use pledged convention revenues and related sources for repayment.

Opponents cautioned that the project budget remains uncertain and that bridge borrowing for a program of this size requires careful oversight; several councilmembers asked for conservative assumptions for bond ratings and to limit reliance on optimistic revenue forecasts. Council members also discussed the difference between bridge financing (short-term borrowing) and long-term bonds and asked staff to limit exposures and report back.

Council approved the bridge authority and the GMP package; staff will continue work on design, procurement and bond planning and return to the council with additional financing documents and updated cost information.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dallas - City Council Agenda Meetings - Jun 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council authorized a short-term bridge loan mechanism and accepted a guaranteed maximum price for the first construction package to keep the Convention Center master plan on schedule for FIFA and other commitments; members debated project scope, cost uncertainty, and oversight.","taxTitle","Dallas, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2781,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6529861,"Council amends sale process for former Southampton hospital site after debate on bond proceeds",156,11685000,11841000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9&start=11685&end=11841","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9/thumbnail_11685000.jpg","/articles/6529861/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-amends-sale-process-for-former-Southampton-hospital-site-after-debate-on-bond-proceeds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529861-8d9ba52c901de821ba87112d7aeb7540/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147923&Signature=ZEvYWbcfaF~31Kg6CaTQB4J5g-nQSVvdLsPYnIBhfiTxdXx836BrWcN-S5wQrabI4JXo9M8S3QVE-FYtako7sJxtNFxso9KWEiRslZjXmWCE8alBWiJ6EIBacSWNvN7yWi6iFgfJPNFukNxTAIQ1yq392m0Er-0esxKrnj~OMZtCbBv-5tcTPNjwRWFY0hky4HQYyAUnPTcgPCYGU25IQL44oZ~2kVNZShAy7lhijmjITUSNEr4Bz5hFlG3rd9KMDztvudZMfmgXCd3ZWx0nUEaZ0hy98uWMH0hX8NC2zPOKFbTIoz9G1ZvjNqm6pHKqMmEWTdbCRXvjaHc4n--8cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council on June 11 amended its proposed procedure for disposing of a 14.257-acre property the city acquired with 2017 bond funds intended for homelessness services, directing a market test and setting parameters for council review if bids fall below a council-set reserve.

Councilmember Gay G. Gracie moved to return the item to the originally posted language after an amendment by Councilmember Carolyn Mendelson that would have directed the city manager to advertise the sale subject to council acceptance. The council approved Mendelson’s motion to strike the added language and then adopted the unchanged posted item after extended debate and a later procedural clarification.

Councilmembers debated the fiscal and policy implications of selling a property purchased with bond funds dedicated to homelessness programs. Supporters of advertising the property said the neighborhood’s preference and market realities made a sale the most practical step; they argued that the proceeds would return to the bond program for reallocation to other homelessness projects. Critics urged caution, saying the city should not sell at a loss without a further review and that the council, as fiduciaries, should see all competitive offers before a final decision.

Councilmember Tennell Atkins, who represents the area, said he favored moving ahead with an auction and noted prior, multi-year public process. Councilmember Carolyn Mendelson urged the city manager to bring back the bids for council review if they fell below a reserve; after procedural maneuvering the council adopted an amendment restoring the original posted item language and then later approved a related motion that requires the city manager to return to council if bids are below the reserve or otherwise as specified.

The council also discussed that the city would receive the proceeds back into the homelessness bond program if sold; city staff said that a sale below the city’s purchase price was possible, and that the council would be asked to consider any sale that fails to meet pre-set thresholds. The item’s amendment process produced a recorded roll call. Council approved the final wording and instructions to staff to proceed under the amended process.","The council amended a motion to allow the city to advertise the surplus sale of the Southampton property (purchased with 2017 homelessness bond dollars) and clarified the reserve and return-to-council procedure after public testimony and debate about fiduciary duties.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6529865,"Council keeps UNT Dallas site for DPD training on consent after mixed public reaction",668,3755000,4423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9&start=3755&end=4423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9/thumbnail_3755000.jpg","/articles/6529865/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-keeps-UNT-Dallas-site-for-DPD-training-on-consent-after-mixed-public-reaction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529865-af20df646b9424e71833b059c0a13dbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147923&Signature=YLxWvyY~VNhdZ4MHJ1xBzSFRR2kH54gnJMgwrvj4Uyi0A3lRFN1xFPYVr9zfAMKmhYbd~5JlVklvs9~2oxKipqyACLeq~nog9FB3qmMc2yPJw28N6SotpG1h9gMqeVCFmwjgMbfE2fz0HcKKrFfmHkUik9~L3HCHxx1JJD85PGK87hBjEQEM-Ov-3-4G7x5JlTWYS-rfrzi~h~2rDb2YobmaQersQMCPQJxhwFvhdV~WeriLW4KSpeop7TDTIkCx-xbsmv4eKoSPpqk--ozIaoJzfmhkXCGE2xyhPivHnh6cfpFYF-pl1uNJr11aKhC8JPRRS8MDRoLibLltuww6~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dallas City Council left a planned lease of land at the University of North Texas at Dallas for a Dallas Police Department (DPD) training facility on the consent agenda and approved moving forward with the agreement June 11 amid public concern over rising project costs and process transparency.

Senator Royce West and other state and local leaders told council the UNT Dallas site would give law enforcement improved access to classroom space and criminal-justice programs, and could benefit recruitment and training. Supporters, including business groups and some community stakeholders, said a dedicated facility at UNT Dallas would build partnerships between the university and DPD.

But dozens of public speakers — from neighborhood activists to taxpayer advocates — urged the council either to slow the process or to reject the lease after cost estimates rose from about $140 million to roughly $275 million. Several speakers said the community had not been adequately briefed and that the project was being rushed; others questioned whether the city should expand spending on police facilities while other social services remain undersupported. Some city council members echoed those concerns and asked staff for additional briefings and transparency.

City staff and supporters said the item ties to earlier voter-approved bond and state allocations, and that placing a training facility at UNT Dallas would strengthen criminal-justice education programs at the university. Staff said the project budget estimates will be refined through schematic design and the city will return to council with more detailed cost and contracting information.

Council did not pull this consent item for a separate vote on June 11; staff will continue design and funding work, and councilmembers asked for additional briefings and documentation on cost, funding sources and public engagement going forward.","After public comment, Dallas City Council left a lease with the University of North Texas at Dallas on the consent agenda, funding and cost questions prompted debate but the item advanced with council and state support.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6529870,"Dallas council approves Wings practice complex at donated Joey Gorgusis Park",192,6526000,6718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9&start=6526&end=6718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789172-3dbe520f63b26f252ed5de811e0255e9/thumbnail_6526000.jpg","/articles/6529870/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-council-approves-Wings-practice-complex-at-donated-Joey-Gorgusis-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529870-37a7ace422db057f3ed39d0a71a00d9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147923&Signature=PIN-TLQjt-r3fb-U9Xb36Qy-nGLTAZUo3JbVE~HF4WCiJDWSGxlTVEKzeqniJQTlTR8Wxesh52so385w2ETP6sv2FJXczEEJ8HUP4eBj4T2q-VcazVlLs6hKDf0ccTL1fjQPk5rcFKU-rPPEKiMqRPzKUHHLjca9XSL9pscoDDwncxNoJVNLIkNyjSv3uGal4ZJJrPY1E0hT68zsmT6~dNazTanTWwDGVJSCpBVaBzkPNwR6CHEUb806arCylWwxF2Q4XwtVczssq6khdd1GMK3tEfFCWKT~vH7CBXScUfasGni3Oxq5BHaAmFaga4jy96AkOGZB-9onm~Raq5vUuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council on June 11 approved a supplemental agreement to develop a Dallas Wings practice facility and associated public fields at the 180-acre site donated by the Joey Gorgusis family.

The council voted 12–2 to authorize the city to pursue the project at the park site, which city staff said is underused and is close to airports and the convention center. Councilmember Chad West, who led the proposal, said staff reviewed multiple potential locations and found Joey Gorgusis Park required fewer constraints than downtown alternatives.

City staff and the proposed developers told council the first phase would include competition-grade soccer fields, trails tying into Chalk Hill Trail, public restrooms and other amenities, with roughly 60 acres of the site active in early phases. The contract calls for a practice facility and offices for the Wings, plus publicly accessible fields that the city can use for recreation and tournaments.

Opponents pressed the council on three main fronts: whether the city had completed enough environmental due diligence; whether new construction could be completed in time and at the estimated cost; and whether the city should consider rehabilitating an existing building rather than new construction. Councilmember Adam Medrano and others urged more study of alternative sites and renovation of existing structures to save time and money.

City environmental staff said site testing by the city’s consultant is near completion and that small areas of surface soil may need removal or remediation; staff said the build site itself did not show the same issues. Staff also said a rezoning will be required and that city planning commission and public hearings will follow the council’s vote; staff projected an August zoning schedule on an accelerated timeline.

Supporters — including representatives of the Wings, youth soccer leaders and local business groups — said a new practice facility and expanded public fields would spur economic activity, youth programming and regional sports tourism. Donor Joe Gorgusis and family members attended the meeting and expressed support for a park-centered sports campus honoring their son’s memory.

The council authorized the city manager to proceed with the supplemental agreement and directed staff to return with required follow-up actions, including environmental final reports, a zoning application and a site-approval package for public review.

Councilmembers voting yes included West, Gracie, Arnold, Resendiz, Narvaez, Blackman, Stewart, Schultz, Willis, Basil Dua, Atkins and Mayor Johnson (vote summary read at the meeting showed two members opposed and one absent).","City council voted to allow a Dallas Wings practice facility and public fields at the Joey Gorgusis Park site, following debate about timing, costs and zoning. The agreement formalizes use of city parkland and calls for public amenities and zoning changes to follow.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves bridge loan authority and initial GMP for downtown convention center expansion

Council amends sale process for former Southampton hospital site after debate on bond proceeds

Council keeps UNT Dallas site for DPD training on consent after mixed public reaction

Dallas council approves Wings practice complex at donated Joey Gorgusis Park