South Dallas Fair Park Opportunity Fund plans fall info sessions after reporting larger applicant pipeline

Board staff updated the South Dallas Fair Park Opportunity Fund on outreach efforts and an expanding pipeline of economic development applicants and said the fund will hold a series of info sessions this fall to raise awareness and help applicants prepare.

Nicholas Becerra of the Office of Economic Development told the board on Aug. 25 that staff has moved many early applicants into a "not viable/declined" category after follow-up, while generating new initial contacts through targeted outreach. "We've been kind of hitting the concrete in South Dallas to make sure that we're doing our outreach," Becerra said, noting staff attendance at neighborhood and business events and presentations to local groups.

The update matters because the fund’s ability to support small projects depends on a steady flow of eligible, ready applicants. Becerra said staff have been working with the Point South revitalization committee, landowners, developers and Council Member Basil Dua’s office to identify potential projects and…