The Greater Dallas Planning Council was founded November 12, 1946 by a group of visionary Dallas civic leaders. That night, in the Petroleum Club which was then on the main lobby level of the Adolphus Hotel, Mayor Woodall Rodgers presided over the dinner. Dozens of the city’s business and civic leaders from every quarter of the community – including several women – were invited to become part of the organization. That assembled group which included several future mayors, approved the purposes to include planning for transportation, water resources and urban design and planning. Over the ensuing years the GDPC has continued to attract community leaders to its membership.

The Issues on the early agenda of the Planning Council continue to remain the principal focus of GPDC's agenda . . . along with education, the environment, economic development, the inner city, regionalism, the Trinity River corridor, public safety and - - just as in 1946 - - "any other matter which may be deemed to affect the welfare of the metropolitan area."