GDPC Task Forces

Based on the GDPC Mission, sustainability is the “lens” through which the efforts and activities of the Board, Leadership Team and Task Forces shall be focused. Achievement of the mission requires it’s active and proactive engagement in identifying, researching/analyzing and evaluation of public policy issues that materially impact sustainability in the North Texas region in particular, and the state of Texas in general.

The outcomes of these efforts will be communicated via:

  • Educational programming including membership meetings, Lunch & Learns, symposiums, workshops and more

  • White papers, position statements, resolutions

  • Interview, OpEd and other articles and publications

The Task Forces meet regularly to discuss high priority issues. Current board members undertake the challenge of chairing a Task Force. Task Force chairs draw from members and non-members to develop both programs and policy statements.

Task Force committee work can also result in membership resolutions for action submitted to the Texas Legislature, City Councils and/or the media and the general public.

Mobility

Task Force Co-chair - Hamza Khan, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Task Force Co-chair - Tom Grant, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Mobility provides access across the urban space to create our business, cultural and social life. Our vehicles, and the right-of-way they run on, are key drivers of our economy. By moving people and goods, getting us to school, and connecting us to nature, mobility can and should maximize opportunity for all. Mobility, at best, can improve our neighborhoods, enliven our streets, keep us safe, and preserve nature

The Mobility Task Force will focus on policy and design issues as they impact the urban fabric. Our scope will include all modes of transit, from walking to using bikes, autos, trucks, busses, rail and airborne, human-driven and automated, as the technologies develop. We acknowledge the profound and often unexpected interactions of these technologies on the urban experience, and want to advocate those that benefit all equitably. 

Beginning in early 2021, we will meet using virtual technology (via Zoom or similar services). These meetings will typically be scheduled from 7:30 until 9:00 A.M. on a Tuesday, We will return to face-to-face breakfasts and Lunch-and-Learns as public health considerations allow.

To view upcoming meetings and sign-up for events, please check the Task Force Meeting events page. Details and locations are updated regularly. To be added to the Mobility Task Force e-mail list and for more information, please contact the Mobility Task Force Chairs at MobilityTF@gdpc.org.

Please check out our Mobility Task Force Blog.

NOTE: Login or call-in information will be provided in advance to those who RSVP to Notices at least 24-hours prior to meeting times.

Environment

& Natural Resources

Task Force Co-chair - John Clarkson, John Clarkson, LLC
Task Force Co-chair - Matt Craig, Halff Associates, Inc.

The availability of an adequate water supply is one of those most important issues affecting our future quality of life in North Texas. Using our present water resources wisely and preparing for future growth is critical in assuring that the region maintains its economic strength, vitality, and competitiveness. The re-use of treated wastewater and the development green storm water infrastructure systems are two kinds of innovation that demonstrate wise use of our water resources. But there's also an interest in considering the nexus between water and energy.

The objective of the Water, Energy, Natural Resources Task Force is to educate GDPC members, public decision makers and the general public about sustainable water, energy and resources management. A related objective is to develop, promote, and support public policies and practices to implement sustainable water resources management.

Key Water, Energy, Natural Resources Task Force Issues

  • Sustainable Storm Water Management

    • The task force has presented the “Business Case for Green Storm Water Infrastructure” to the Sustainable Public ROW committee with NCTCOG at the Focus North Texas 5 Planning Symposium, and at Earth Day Texas 2015. An additional presentation is planned for the NCTCOG Public Works Round Up on July 16.

  • Source Water Protection

  • Water Supply

  • Water Conservation

  • Water Re-Use

Policy Statements

Nov 2012 Resolution – Supporting Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s Long-Range Water Supply Planning and development of Lake Ralph Hall

April 2012 Resolution – (1) The City of Dallas proposal for a uniform regional conservation strategy of twice per week maximum landscape irrigation. (2) The City of Dallas further refine its water conservation policy with consideration for limited flexibility review of current land use development standards to water conservation long-term water planning water rates, further advancements in irrigation technology and regional cooperation.

For meeting dates and locations, please check the Task Force Meeting events page. Details and locations are posted regularly. For more information, please contact John Clarkson.

Urban Design

Task Force Co-chair - Santosh George, Complete Landsculpture
Task Force Co-chair - Jack Gryczynski, JHP Architecture

The Urban Design Task Force considers urban design as creating places where “people want to be” – where they are attracted to and are comfortable in; and where they want to stay and reinvest.

Accessibility to abundant trees, trails, bikeways, creeks or greenbelts – or simply green infrastructure or native landscapes is essential. These features also combine to provide a framework for exhibiting best practices for green storm water and transportation infrastructure and are integral to the fabric of the public and private realms.

This includes cities, towns, neighborhoods, commercial areas, open spaces and trails. We are particularly concerned with promoting good urban design and public policy that results in an environment built using sustainable development policies and consisting of good quality and form. In addition, access to affordable housing and the prevalence of poverty have substantial impacts on the stability of communities. Consequently, this task force is focused on promoting quality housing, urban places, and public policies that result in supportive surroundings for sustainable neighborhoods, and commercial development and redevelopment.

The Urban Design Task Force is also charged with:

  • Submitting Monthly Summary Reports

  • Creating and submitting an annual Operating Plan

  • Conducting bi-monthly Lunch and Learn sessions throughout the year

  • Coordinating at least one Membership Breakfast Program

  • Identifying, analyzing and preparing a position statement on one or more issues that affect Urban Design in the Region

  • Authoring letters to the editor as appropriate

For meeting dates and locations, please check the Task Force Meeting events page. Details and locations are posted regularly. For more information, please contact urbandesigntf@gdpc.org. 

Diversity & Equity

Task Force Co-chair - Marvin Jackson

Task Force Co-chair - Adrienne Williams

The issue of equity is an important initiative for the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC) and is now in the forefront of its priorities. The Special Committee on Equity (SCOE) has been chartered by the GDPC Executive Committee to develop and recommend three to five implementable (rather than aspirational) policies/strategies/models for the North Texas region to remediate the negative outcomes of institutionalized, systemic and intentional planning policies and behaviors from a holistic planning perspective.

Technology

& Innovation

Task Force Co-chair - Greg Witte

Task Force Co-chair - Brian Diggs

Technology increasingly impacts how cities are designed and how people live, work and play within them. The Technology and Innovation Task Force seeks to research these trends and educate the community about technological developments in the Dallas area. This task force is also interested in cultivating emerging talent in technology, urban design, and planning to leverage the latest thinking on these topics. Upcoming areas of interest include the following: deck park technology, free and accessible Wi-Fi deployment, bridging the digital divide, and autonomous vehicle technology.

The Technology and Innovative Task Force is also charged with:

  • Annual Plan

  • Quarterly reports on a technology topic

  • Biannual Educational Events

  • At least one Membership Breakfast

  • At least one position paper

  • Letters to the editor as needed

Annual Plan Preview:

Quarterly reports on a technology topic

  • Deck park technology

  • Streetlight Wi-Fi deployment in Dallas

  • Autonomous Vehicles in DFW/NCTCOG

  • 5G network technology

Biannual Educational Events

  • Southern Gateway deck park tour

  • Autonomous vehicle exploration with NCTCOG/City of Dallas

At least one Membership Breakfast

  • Support Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Divide (Equity Series) event in September

At least one position paper (Deck Park support/3C overbuild)

  • Support for KBHCCD 3C-West of Lamar overbuild/deck park over I-30

Letters to the editor as needed

  • Perhaps to support broadband infrastructure/digital divide efforts in Dallas