A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
We’vebuiltmore thanbuildingswe’vebuilta strongercommunity.
Dear Members and Friends,
If you want to understand the heartbeat of the commercial real estate profession in Fort Worth and Arlington, just look at what we’ve accomplished together this past year.
Through every event, forum and conversation, the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth has remained a place where relationships grow, ideas spark and progress takes root. From our lively networking events to our thoughtful policy advocacy and our investments in future leaders, we’ve built more than buildings we’ve built a stronger community.
I’m especially proud of the collaboration we’ve fostered with the City of Fort Worth, the impact of our Young Leaders and the way we’ve shown up for each other and for the community. Whether it's shaping development policy or raising funds for workforce programs like Building Pathways, our members continue to prove that leadership and service go hand in hand. We are looking forward to fostering this same relationship in Arlington.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Your commitment makes our mission possible and the future bright.
With gratitude,
Travis Clegg
Travis Clegg Chair, 2024–2025
Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth
BY THE NUMBERS
The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth (REC of GFW) is the unified voice for the commercial real estate industry—influencing action and supporting change to accomplish long-term job growth and an enhanced quality of life in our region.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: OUR MEMBERSHIP
With more than 670 members from over 300 companies spanning all facets of commercial real estate development, REC of GFW is a powerhouse of industry expertise. Beyond hosting events and programs that benefit our members, we also actively address policy matters that impact development in our region. Our mission is threefold: expandrelationshipsand developleaders,addressdevelopmentchallengesandexecute solutionsandsolvecommunitychallenges.
EXPANDING RELATIONSHIPS
“Being a member of the Real Estate Council is essential for anyone looking to actively influence areas impacting real estate development”
- Nina Petty, Texas A&M University School Of Law
& DEVELOPING LEADERS
From networking events to leadership development initiatives, REC of GFW is all about fostering connections. Some of our most enjoyable moments throughout the year come from hosting events like the CowtownPokerRun, monthly MemberGet-Togethers, the HolidayParty, and the ScottWalkerMemorialGolfTournament. These gatherings provide opportunities to build relationships, collaborate on projects and ultimately, strengthen Fort Worth's booming commercial real estate industry.
EDUCATING OUR MEMBERS
Keeping our members informed is a top priority. Our biggest event of the year, the Tarrant CountyCommercialRealEstateForecast, drew over650professionals to TCU, offering key insights into the latest real estate trends. Throughout the year, we also held various programs and Fireside Chats – some of our highlights include:
AFiresideChatwithJamesHill, Dallas Fed Board Member
AnInnovationDistrictsPanel featuring Texas A&M, U3 Advisors and the Innovation Partnership
ADiscussionwithRobertAllen of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
Our BoardofDirectors and CommitteeChairs play an instrumental role in shaping REC of GFW. With a high percentage of our membership engaged in committee work, we make a measurable impact.
We also prioritize youngprofessionals, ensuring they have opportunities for mentorship and growth. The YoungLeaderSteeringCommittee meets monthly to plan events that develop emerging industry talent. Programs like the MentorSeries and ThePantherDen, a charette design competition, provide invaluable hands-on experience and industry exposure for young professionals. These initiatives are some of the best leadership development opportunities our city has to offer.
ADDRESSING DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES & EXECUTING SOLUTIONS
PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION
Recognizing development challenges and working with the CityofFortWorth is one of REC of GFW’s greatest strengths. Our GovernmentAffairsCommittee collaborates with city leaders to formulate and implement solutions that enhance commercial development.
KEY INITIATIVES:
Development101atCityHall:
In partnership with the City of Fort Worth, REC of GFW hosted twoimpactful Development101workshops at the new City Hall, designed to demystify the city’s complex development process. The first session, "Bob is Building a Bistro," walked attendees through FortWorth’snine-stepdevelopmentprocess with an open house, tours, and breakout sessions on zoning, urban design, transportation, stormwater, permits, and fire prevention. The second session took a deeper dive into critical, often-overlooked topics including IPRC,SSIP,platting,and developmentagreements—equipping commercial real estate professionals with the knowledge and tools to streamline project planning and approvals. Together, these sessions exemplified the powerofpublic-privatecollaboration in building a more transparent and efficient Fort Worth
PROGRESS ON THE TEN RECCOMMENDATIONS CentralizedStaffStructureProblem-SolvingCultureInterdepartmentalCoordinationPermitPredictability
ITSystemImprovements
CityManagerForums&ProcessImprovements:
Our third City Manager Forum focused on IPRCandReplatting. Additionally, REC conducted its third surveyonFortWorth’sdevelopmentprocesses, measuring progress on the TenRecommendations set in 2023.
60%moreparticipants believe the city’s development process is improving or has been resolved.
97%ofprivate-sectorrespondents feel the city is making meaningful progress.
Recognized improvements in staffcentralization,customerservicetraining andengagementforums.
STATEWIDE ADVOCACY
In February, the Real Estate Councils of Texas (REC of TX) hosted its Commercial Real Estate Advocacy Day in Austin to engage lawmakers on key issues:
LOWERING
DEVELOPMENT COSTS through streamlined regulations
ENHANCING REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT EFFICIENCY with transparent policies
INVESTING
IN MOBILITY, WATER, AND WORKFORCE to support Texas’s rapid growth
AS WE APPROACH THE CITY COUNCIL, TRWD, AND TCC ELECTIONS, OUR PAC COMMITTEE IS ACTIVELY FUNDRAISING AND INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES TO SUPPORT POLICIES BENEFICIAL TO THE INDUSTRY.
SOLVING COMMUNITY CHALLENGES
At REC of GFW, we believe in strengthening the community through targeted initiatives that promote long-term job growth and quality of life improvements in Fort Worth, Arlington and Tarrant County.
GIVING BACK THROUGH LEADERSHIP & PHILANTHROPY
TheYLC Dodgeball Tournament– Each year, our YoungLeaders organize a Dodgeball Tournament to raise funds for a local nonprofit. This year, the event raised $10,000 for BuildingPathways, a program dedicated to construction industry workforce retention and career development.
SUPPORTING OUR PARTNERS
In addition to Building Pathways, REC of GFW provides financial support to:
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN OUR INDUSTRY
Every year we honor members who go above and beyond. This year’s winners include:
SUSAN A. HALSEY AWARD
TomGalbreath (DunawayAssociates) for his lifetime impact on the development community and leadership in Fort Worth.
regional dev 101 programs.
JOIN THE REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF GREATER FORT WORTH
The Voice of Commercial Real Estate in Tarrant County
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, membership with REC of GFW connects you to the people, knowledge and influence shaping the future of commercial real estate in our region.
WHY JOIN REC OF GFW?
BUILDRELATIONSHIPS
Connect with over 650+ members across 300+ companies at exclusive events, programs and industry mixers.
STAYINFORMED
Access timely education on development issues, policy changes and economic forecasts affecting our market.
DEVELOPASALEADER
Grow through committee service, mentoring opportunities and leadership roles across our network.
READY TO JOIN?
Visit us online: www.recouncilgfw.com
Scan the QR Code to apply
WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY:
Real estate professionals should join REC because we are a constructive voice with an ethic of making Fort Worth a better place to live, work and develop.” “
JoelHeydenburk Jackson Walker -
2024-2025 LEADERSHIP
PLATINUM
