Description: This report discusses the changing demographics and growth shifts in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Over the past three years, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, along with most other regions of the country, has seen some hard economic times. The tech wreck, the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the national economic downturn have reduced the region's employment by about 100,000. We should keep in mind, however, that current payroll employment is about 2.8 million-indicating a fairly small job loss in percentage terms. This report, by the University of North Texas Center for Economic Development and Research, discusses how allowing for the region's recent economic vicissitudes, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has been the most dynamic urban area in the nation since 1990. As the national economic recovery gains steam, the DFW Metroplex is sure to rebound in tandem.

Description: This report, by the University of North Texas Center for Economic Development and Research, estimates the total regional economic activity generated by retail trade and services at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. In addition, it specifically examines the economic and fiscal impacts of business operations at Disadvantaged, Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise concessionaires operating at DFW Airport.

Description: This report examines the impact of transit-oriented development. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an increasingly popular urban form. Based on a survey of residents of TOD projects in areas served by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Fort Worth T, and Capital Metro (Austin) rail transit, moving into TOD decreases VMT by an average of 15 percent, or about 3,500 miles per year, which impacts TxDOT motor fuel tax revenues. The data also indicate that these households shift their choice of route to include more arterial roads versus highways. Differential behavior is observed among the three areas studied with the greatest impact being on the DART system and the Capital Metro system showing smaller changes in TOD resident travel behaviors. Residents of TOD choose their housing based mostly on commuting distance and lifestyle characteristics, such as proximity to dining and entertainment venues. Proximity to a transit rail station is at least moderately important for 57 percent of respondents. The report recommends that TxDOT look to incorporate TOD into facility planning and design and seek ways to extract value from TOD projects.

Description: This report, by the University of North Texas Center for Economic Development and Research, studies the population and employment trends of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and the demographic and economic profiles of southern Dallas. The authors also examine targeting business development opportunities for southern Dallas and give an analysis of potential industries.

Description: The Survey Research Center and the Center for Economic Development at the University of North Texas were retained by the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission to assist them in developing a strategic plan for the region. An assessment of job creation opportunities and regional development strategies, key informant interviews, key informant surveys, a Permian Basin workforce survey, and focus groups with business leaders, public officials, educators, and displaced workers were conducted. Each of these analyses is submitted as a separate report. However, they all deal with the fundamental issues of economic opportunity and quality of life for residents of the Permian Basin.