DALLAS — The midterm elections led to the approval of Proposition A in Dallas, a bill that implements a “tourism tax” intended to generate funds for the renovation of Fair Park and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas (KBHCCD).
The proposal calls for increasing the hotel occupancy tax from 13 percent to 15 percent. The 2 percent increase is expected to generate $1.5 billion over 30 years. That revenue will be used to pay off bonds that will initially fund construction, ensuring the tax burden doesn’t fall on Dallas residents. The measure passed with 68 percent of the vote, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for hosting larger events.
The convention center expansion is expected to be completed in 2026. Construction is expected to double both the convention center’s revenue and capacity. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson estimated that the convention center has failed to book nearly 950 events over the past 15 years due to the KBHCCD’s lack of updates, as reported by MSNThese are questions that will be addressed now that the funding is in place.
Since February 2021, the City of Dallas has been developing a master plan for the KBHCCD. In addition to renovating the center’s footprint and building new convention space, the master plan will also include an integrated transportation hub.
In February 2022, after spending a year developing and reviewing options, the Dallas City Council selected a plan called West of Lamar. Once completed, the renovations will include large ballrooms with outdoor terraces and city views. Additionally, Lamar Street, which runs the length of the proposed expansion, would see a portion reconfigured into a central lobby for the venue.
While the majority of the funding will go toward expanding the KBHCCD, the 277-acre recreational complex known as Exhibition center will also receive a portion earmarked for renovation. Originally built in 1936, Fair Park is home to a variety of facilities, including the Cotton bowl, Centennial Hall, the Automobile Building, the Fair Park Band Shell and the Fair Park Coliseum, which will receive major renovations. In addition, more green space will be built in the park.
View the full master plan for a complete overview of KBHCCD’s plans here.