BY MAYOR ERIC JOHNSON
Despite numerous international economic challenges, the Texas economy is “on fire,” as Dallas-based Comerica Bank’s chief economist told The Dallas Morning News.
And who is leading the way within Texas? You guessed it : Dallas.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region produced 5.9% job growth in 2022 — a faster pace than the red-hot 5% growth for the entire state. (The entire nation came in at 3% growth).
That, friends, is what you call “Big Dallas Energy.” It’s easy to see why Dallas has this momentum. This city has focused on the right issues: improving public safety, reducing the tax rate, building new parks and trails, and creating family-friendly policies and plans.
That was also the message I shared last week with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce during an annual address. That’s because these are the priorities that drive my administration.
As long as this is where the focus remains, Dallas has an extraordinarily bright future, and this city will continue to serve as the economic engine of the fourth-largest and fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States.
International affairs
Dallas is outperforming the global economy — and is becoming an increasingly important part of it.
And that’s why it’s important that this city continues to build its international relationships and engage with the world.
Recently, I presented a Key to the City of Dallas to the Kazuko Kohri, the mayor of Sendai, Japan. Mayor Kohri and a delegation from Sendai came to Dal-las in part to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the Friendship Cities Agreement reached between the two cities.
And this week, Livia Link-Raviv, the Consul General of Israel to the Southwest, came to Dallas City Hall to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the opening of a new special exhibit. The exhibit, which will be available in the City Hall lobby through January 31, features photos and stories of diplomats from all over the world who helped save lives during World War II.
This is an important exhibit, and it’s critical to continue to remember the lessons of the Holocaust. Dallas has a strong Jewish community, and this city stands firmly against Antisemitism.
It’s vital to remain vigilant against hate of all kinds. Hate and evil are real, and they are still real threats. Only love, truth, and compassion can drive them out.
Memphis
Ending today with a note about Memphis, where five police officers were fired and charged with murder in connection with the brutal beating death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.
Memphis authorities released video of the reprehensible incident last week. Afterward, I released a statement expressing disgust and shock while calling for prayer and for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia also releaseda statement saying, among other things, that these former officers had tarnished the oath they took to uphold the law.
Although this horrible violence didn’t occur in Dallas, it’s crucial to come together at times like these and continue working toward a better, kinder, and more just world.
That’s all for today. Have a good week, and take care of each other.
Until next time.
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