AT&T’s Departure from Downtown Dallas Rooted in Governance Concerns, Emails Reveal
As early as May 2025, AT&T CEO John Stankey questioned the “effective/sustained governance” of Dallas, according to emails reviewed by The Dallas Morning News, signaling the telecom giant’s likely exit from downtown months before the official announcement. This casts doubt on previous statements from city leaders who attributed the move primarily to a desire for a more expansive, suburban campus.
Early Concerns and Suburban Focus
The emails reveal Stankey’s concerns extended beyond immediate issues in the city’s central business district, focusing on the cyclical nature of challenges related to governance and creating a healthy business environment. By September 2025, AT&T had issued a request for proposals specifically targeting suburban sites along Highway 121 and the North Dallas Tollway, excluding any locations within the city of Dallas, as documented by the Dallas Economic Development Corp. [Source: Dallas News]
City Efforts and Stankey’s Response
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert engaged with Stankey and AT&T staff throughout 2025, attempting to address concerns and highlight city initiatives aimed at improving safety and attracting investment. In May 2025, Tolbert assured Stankey of the city’s commitment to supporting AT&T’s presence in Dallas, outlining plans to increase police presence and expand homeless outreach. [Source: Dallas News]
Yet, Stankey’s response nearly a week later indicated his concerns were more fundamental. He stated that the issues extended to the “ongoing and cyclical nature of our challenges with effective/sustained governance of the City.” [Source: Dallas News] This response prompted concern from Linda McMahon, CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corp., who advocated for internal discussion.
Failed Retention Efforts and Plano Move
Despite continued efforts by city officials, including updates on the “Safe In The City” campaign and a 25% reduction in downtown crime by August 2025, AT&T proceeded with its search for a recent headquarters outside of Dallas. [Source: Dallas News]
In January 2026, AT&T announced its relocation to a 54-acre site at 5400 Legacy Drive in Plano, a decision following a months-long search. [Source: Dallas News] Plano city leaders approved $20 million in incentives and a property tax rebate to secure the company’s investment, contingent on a minimum $1.35 billion construction spend and the creation of 10,000 jobs over 25 years. [Source: Dallas News]
A last-minute proposal from a Dallas developer to redevelop Bank of America Plaza and acquire AT&T’s existing downtown properties was ultimately unsuccessful. [Source: Dallas News]
Key Factors in the Decision
Briefing documents from the Dallas Economic Development Corp. Indicated that factors contributing to AT&T’s suburban focus included safety concerns, employee return-to-office trends, parking issues, landlord relations, talent attraction, and a perceived lack of city investment in downtown. [Source: Dallas News]