PILLAR: Fiscally Sound
AGENDA DATE: October 14, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Budget and Management Services
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize payment of annual membership fees and continuation of arrangements for the North American Region of the Airports Council International in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00, American Association of Airport Executives in an amount not to exceed $80,000.00, Oncor Cities Steering Committee in an amount not to exceed $153,000.00, Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues in an amount not to exceed $49,500.00, Atmos Cities Steering Committee in an amount not to exceed $67,253.00, North Central Texas Council of Governments in an amount not to exceed $141,000.00, Texas Commission on Fire Protection in an amount not to exceed $115,680.00, and Water Research Foundation in an amount not to exceed $413,381.00 - Total not to exceed $1,159,814.00 - Financing: General Fund ($526,433.00), Aviation Fund ($220,000.00), and Dallas Water Utilities Fund ($413,381.00)
Body
BACKGROUND
The North American Region of the Airports Council International (ACI-NA) annual membership fee is $140,000.00. ACI-NA represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada and advocates policies and provides services that strengthen the ability of commercial airports to serve their passengers, customers, and communities. The ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference is the industry’s forum to help airports and stakeholders better understand the evolving airport business model. Extensive workshops include concessions management, financial management, workforce planning, and new trends in aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue.
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) annual membership fee is $80,000.00. AAAE is a professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE provides aviation industry professional development programs; networking and training opportunities; legislative representation in Washington, D.C. as well as breaking news and industry updates. During the annual conference, Dallas Love Field interacts with industry leaders nationwide while receiving the latest training on industry standards and regulations. Education tracks cover geospatial technologies, emergency management, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Air Mobility, airside operations, safety, emerging technologies, airport executives, managers, landside, and much more.
Oncor Cities Steering Committee annual membership fee is $153,000.00. The Oncor Cities Steering Committee was created to provide a means for cities in the Oncor service area to pool their resources and prevent duplication of effort while participating in electric utility rate proceedings before the Public Utility Commission. The City of Dallas participated with this committee in the 1990, 1993, 2008, and 2011 rate cases. The city also participated with this Committee in the various regulatory proceedings relating to Senate Bill 7 and electric deregulation. As a result of the Oncor Cities Steering Committee’s activities, Oncor agreed to make settlement payments to the cities beginning in 2005 and to fund “beneficial public use” payments through the cities for the benefit of the City’s ratepayers. The City of Dallas received in excess of $17.1 million as a result of that settlement agreement. The Oncor Cities Steering Committee is actively involved in rate cases, appeals, rulemakings, and legislative efforts impacting the rates charged by Oncor Electric Delivery (formerly known as TXU Electric Delivery) within the City. The current annual assessment for the City of Dallas is based on $0.11 per capita.
Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues (TCCFUI) annual membership fee is $49,500.00. TCCFUI was organized in 1996 to (a) collect, analyze, discuss, and distribute information on utility related matters; (b) participate and develop positions in utility regulatory body rulemaking dockets and on bills proposed in the legislature relating to utility matters; and (c) work cooperatively on matters relating to utility franchises and fee issues.
Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC) annual membership fee is $67,253.00 (5 cents per capita). ACSC is a coalition of cities served by Atmos. The coalition coordinates efforts among cities to review Atmos rate filings and minimize duplication of effort. ACSC also participates in other regulatory proceedings and legislative meetings representing cities in matters related to natural gas distribution and pipeline rates.
North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) annual membership fee is $141,000.00. NCTCOG services its member governments and the region in a variety of ways, including comprehensive regional planning in transportation, environmental resources, and human services. The NCTCOG aggressively works to strengthen ties with State and Federal agencies and has become an information resource for regional and local economic development efforts.
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) annual membership fee is $115,680.00. The TCFP establishes and enforces statewide professional standards for fire protection personnel and fire departments in Texas. Dallas Fire-Rescue’s annual TCFP expenses support the maintenance and renewal of required state certifications for applicable fire personnel and help ensure departmental compliance with state training, credentialing, and professional standards.
Water Research Foundation (WRF) annual membership fee is $413,381.00 for the Dallas Water Utilities Department (DWU). The WRF is an international nonprofit scientific and educational organization that conducts cost-effective, peer-reviewed research to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Dallas has been a WRF member since 1986. With over 1,200 utilities worldwide, WRF pools funding to maximize research impact and develop practical solutions to shared challenges. Membership provides access to applied research, a comprehensive technical library, and collaborative resources that support sound regulation and address complex issues such as regulatory compliance requirements, climate resilience, water reuse, and infrastructure management. Participation in WRF enables DWU to apply proven solutions, avoid duplicative research costs, and improve operational efficiency. It also supports staff development, enhances competitiveness for external funding, and ensures Dallas has a voice in shaping national water research priorities. This investment strengthens DWU’s ability to improve water quality, support regulatory compliance, and enhance service delivery-contributing to the city’s long-term resilience, efficiency, and public health.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on October 2, 2026.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2027 |
FY 2028 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$ 526,433.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Aviation Fund |
$ 220,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Dallas Water Utilities Fund |
$ 413,381.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$1,159,814.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |