T
his week marks a new chapter for North Texas Commercial Real Estate with Jamee Jolly's appointment as CEO of The Real Estate Council (TREC). As a force for public policy investment, community development, and career advancement, TREC is currently executing its $3 million Dallas Catalyst Project, a neighborhood revitalization initiative launched in 2018. The project has recently focused on the Mill City neighborhood.

    Jolly's appointment follows Linda McMahon's departure to become the CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corp. This marks a full-circle moment for Jolly, who first joined TREC as director of public affairs and programs in 2007 after working with the Collin County Association of Realtors. She later held leadership positions at the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association, Plano Chamber of Commerce, and Uptown Dallas, Inc.

    In her new role, Jolly aims to build on TREC's legacy and address pressing issues such as affordable housing. She plans to focus on the Dallas Catalyst project, getting to know the membership, and understanding their concerns. Long-term goals include continuing to advocate for the commercial real estate industry and working with city officials to streamline the permitting process.

    Jolly draws from her experience with Klyde Warren Park, a pivotal project she was involved in early in her career. She emphasizes the importance of building community support and partnerships when undertaking large-scale projects. As TREC's new CEO, Jolly is poised to drive positive change in North Texas' commercial real estate landscape.

    Jolly's short-term goals include seeing progress on the Dallas Catalyst project, particularly in Mill City, where some projects are starting to come to fruition. She also plans to get to know the membership and leadership of TREC, as well as understand their concerns and issues as an industry. In the long term, Jolly aims to continue building on TREC's legacy and making a positive impact on the community.

    Jolly sees opportunities for growth in affordable housing, particularly with the recent news from Forward Dallas. She believes that TREC can be a partner in addressing this challenge by working side-by-side with communities rather than directing them. Additionally, she plans to stand up a community land trust and develop real estate project management resources to address the lack of staff and experience in real estate development.

    In her new role, Jolly is eager to work with city officials to make sure that the permitting and planning process is effective and efficient. She notes that recent changes made by Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert have streamlined the process, making it easier for commercial real estate developers to do business in Dallas.