Texas' rapidly growing and increasingly female labor force requires childcare systems that are robust, accessible and affordable, according to the Texas Women's Foundation's (TXWF) latest white paper, "Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis." Published in partnership with Every Texan, this research report is a follow-on to TXWF's 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report.

"Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis" explores and quantifies a crisis charaterized by gaps in access and affordability and its impact on the state's economy, with a spotlight on Dallas County as a bellwether for the issue. 

Karen Hughes White, TXWF president and CEO, said “The takeaway from this research is clear: Strong childcare systems provide essential economic infrastructure allowing women to participate fully, consistently and productively in the workforce, stabilizing household earnings and supporting long-term economic growth.”

She added, “Women represent 46% of the Texas workforce and that number is growing. Based on population projections, women will outnumber men in Texas as early as 2040, meaning our $2.9 trillion Texas* economy is increasingly dependent on women. Access to affordable childcare and out-of-school care is imperative to creating a strong and vibrant Texas for all, while ensuring the economic security, stability and success of Texas women, their families and their futures.” (*https://gov.texas.gov/top-texas-touts-economy) 

KEY FINDINGS

Affordability:

• Center-based infant care in Texas costs more than $11,000 annually on average. In Dallas County, this represents 12.5% of the median family income.

• For a Texas family with an infant and a four-year old, the annual cost of center-based childcare is significantly higher than the estimated cost of housing.

• A minimum wage worker in Texas would have to work full-time for 37 weeks just to afford care for one infant.

Access:

• Over half of Texas counties are considered childcare deserts, where there are three or more children for each available licensed childcare center opening.

• An estimated 111,490 Texas children lack access to care within a reasonable driving distance – a 7.9 percent average access gap that grows to 12.8 percent in rural areas.

• In Dallas County, approximately 43,400 mothers with young children remain outside of the labor force due in large part to the lack of accessible – and affordable – childcare.

Economic Impact:

• Based on average annual earnings, Dallas County families forego $1.63 billion in direct earnings due to the lack of affordable childcare.

• This earnings loss corresponds to approximately $3.19 billion in annual Gross Regional Product (GRP) losses for the county.

• If left unaddressed, the cumulative, long-term economic losses for Dallas County and the state over the next 10 years are staggering:
  • Dallas County - estimated $562 million-$859 million
  • Statewide - estimated $5.5 billion-$8.3 billion

Investing for Change:

• Evidence presented in the report suggests that sustained, local, coordinated investment in childcare is necessary to reduce labor force constraints and strengthen regional and statewide economic resilience.

• Modeled outcomes in Dallas County have shown that an investment in childcare of $100 per family per month would allow approximately 1,700 mothers to work and earn approximately $65 million annually. With a $400 monthly investment, those numbers would increase to 6,900 mothers working and earning $260 million annually.

• In 2025-26 alone, Texas Women’s Foundation has invested more than $250,000 to address childcare access and affordability in Dallas County and beyond. Learn more about our Childcare Access Fund HERE.

To read TXWF’s full white paper, "Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis," visit

txwf.org/research.

Policy Recommendations and Call to Action:  

• Policymakers should prioritize investments in childcare and out-of-school time (OST) as core economic infrastructure to shape and build labor force participation, business productivity, and economic performance.
• Sustained, coordinated investment in childcare and OST should be pursued to  reduce labor force constraint, support women’s continued participation in the labor market, and strengthen regional economic resilience.
• Counties and municipalities are well positioned to address place-based gaps in care availability and to coordinate care with housing, transportation, and workforce development.
• Texas Women’s Foundation has established the Childcare Access Fund to make targeted investments in access and affordability. Donors are encouraged to support this fund by visiting https://www.txwf.co/donate.
• To schedule a presentation of these results for corporate, civic and community groups, contact TXWF Director of Community Engagement Chandra Matthews at cmatthews@txwf.org.

Taking Action in Dallas County:  

In late May, TXWF joined forces with a coalition of local business, civic, and community leaders** to announce the Dallas Child Care Works initiative to urge Dallas County commissioners to add a proposed, modest property tax increase to the November 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the proposal would levy an additional 3 cents per $100 of assessed property value – approximately $10 per homeowner per month, to generate $132 million annually for childcare scholarships and key infrastructure investments. Similar ballot measures have been successful in Travis and Harris Counties in recent years.

To learn more about Child Care Works, email info@earlymattersdallas.org.

**The Child Care Works coalition includes ChildCareGroup, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, North Texas Early Education Alliance, Dallas Area Interfaith, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and Early Matters Dallas.

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million over the last 40 years. As TXWF prepares for its next 40 years, the organization’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all will remain at the forefront of its work.

TXWF’s targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual “Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report” provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.

Susser Bank Strengthens Dallas Commercial Banking Team with Appointment of Daniel Voigt,

Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager

Susser Bank has appointed Daniel Voigt as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager, joining the bank’s Dallas team. Voigt brings nearly two decades of experience serving middle-market companies with financing, capital planning and strategic advice.  

Based at Susser Bank’s Dallas headquarters at Old Parkland East Campus, Voigt will focus on expanding relationships with privately held businesses and entrepreneurs across North Texas, helping clients navigate growth opportunities through the bank’s relationship-driven approach and comprehensive banking capabilities. 

“Daniel's experience advising middle-market businesses, combined with his commitment to building long-term client relationships, aligns closely with the way we serve our clients at Susser Bank,” said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. “As businesses across North Texas continue to seek strategic banking partners, Daniel's perspective and expertise will further strengthen our ability to deliver thoughtful, guidance and long-term value.”

“Susser Bank has built a strong reputation for delivering highly personalized service and long-term partnership to its clients," said Voigt. “I look forward to joining a team that shares my commitment to helping businesses succeed and supporting their continued growth.”

Throughout his career, Voigt has worked with privately held and founder-led companies across a variety of industries, advising clients on commercial lending, treasury management and capital needs. His background includes leadership roles in commercial banking and corporate finance, where he partnered with business owners and management teams to support expansion, improve liquidity and achieve long-term objectives.

Voigt earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. He is active in the community and has been involved with professional and civic organizations including the Park Cities Rotary, Dallas YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Highland Park Presbyterian Church. 

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company, founded in 1959, offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. 

More information is available at susserbank.com.

Fairmont Dallas Unveils “Venetian Champions Club” in the Iconic Venetian Room

Legendary Dallas venue transformed into an elevated fanzone and luxury sports lounge

Fairmont Dallas announces the debut of the Venetian Champions Club, an elevated fanzone and hospitality-driven sports lounge inside the legendary Venetian Room. Known for hosting high-profile events and drawing some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, the iconic 4,400-square-foot space will transform into Dallas’ premier destination for the world’s largest sporting event.

From June 11 through July 19, Venetian Champions Club will celebrate Dallas on a global scale. Open to the public throughout the tournament, it will offer an accessible indoor destination where fans, travelers, and locals can gather for a premium hospitality experience centered around the global game in the heart of the acclaimed Dallas Arts District.

The Venetian Room will be completely reimagined into an elevated, high-energy sports lounge featuring a massive 11-by-20-foot main screen, turf flooring, multiple flat-screen televisions, and air conditioning to beat the Texas heat for every match. Guests can enjoy a full bar program featuring specialty cocktails themed around the countries playing in the tournament, local brews on tap at three bars, and daily culinary specials inspired by the nations competing that day.

Designed to blend the excitement of a stadium watch party with the sophistication of a luxury hospitality experience, Venetian Champions Club will also feature interactive experiences, including foosball tables, cornhole, lounge seating, and communal gathering areas designed for fans to cheer on their favorite teams together.

“As a cornerstone of the Dallas Arts District for more than five decades, Fairmont Dallas is thrilled to transform the historic Venetian Room into the Venetian Champions Club,” said David Sher, General Manager of Fairmont Dallas. “As one of the city’s most iconic gathering spaces, the Venetian Room has welcomed celebrities, changemakers, and cultural icons for generations. We are excited to continue that legacy and welcome fans into an unforgettable destination where fans from our city and from around the world can gather, celebrate, and enjoy sporting matches together.”

Conveniently located in downtown Dallas, Fairmont Dallas places guests steps from many of the city’s most celebrated cultural destinations, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and Winspear Opera House. The hotel also offers close access to Klyde Warren Park, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, American Airlines Center, and an array of award-winning dining and retail destinations. Travelers can easily walk to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system for quick, convenient transportation throughout the city, including direct service to Fan Festival in Fair Park, all without the need for a car.

Fairmont Dallas features 545 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace with a garden and Junior Olympic-sized pool, and 70,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is home to the Pyramid Restaurant and an on-site Starbucks, making it the premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. In 2024, Fairmont Dallas celebrated its 55th anniversary as one of Dallas’ most iconic hospitality destinations.

Celebrate USA 250 as Texas State Historian Dr. Richard McCaslin discusses how Spanish Coahuila y Tejas played a pivotal role in helping American patriots secure independence from Great Britian at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at 300 N. Allen Drive. 

A former Texas State Historical Association professor of Texas history at the University of North Texas, McCaslin has written or edited twenty-two books, including Tullis Award-winner Tainted Breeze: The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862 and Pulitzer nominee Lee in the Shadow of Washington.

Dr. McCaslin observes, “Without the support of several nations—most notably France, Spain, and the Netherlands—the United States would never have won its independence from Great Britain. Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez of Spanish Louisiana, an officer with experience in and support from Texas, contributed to the patriot cause with a successful military campaign on the Gulf Coast that led the British to return Florida to Spain, reversing a territorial loss of twenty years earlier.”

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, DAR Bernardo de Gálvez and Allen Quilters Guild, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.