Situated along a key transportation corridor in the Texas Panhandle, the City of Dumas functions as a regional service and employment centre for surrounding communities. Its economy, historically rooted in agriculture and energy, is now strengthened by retail growth, industrial investment, workforce development initiatives, and targeted redevelopment projects that directly address local needs. WHERE RELATIONSHIPS SHAPE DAILY LIFE “Dumas is a very friendly town,” says Pat Sims, Mayor of Dumas.“It’s an older community where everybody kind of knows everybody, and people work together really well.” That sense of familiarity is a defining feature of life in Dumas. Residents benefit from the stability and trust that come with long-standing relationships, while also enjoying access to amenities and opportunities that exceed expectations for a city of its size. Mayor Sims, who moved to Dumas from nearby Happy, Texas, notes that the city provided both personal and professional opportunities. “We’ve really enjoyed living here and prospered here,” he adds, pointing to the strong community spirit that underpins the city’s growth. Located along a major highway that may one day become an interstate, Dumas enjoys a strategic position that supports both local life and regional connectivity. Agriculture and oil and gas remain economic pillars, supported by a growing mix of businesses that serve residents and visitors alike. INVESTING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY Dumas’s downtown core reflects the city’s blend of history and progress. Anchored by the courthouse square, Main Street remains an important gathering place for residents, small businesses, and community events. While downtown planning is largely guided by the Chamber of Commerce, city leadership continues to support beautification and walkability initiatives. Mayor Sims highlights the Texas Department of Transportation’s role in recent improvements.“They came in and redid our main street with concrete sidewalks and really beautified it,” he says. Downtown Dumas is home to a collection of locally owned businesses that residents are proud to support. Seasonal events—ranging from car shows to holiday celebrations—activate the square and reinforce its role as a social and cultural hub. “We’ve worked to make it walkable,” Mayor Sims explains.“You can move from one end of Main Street 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 DUMAS, TX
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