Dallas, TX
Coming together to support the Dallas bond package
This 2024 Dallas bond package is the culmination of more than a year of work and tens of thousands of hours of discussion on critical infrastructure that will strengthen our entire city.
The $1.25 billion bond package divided into 10 bond propositions now in front of voters is the result of input from 90 volunteers who diligently served on the Community Bond Task Force and task force subcommittees, dedicated city staff and hundreds of Dallas residents who took time to share their thoughts on what our communities need.
We believe voters should support this package because each of the 10 propositions will provide equitable solutions to infrastructure needs that will lead to an increased quality of life across our entire city — a big reason why The Dallas Morning News has already recommended voting “yes” on all 10 bond propositions. But for those who might still be on the fence, here are a few more reasons you should cast your vote in support of each of the propositions in the bond package.
First, this bond package is about funding infrastructure basics. About half of the total bond amount will be used to improve our streets and sidewalks. That means fewer potholes and smoother commutes and improved walkability across the entire city. In addition, these bonds will fund investment in critical flood protection and storm drainage systems that will literally keep neighborhoods above water, saving property and people’s lives.
This bond package will also be an investment in green infrastructure and will provide for a historic, equitable investment in parks, trails and green spaces. With voter approval, $345 million will be directed to parks and trails projects across the city, helping more residents share in the vision of having a neighborhood green space within a 10-minute walk of home. These dollars will also support transformational green projects like the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt, which will add 17 miles of trails and three signature parks to some of Dallas’ most historically underserved communities. Voter support of this investment will allow residents access to the many health and wellness benefits that close-to-home parks access can provide, and it’s why The Dallas Morning News said the parks proposition was “a generational investment in our health.”
Other critical projects that stand to benefit from the passage of the bond include the construction of a Law Enforcement Training Center at UNT Dallas that will help Dallas attract the best officers and train them in 21st century police strategies. Bond funds will help maintain our city-owned art and culture facilities, protecting valuable assets and historic works while allowing our arts community to entertain residents and draw visitors from around the world. The funds will allow for affordable housing infrastructure that will support workforce development, economic growth and stronger communities.
This broad array of projects is worthy of voter support on their own. But what’s critical to note is that supporting the bond package will allow for multiple opportunities to access matching funds from federal and philanthropic grants and private donations that will substantially magnify the scope and impact of the projects. The Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Law Enforcement Training Center at UNT Dallas are just a few examples of public-private partnerships where bond approval will trigger access to private funding that is three, four or even five times greater than the bond allocation. Approval of the bond package is key to tapping into these additional investment dollars that will support our world-class facilities and amenities.
In addition, the bond program is a great way to invest in our city infrastructure without raising taxes. These general obligation bonds provide Dallas with the needed tool to fund capital improvements that cannot otherwise be funded from the city’s annual operations budget. Voting for the bond will authorize the city to issue bonds up to the amount indicated for each proposition to fund capital improvement without an increase to the current tax rate. This level of investment in maintaining and improving our infrastructure is also key to attracting residents and economic growth.
Election Day is Saturday, May 4. Please join with neighbors across our city to support stronger basics and better quality of life for all of Dallas. Vote “yes” on all 10 propositions — let’s do this together, for Dallas.
Arun Agarwal is the CEO of Nextt, a Dallas-based textile company, president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board and served as chair of the Community Bond Task Force. Ambassador Jeanne Johnson Phillips is an American businesswoman and diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development from 2001 to 2003. She also serves as conveying co-chair of the 2024 Dallas Bond Campaign. Tim Powers serves as senior counsel at the Dallas office of Haynes and Boone. He also serves as conveying co-chair of 2024 Dallas Bond Campaign.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com
For a moment, it looked like FC Dallas was on its way to another statement win at home tonight.
Petar Musa scored two first half goals, to extend his Golden Boot leading tally to nine goals. But after Dallas grabbed control, the Galaxy found a way back before halftime with goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil.
The second half brought more chances and more frustration for Dallas, which finished the night with 13 shots to LA’s nine. In the end, the point stretched Dallas’ unbeaten run to five games, though just like last week, it felt like another match where Dallas left points on the table.
Key Moments
7’ – GOAL! After a poor pass back by a LA defender, Petar Musa was free to go one-on-one with the LA goalkeeper. After a touch to get ahead of a defender, Musa slotted home his eighth goal of the season from outside the penalty box.
21’ – Offside! Joaquin Valiente sent a floating ball over the Galaxy defense, where Musa was able to get behind the defense and make an easy play for what appeared to be his second goal of the night. The play was called offside despite a fairly lengthy review period.
38’ – GOAL! This one counts! Musa gets his second of the night off a great ball from Chris Cappis. Logan Farrington picked off the ball in the midfield. He then played Cappis wide to the left of the penalty area. Cappis immediately played a ball back across the goal for Musa to slide in and finish for his ninth of the season.
43’ – Goal LA. Lucas Sanabria got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He took a couple of touches to get outside the penalty box before firing a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the near post.
45+4’ – Goal LA. Gabriel Pec got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He pulled the ball back a bit, which caught a pair of Dallas defenders. This allowed Joseph Painstil to get free behind the Dallas defense as Pec played him through inside the penalty area. Pec immediately smashed home a shot above Collodi to tie the game.
75’ – Another offside goal. This time on a corner kick for Dallas, after a scrum in the penalty box, Kaick hammered home what looked to be the go-ahead goal. But after a few seconds the flag was raised due to a deflection on Osaze Urhoghide, who was in an offside position.
Instant Reaction
Yeah, this is another disappointing result for this team. In a real way, it felt like the first half against Houston from last month. Dallas grabbed the lead, looked in control, but some defensive miscues opened the game up for the visitors to climb back.
With a double-game week coming up, this will certainly be another game where Dallas will wonder ‘what if’ more than anything else…especially when you factor in the two goals called off for offside.
About the Subs
Eric Quill went to his bench for the first time in the 66th minute, as he brought on Santiago Moreno for Logan Farrington. Quill went to his bench again 81st minute with Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris coming on for Sebastien Ibeagha and Deedson. The final sub came during stoppage time with Herman Johansson and Joaquin Valiente coming off for Sam Sarver and rookie Nick Simmonds, who made his MLS debut.
Man of the Match
No question about it tonight, it has to be Musa.
Where does this fit into the season
As of this writing, the draw puts Dallas into a three-way tie for 5th place with Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Both are in action right now and look firmly in control of their games. I’d expect Dallas to be in 7th place by the end of the night.
What’s next for FC Dallas
Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand next Wednesday night as they host Minnesota United.
Dallas, TX
Akheem Mesidor selected by Cowboys by Blogging The Boys in SB Nation’s community mock draft
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Pass rush has been an issue since the Micah Parsons trade. The Rashan Gary trade helped, but Dallas still needs an injection of talent. Akheem Mesidor fits here because his body size allows for some versatility inside and out, something DC Christian Parker utilizes. Mesidor is also a high-motor player with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
His last season at Miami was full of disruption in the offensive backfield and he shows an all-around game, not just a bend-around-the-edge pass rusher. Yes, he’s a little older than you’d like in a rookie (25), but his motor, pass rush toolbox, and ability to play the run matches up with a need and makes him a quality pick at number 20.
The City of Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight is hosting a Public Safety Response Symposium to connect residents with public safety leaders. Here’s how to participate on May 9.
The Dallas Police Department posted to social media about the event on Friday afternoon. The post states, “Join public safety leaders for an inside look at how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled and how resources are deployed across Dallas.”
The symposium will be held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, 1403 Washington St., fro 11 a.m.-noon on May 9. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
Topics for the symposium include:
- How 911 calls are handled and dispatched
- How DPD uses specialized units and technology to improve response times
- When to use 311 for non-emergency services
- How crisis and behavioral health teams collaborate through alternative response strategies
There will also be a community Q&A forum where residents can engage directly with public safety leaders. Moderation will be provided.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will offer the opening remarks. Featured speakers include 911 Communications Center Assistant Director Robert Uribe; Major of Police Anthony Greer; 311 Senior Outreach Specialist Stephen Walker; and Emergency Management & Crisis Response Director Kevin Oden.
When it comes to parking: Enter through Gate 2 and drive straight to the Pan Am Gate, and continue to the Briscoe Center (located on the left).
RSVP for the Public Safety Response Symposium here.
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