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Dallas City Hall’s latest ‘oops’ moment: Sidewalk digital kiosk plan lacks citizen input

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Dallas City Hall’s  latest ‘oops’ moment: Sidewalk digital kiosk plan lacks citizen input


It’s another of the too-frequent “oops” moments at Dallas City Hall — shorthand for “Oops, we forgot to ask those pesky taxpayers for their point of view.” This time the culprit is the public works department, which is trying to fast-track fancy digital kiosks onto our sidewalks.

Digging into this mess gave me whiplash back to 2006. That was the year buyer’s remorse flooded the City Council for its purchase of what then the latest and greatest in oversized public kiosks.

“I think we’ve created something we didn’t mean to create,” then-Mayor Laura Miller said after listening to angry residents and business owners. “You don’t want a giant spaceship in the middle of your public sidewalk.”

She was talking about the 100 barrel-shaped advertising kiosks approved the year before by council members high on the revenue they supposedly would generate for the city.

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Miller and the council members who joined her in opposing the plan had warned of unintended consequences. They were right. The barrels should never have been installed. Quickly outdated and often vandalized, they became little more than sidewalk clutter the city is stuck with until the contract expires in 2026.

Downtown traffic on Harwood Street Thursday near the intersection with San Jacinto Street passes one of the static barrel-style kiosks approved by the Dallas City Council in 2005.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

What did Dallas learn from this unforced error? Nothing. Public works staff apparently fell in love with the latest iteration of information kiosks and felt the several letters of concern they received about their plan amounted to sufficient community engagement.

At the last minute, several council members told staff to hit the brakes and, before any vote takes place, schedule public meetings. The one-hour sessions will be April 22 and 29. (You’ll find more details of the meetings at the end of this column.)

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I’m not convinced City Hall isn’t just going through the motions. Far more meetings than this took place over regulating neighborhood book-sharing boxes.

The proposed interactive digital kiosks would provide directions, emergency assistance, Wi-Fi and information about city attractions and events. That could make them useful for visitors — folks in town for a convention or the 2026 World Cup. Wouldn’t you figure those guests to our city have a smartphone and data plan?

At 8-and-a-half feet tall, 3-feet wide and 1-foot deep, they take up less sidewalk space than the barrel kiosks. Like the old ones, they cost the city nothing. The vendor’s profit comes from advertising, with Dallas getting a cut.

City Hall needs innovative revenue streams — but not at a cost to residents. With so many efforts underway to make our city more walkable and to address growing concerns about pedestrian safety, installing kiosks requires more serious vetting.

Given how narrow and poorly maintained so many of our sidewalks are, including in downtown and Uptown, I’d just as soon public works focus on those problems.

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Pedestrians walk past one of the current non-digital kiosks in downtown Dallas, which...
Pedestrians walk past one of the current non-digital kiosks in downtown Dallas, which feathers advertising for Slack software.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

In recent months, IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) Smart City, which has installed the devices from Berkeley to Baltimore, has shown its wares to several large stakeholders, including Downtown Dallas Inc.

IKE recommends deploying up to 150 kiosks, 25 at a time, throughout the city. It pledges to install 20% of them in zip codes with the highest economic and social inequality.

The selected vendor would pick locations based on what’s best for advertiser dollars. The city would have final say. Unsurprisingly, its stated priority, like the vendor’s, is to make the most money possible.

The IKE presentation I reviewed noted its desire to locate the kiosks in densely populated intersections and neighborhoods, the city’s most commercial streets and near cultural institutions, parks and event venues. IKE says its kiosks are ADA-compliant and will maintain a 4-foot unobstructed walkway.

At a recent council committee meeting, Ali Hatefi, director of the public works department, couldn’t provide an estimate of potential city revenue from the digital kiosks. Nor could he say how much money the current ones have generated.

I followed up to request answers to those two questions and to get an interview with Hatefi. A City Hall communications staffer said Hatefi was unavailable, and she was unable to get the revenue questions answered.

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The Real Estate Council of Dallas is one of many stakeholders newly awakened to what the city is up to on its sidewalks — and troubled it didn’t already take the proper steps to gauge community feedback.

A pedestrian waits near a kiosk with an area map on it at DART's St. Paul Station in...
A pedestrian waits near a kiosk with an area map on it at DART’s St. Paul Station in downtown Dallas on Thursday. About 100 of the barrel kiosks were approved in 2005 and will remain in place until at least 2026.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

Linda McMahon, the group’s president and CEO, detailed concerns in a letter to council members: “We believe that the initial proposal was not in the best interests of our community,” she wrote, “and would have had negative impacts on our city’s sidewalks, safety, right of way and overall urban environment.”

Jamee Jolly, the head of Uptown Dallas Inc., told me she’s baffled this plan was kept under the radar for so long, given sidewalks are the lifeblood of neighborhoods, especially the one she represents. “This is going against everything we’ve worked so hard to create in a pedestrian-friendly environment,” Jolly said.

She worries not just about the additional obstacles the kiosks would create but the potential distraction they would cause for drivers. “This would only further endanger pedestrians,” she said.

Jennifer Scripps, who leads Downtown Dallas Inc., said her group has tried to listen with an open mind, but increasingly she’s come to the realization “the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.”

Scripps believes a high bar must be set before approving anything that creates more sidewalk clutter. “Who is clamoring for what might just turn into another graffiti attractor?” she asked. “We felt this was rammed down our throats a little bit.”

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Maybe the upside of digital kiosks will win the day, but putting out a formal request for proposals before a robust public discussion is a bad look. Sidewalks are a critical quality-of-life asset, not a mundane commodity to be put up for sale.

The public right of way belongs not to Dallas City Hall or its elected officials but to all of us. As citywide conversations begin, let’s think hard before doing something that might not be in the best interest of the people who actually live and work here.

Kiosk meetings

— 6-7 p.m. April 22, Webex virtual meeting. Register and attend through dal.city/Kiosks

— 6-7 p.m. April 29 at Dallas City Hall, Room L1 FN Auditorium, 1500 Marilla St.



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Dallas, TX

Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas

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Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas


Cardi B, one of hip-hop’s most outsize personalities — and one of its most reliable hitmakers — is coming to Dallas.

The New York City-born rapper broke through in 2017 with the hit single “Bodak Yellow,” launching a chart-topping run that soon included “I Like It” and the blockbuster hit “WAP.” Her Grammy-winning debut album, Invasion of Privacy, cemented her as a defining voice in contemporary rap, blending brash humor, confessional storytelling and club-ready production.

The 33-year-old’s success helped boost the profile of women in a genre long dominated by men, encouraging record labels to sign more female rappers. She has frequently teamed up with rising female artists, including GloRilla, FendiDa Rappa and “WAP” collaborator Megan Thee Stallion.

Cardi’s stop at American Airlines Center is part of the arena run supporting her second studio album, 2025’s Am I the Drama? Recent shows in the “Little Miss Drama Tour” have leaned into spectacle, with elaborate staging, surprise guest appearances and a set list that spans her entire career.

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Fans can expect a high-energy performance built around booming trap beats, pop hooks and Cardi’s signature unfiltered banter — the same mix that has helped her sell out dates across the tour and turn concerts into party-like events.

DETAILS: March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Tickets start at $334.10, but some verified resale tickets are cheaper. ticketmaster.com.

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Pop legend Diana Ross performs March 7 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

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OTHER CONCERTS

Bluesy psychedelic rock band All Them Witches performs March 7 at House of Blues Dallas.

Bluesy psychedelic rock band All Them Witches performs March 7 at House of Blues Dallas.

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ALL THEM WITCHES March 7 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.

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DIANA ROSS March 7 at 8 p.m. at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. winstar.com.

RICH BRIAN March 7 at 8 p.m. at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. axs.com.

TRACE ADKINS March 7 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.

AFROJACK March 8 at 3 p.m. at It’ll Do Club in Deep Ellum. eventbrite.com.

LITHE March 8 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.

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CONAN GRAY March 10 at 8 p.m. at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.

MATISYAHU March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Granada Theater in Dallas. prekindle.com.

OUR LADY PEACE, WITH THE VERVE PIPE March 12 at 8 p.m. at Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.

PAUL WALL March 12 at 9 p.m. and March 13 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.



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GOP candidates for Texas House face off in Collin County, Park Cities, North Dallas

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GOP candidates for Texas House face off in Collin County, Park Cities, North Dallas


The fiercest legislative primary fights Tuesday in North Texas were inside the GOP.

In Dallas County, two moderate GOP incumbent representatives faced challengers after being censured by their own county party.

In Collin County, several Republican state House members were fending off rivals running to their right.

The Dallas Morning News will provide live election results this evening when the polls close at 7 p.m. Results will be updated throughout the evening for statewide races and Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant counties.

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Dallas County, House District 108

Republican Morgan Meyer, first elected in 2014, was challenged by attorney Sanjay Narayan in a district that includes the Park Cities, Oak Lawn and Preston Hollow.

Narayan criticized Meyer for backing renewable energy expansion and for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year.

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Meyer was among House Republicans targeted after disputes over the House speaker vote and chamber rules. He and other lawmakers called the censure effort unconstitutional.

In the campaign, Meyer focused on property tax relief and emergency preparedness after the Camp Mystic tragedy.

Small business owner Allison Mitchell is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Dallas County, House District 112

Republican Angie Chen Button, who has represented the district covering parts of Dallas, Richardson and Garland since 2009, drew three primary opponents.

Button has highlighted her support for small businesses and public schools and her bipartisan record. A senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, she would play a key role in the state’s property tax debate if reelected.

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Dallas-area delegation in the Texas House of Representatives on Sunday, May 30, 2021, showing State Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Garland, in the chamber.

Bob Daemmrich / Bob Daemmrich/CapitolPressPhoto

Opponents Chad Carnahan and Tina Price attacked Button for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year, a move she and other lawmakers have criticized as an internal party power struggle.

Carnahan, a businessman, said he wants to lower property taxes and prevent Shariah in Texas.

Price said she would improve public schools and spur the re-use of old buildings. Also in the GOP race: Perry E. Barker Sr.

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Democrat Zach Herbert was unopposed.

Collin County, House District 61

Two Republicans are seeking to represent the district that covers most of McKinney and parts of Frisco and Celina.

Incumbent Keresa Richardson, who was elected in 2024, and former state Rep. Frederick Frazier both support eliminating property taxes.

Richardson, an entrepreneur, said she would expand the Texas voucher-like program for education.

Frazier, a former police officer and McKinney City Council member, was more cautious about expanding the program.

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Frederick Frazier speaks as Rep. Keresa Richardson looks on during a candidate forum for...

Frederick Frazier speaks as Rep. Keresa Richardson looks on during a candidate forum for Republicans in Collin County ahead of the March primary election at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Anja Schlein / Special Contributor

Two political newcomers, Jackie Bescherer and Brittany Black, are running in the Democratic primary. Both oppose Texas’ voucher program and vow to increase public education funding.

Collin County, House District 67

Republican Rep. Jeff Leach, first elected in 2012, faces Matt Thorsen in a district that includes parts of Plano, Allen, McKinney and Melissa.

Leach has highlighted his conservative record, including legislation barring Shariah in Texas courts. He also served as a House impeachment manager during Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2023 trial, a role he has defended amid backlash from activists.

Thorsen, a small business owner and former youth pastor, helped lead the effort to censure Leach last year. He has criticized Leach’s impeachment role and accused him of siding with Democrats on House rules.

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Both support eliminating property taxes, expanding education savings accounts and oppose the development formerly known as EPIC City. Two Democrats are also running, though the district has leaned Republican.

Collin County, House District 70

Three Republicans are competing for the nomination to run against incumbent Democrat Mihaela Plesa, who is running unopposed in her party’s primary.

Democrat Mihaela Plesa responds to questions during a District 70 Candidate Forum hosted by...

Democrat Mihaela Plesa responds to questions during a District 70 Candidate Forum hosted by Raise Your Hand Texas at Plano ISD Academy High School in Plano on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022.

Liesbeth Powers / Staff Photographer

George Flint, a former district judge and Collin County Republican Party Chair, emphasized eliminating property taxes and securing the border in his campaign.

Jack Ryan Gallagher, an attorney, said he would attract companies to North Texas, improve public schools and partner with local law enforcement if elected.

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Michael Hewitt, an attorney, said he would gradually lower property taxes and work to keep Texas a business-friendly state.

The district includes parts of Plano, Richardson and Far North Dallas.



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Dallas Fed says ‘older, experienced workers’ likely have less cause for concern about AI job displacement

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Dallas Fed says ‘older, experienced workers’ likely have less cause for concern about AI job displacement


Artificial intelligence hasn’t yet triggered the broad job losses many feared — at least not for experienced workers.

That’s the takeaway from a new analysis by J. Scott Davis, an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, who examined employment and wage trends in industries most exposed to artificial intelligence.

Davis argues the data tell a more nuanced story — one that’s challenging the traditional career ladder, and helping older employees earn a bit more.

Since ChatGPT’s debut in late 2022, overall US employment has risen about 2.5%, according to Davis’ analysis, which uses an AI exposure index developed by researchers and published in the Strategic Management Journal. At the same time, employment in the sectors most exposed to AI has slipped by roughly 1%.

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Wages tell a different story. The average weekly pay nationwide has climbed 7.5% since fall 2022. And across the most AI-exposed industries, wages have grown faster, up 8.5%.

If AI were simply replacing workers, both employment and wages would likely be falling, Davis wrote.

Instead, Davis points to a divide between “codified” knowledge — the kind learned from textbooks and in university courses — and “tacit” knowledge gained from hands-on work experience.

“Returns on job experience are increasing in AI-exposed occupations,” Davis wrote. “Young workers with primarily codifiable knowledge and limited experience will likely face challenging job markets.”

Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, his analysis found that the occupations most exposed to AI tend to offer larger pay premiums for experienced workers.

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In roles with less hands-on experience, AI exposure is associated with weaker wage growth, he wrote.

Workers under 25 in AI-exposed industries have also experienced employment declines, according to Davis’ analysis.

“There appears to be less cause for concern about widespread job displacement for older, experienced workers,” he wrote.

A less dire picture… so far

The findings offer a counterpoint to the more apocalyptic predictions about AI’s impact on the labor market.

Last week, Citrini Research published a memo, written from the hypothetical perspective in 2028, that theorized how AI could crush the US jobs market and trigger a broad-based market collapse.

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“What if our AI bullishness continues to be right…and what if that’s actually bearish?” the memo asked.

Top executives inside the AI companies are worried about jobs, too.

Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, the company that runs Claude, warned that AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level office jobs. OpenAI’s head of product, Olivier Godement, said the life sciences, customer service, and computer engineering industries were all about to get automated. And Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code, said that he doesn’t believe the job title “software engineer” will exist next year.

For now, at least, the Dallas Fed paints a different picture of today’s jobs market. It points to less mass displacement and market ruptures — and more power for employees who already have their foot in the door.

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