Dallas should choose a mindset of abundance over scarcity

Today the Dallas City Council will vote to determine which road we will take as a city for the next two years.

Will we take the road of scarcity, as proposed in the “no new revenue” model? This view suggests that hard times are ahead for the city, and we must make substantial cuts to the budget now. The goal of this model is to reduce property tax rates so that the owner of the average home, valued at $324,000, will save about $87 per year from lower city taxes.

That $87 per household savings would deprive the city of about $100 million. That’s money that could be used to pay for back-logged repairs citywide.

The alternative option for the council to choose is that of abundance. The abundance model builds on the historical economic success of the region, investing in areas adopted by the council, such as the Office of Public Safety Solutions, Arts and Culture, and Equity.

Which road should we take? Whichever direction we choose, the impact will resonate for years to come because it will determine the financial approach of the city staff and all those who work with the city, most of all the residents.

The scarcity model of budgeting is rooted in fear and caution. This approach assumes that resources are limited, we are nearing difficult times, and reducing property taxes will make a difference in the daily lives of property owners. It is similar to the theory of trickle-down economics which is based on the idea that if people have reduced taxes, they will spend more which helps local economies.

While fiscal responsibility is essential, this approach often results in a limited mindset, leading to reduced investment in critical areas such as education, infrastructure and social services. We know what happens when fear guides budget decisions. The last time Dallas took this route, it took more than 10 years to restore the city to service levels from the past. With one step backward, it took 10 years to regain the lost ground.

The alternative road is that of abundance. This means visionary thinking and ambitious work toward a sustainable future. Cities should be more than transactional service providers; they should be dynamic ecosystems capable of generating more resources through strategic investments.

This year, for example, the budget proposal recommended by City Manager T.C. Broadnax would return library hours to six days per week. Libraries are a critical resource, not only as a place for children to do homework, but also as a tool for anyone to enjoy free Internet access whether they are looking for a job, completing a college application, or simply staying abreast of the day’s news. Library resources extend beyond books; they are safe places to learn. If we vote to cut this, we are limiting the potential of Dallas residents to engage with the world. If we don’t do that, growth potential is stifled due to lack of investment. We cannot cut our way to prosperity.

I propose we take the road of abundance. To do this we must do seven things.

Invest in human capital

Our greatest asset is our people. By investing in workforce training, education, access to health care, and arts and culture, we empower our residents to contribute more to the local economy. A well-educated and healthy workforce attracts businesses, fosters innovation, and ultimately generates more revenue for the city.

Use infrastructure to transform

Instead of viewing infrastructure only as a cost, an abundant city sees it as a catalyst for growth. Well-maintained roads, sidewalks, parks, bridges, public transportation and digital connectivity create an environment where businesses can thrive, leading to increased tax revenue and job opportunities for residents.

Support equity

Prioritizing programs that bring positive social change like affordable housing, homelessness outreach including mental health programs, and support for vulnerable populations not only enhances the quality of life for all residents but also reduces long-term societal costs.

By helping those in need, we not only build a stronger and more cohesive community, we provide meaning and purpose for those involved and reduce the number of people in those situations.

Our chief of police is often quoted as saying that the best way to reduce crime is to reduce poverty. The work of the Racial Equity Plan will bring millions of new dollars into our local economy by helping those historically disadvantaged gain access to job training, housing and education that many of us take for granted. There is no limit to our city’s potential when we all have equal opportunity.

Look for opportunities to diversify and innovate economically

Abundance encourages cities to invest in research and development, fostering an environment that attracts innovators, entrepreneurs and startups. Diversification of the economy reduces reliance on a single industry, making the city more resilient in times of economic downturns. Providing pilot programs through our Small Business Center gives local nonprofits and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build a strong future.

Focus on our future

The scarcity model often focuses on short-term gains, leading to neglect of long-term projects and planning. Abundance encourages us to think beyond immediate fiscal years, fostering a culture of strategic planning that benefits future generations. Knowing that our regional economy is strong with no signs of slowing means that we can plan for capital reserves, face the pension challenges, and make deeper investments in our environmental sustainability.

Look for public-private partnerships

Abundance encourages cities to explore partnerships with private sector organizations to fund large-scale projects. This approach can leverage private investment and expertise to deliver public goods more efficiently. Few outside organizations will invest in a city that does not support a strong future.

Re-engineer community engagement

An abundance mindset emphasizes community involvement in a wide range of urban issues, giving residents a stronger voice in how the city is governed. When residents have a say in how resources are allocated, the way they are spent, and how they interact with one another, it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more efficient and equitable outcomes. This will also fill the pipeline for future leadership with the hundreds of opportunities for residents to serve.

Scarcity limits, abundance empowers. Embracing the abundance model of budgeting is not a reckless spending spree; it’s a strategic and visionary approach that recognizes the potential for growth within our community. By investing in our people, infrastructure and quality of life, we can create a city that thrives in both the present and the future.

The idea that Dallas should operate from a scarcity mentality is a departure from previous generations. The abundance mindset that enabled the builders of this city to take risks must be our north star. Klyde Warren Park would never have happened on the road of scarcity. Our beautiful Calatrava bridges, the new convention center, the annexation of northern areas that now comprise three council districts would never have happened. “What more can we do?” That should be the question, not “Where shall we cut?”

Jaynie Schultz represents District 11 on the Dallas City Council. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.

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