You can help Dallas decide how to spend $1 billion

At a town hall in Pleasant Grove on Tuesday night, residents dreamed out loud about what their district could be.

One resident talked about the need for more street lamps and sidewalks in her neighborhood. She said she drives to work at 5:30 a.m. and is afraid of hitting her neighbors who walk to the bus. Others proposed bike lanes that connect their homes to a park or Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Buckner Station.

Many of us may feel powerless to fix these issues that affect our daily lives, but now is the time to get Dallas City Hall’s attention. The city is planning how to allocate $1 billion for capital projects, packaged as a bond program that will go to voters next year. Voicing your preferences at community meetings like the town hall in Pleasant Grove can help set the direction for your neighborhood for the next few years.

Bond funds can be spent on things like street repairs, parks, libraries and other infrastructure. So far, city officials have said Dallas can take on $1 billion in bond debt without raising the property tax rate.

Each Dallas City Council district is hosting a town hall where residents can learn about what projects qualify and suggest specific improvements. If you live in Districts 2, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13 or 14, there’s still time to attend a town hall Thursday or next week.

The Community Bond Task Force, a 15-member group of people appointed by council members, is also listening to architects, engineers and project managers to help the group advise the council on what projects to include in the bond program. Based on wide-ranging feedback, the city has assembled an inventory of needs. An interactive map on the city’s website allows residents to see all the street improvements, building renovations, flood protection measures and parks suggested.

If you think something is missing, you can propose a project yourself by filling out a request form.

As of now, the total cost of the projects requested is a whopping $13.5 billion. City officials will have to make some tough decisions to winnow the list.

There is plenty of time to speak up. From now until October, residents can advocate for certain projects by signing up to speak at the task force’s meetings on Aug. 15 and 22 at City Hall. Residents can also attend monthly virtual open houses, contact their council members or call the bond office to suggest a project.

At the end of the year, the task force will present its recommendation to the City Council, which will decide what will be in the bond package that goes to voters in May 2024.

Getting involved now will ensure that your concerns are heard as the city assembles a plan. What’s more, your efforts may be the start of something new — a park by your house, nice sidewalks in your neighborhood or a library for your children. Don’t let these opportunities to decide the future pass you by.

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