Dallas HERO, a coalition of residents and community leaders, delivered a letter to the City Council on January 15, 2025, urging immediate action on Proposition U.
According to a press release issued by the coalition, the amendment to the Dallas City Charter was passed by voters in November 2024 and officially adopted on November 19, 2024.
The letter, drafted by Dallas HERO attorney Art Martinez de Vara, outlines key reforms required to address police staffing and compensation.
The press release highlights that Proposition U mandates Dallas to maintain a police-to-population ratio equivalent to a force of approximately 4,000 officers.
Currently, the Dallas Police Department employs only 3,100 officers, falling significantly short of this requirement.
The amendment also stipulates that starting salaries for Dallas police officers, inclusive of non-pension benefits but excluding bonuses, must rank among the top five departments in the region, covering Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, and Rockwall counties with populations exceeding 50,000.
In the letter, Martinez de Vara emphasized the urgency of adhering to Proposition U’s provisions, calling for the Pay Subcommittee to take immediate steps to ensure compliance.
The coalition also requested regular updates to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
In the press release, Martinez de Vara said, “This amendment is not a suggestion; it’s a binding mandate from Dallas voters. The time for delays is over. City leadership must take decisive action to honor the will of the people and fulfill their obligations under the charter.”
The delivery of this letter underscores the coalition’s commitment to holding city officials accountable and ensuring that voter-approved measures are implemented without delay.