City Manager T.C. Broadnax has announced his resignation, effective June 3, following pressure from the Dallas City Council.
Broadnax was asked to resign nearly two years ago and was nearly fired by the city council over his reaction to criticism of the effectiveness of municipal departments under his leadership.
However, after his performance reviews were postponed, Broadnax not only kept his job but was awarded a raise — bumping his salary to over $423,000, more than the president makes.
Friction between Broadnax and elected officials, including Mayor Eric Johnson, has continued since then. In December, Broadnax was reprimanded by Johnson over the 2024 Bond Program for overstepping his authority.
That tension has now escalated to a point where Broadnax has submitted his notice of resignation following a “suggestion” from the majority of the horseshoe.
“City Manager, T.C. Broadnax has resigned effective June 3, 2024, at the suggestion of the majority of the Dallas City Council. This resignation is a necessary step towards fostering an environment conducive to maximizing the potential of our beloved city,” according to a joint statement from Council Members Jaime Resendez, Jaynie Schultz, Omar Narvaez, Adam Bazaldua, Zarin Gracey, and Gay Donnell Willis.
“After careful consideration, it has become apparent that the relationship between the mayor and the city manager has not been conducive to effective governance and the advancement of Dallas’ interests,” the statement continued.
“The dynamic between these key citywide figures has unfortunately hindered the realization of our city’s full potential, and it is imperative that we address this issue head-on in order to move forward. … As we embark on this new chapter, the Dallas City Council is dedicated to continuing an environment of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in city governance.”
Broadnax said in his notice of resignation, submitted to the mayor and city council on Wednesday, that his last day will be June 3, 2024.
“It is my hope that my departure provides the City Council an opportunity to reset, refocus and transition to a new City Manager that continues to move the City forward and will allow for a more effective working relationship with the Mayor and City Council,” he said.
Broadnax will work with staff until June “to plan for a smooth transition of projects, initiatives, and responsibilities in advance of my departure.”
Deputy City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert is expected to serve as interim city manager until a permanent replacement is found, according to Candy’s Dirt. Council Member Schultz told WFAA the city council will meet Wednesday to discuss appointing an interim city manager.
Broadnax’s severance pay has not yet been determined, according to Dallas City Council Liason Penny Anderly.
Mayor Johnson acknowledged his differences with Broadnax in a statement, but “wish[ed] him well” on his next venture.
“TC was tough — he often knew what he wanted for Dallas and would fight hard for it. And I would do the same,” said Johnson. “We did not always see eye to eye, but we still worked together to help move this city forward.”
Broadnax joined the City of Dallas in 2017 after a unanimous vote from the city council. Under his leadership, the City has suffered heavy criticism for its inefficient building permit process and shortage of police officers.
Furthermore, the City’s budget has grown by about $1.4 billion over the past seven years. The annual budget adopted by the City in 2017 totaled $3.2 billion, while the budget for the current fiscal year costs $4.6 billion.
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, Council Member Willis thanked Broadnax for his service to the City but said she looks forward to having a city manager “who over-communicates with Council and the public, and who is ready to roll up their sleeves to help solve some of our city’s toughest issues.”
Council Member Bazaldua said he believes Broadnax’s resignation is the result of “an uncooperative environment fostered by the lack of city-wide leadership.”
“If it wasn’t apparent before, how imperative it is to cultivate a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere, I sure hope it is now,” he said.