On Friday, March 21, 2025, Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn was honored with the inaugural 2024 DX Civic Leadership Award.
Chris Putnam, CEO of The Dallas Express, presented the award during a ceremony that highlighted her persistent efforts to guide the city with integrity and resolve—qualities that have made her a trusted figure for District 12 residents in Far North Dallas.
Mendelsohn earned this recognition through her disciplined oversight of the city’s finances, her commitment to transparent leadership, and her focus on pressing challenges like public safety and homelessness. This award is more than a ceremonial gesture; it reflects her exceptional performance in the Dallas Derby, a data-driven initiative by The Dallas Express that evaluates council members on metrics vital to the city’s well-being.
“DX readers have spoken and loudly last year in every Dallas Derby monthly survey,” stated Putnam. “This award is really from her constituents who consistently rate her the best and most effective city council person in the city based on her body of work not only in her district but in all of Dallas.”
Her success in the Dallas Derby tells a compelling story. Mendelsohn led the rankings throughout 2024, ultimately securing the top position for the year. This isn’t a lightweight measure—it’s a deep dive into hard facts: responsiveness to constituents, policy results, and alignment with goals like safer streets and economic strength.
Mendelsohn’s consistently high marks stem from her sharp insights during council discussions and a record that stands up to scrutiny.
Her key contributions in 2024 include:
- Advocating for clear, accountable budgets and careful spending control.
- Supporting stronger law enforcement resources amid growing safety concerns.
- Urging accountability and practical solutions from Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions.
Mendelsohn tackles complex issues directly, never sidestepping difficult conversations. That approach has built her a strong base of community support and earned her respect from civic organizations monitoring local governance.
The DX Civic Leadership Award reflects The Dallas Express’ commitment to recognizing leaders who go beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible results for Dallas. Congratulations, Council Member Mendelsohn, and press on.