Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson sent his list of policy priorities to committees of the Dallas City Council for his 2022 legislative program. In the outline, Johnson stated six areas for each of the eight committees that need to be addressed in 2022.
Some of the key points of the policy priorities for each of the Chairs are listed below.
Tennell Atkins is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee. This committee will focus on using recommendations from the Mayor’s Task Force when implementing the economic development policy, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Also, Atkins will develop plans for the area surrounding the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, create a master plan for Hensley Field, support businesses already in operation, and attract new businesses.
The Environment & Sustainability Committee’s Chair Paula Blackmon will review city codes and establish new ones, including zoning changes for areas like Lane Plating and “Shingle Mountain.” Also, Blackmon will implement the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan and create a plan to “dredge White Rock Lake.”
Cara Mendelsohn, the Chair for the Government Performance & Financial Committee, will focus on reducing the property tax rate and create recommendations to update, if needed, the “city’s technology and data systems.”
The Housing & Homelessness Solutions Committee’s Chair Casey Thomas will focus on implementing the “Dallas Real-Time Rapid Rehousing Strategy” and manage the causes of homelessness, provide recommendations on affordable housing, and focus on drug addiction and mental health needs for the homeless.
Adam McGough, Chair for the Public Safety Committee, will implement the “violent crime reduction plan,” offer the best training to the Dallas Police Department, and ensure that the Dallas Fire-Rescue and Dallas Police Departments have modernized equipment, technology, and facilities.
For the Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee, Chair Adam Bazaldua will be responsible for providing “sensible regulations for short-term rental properties,” enhancing dining, art, nightlife, hospitality, and live music scenes. He will also provide recommendations for the master plan of Fair Park.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Chair Omar Narvaez will navigate plans for bike lanes, sidewalks, traffic signals, and street conditions. He will also implement the Vision Zero plan and check the safety of flood control systems, water infrastructure, and airports.
Jaynie Schultz, Chair of the Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee, will focus on recommendations for “Upskilling Dallas: How to Modernize the City’s Workforce for the Jobs of Tomorrow.”
She will also attempt to ensure “early childhood education and childcare partners and providers” provide affordable facilities and programs for families and ensure that Dallas ISD is implementing Social and Emotional Learning.
In the memorandum, Johnson stated, “If we focus on these committee priorities, which were developed with feedback from committee chairs, we will make our city stronger, safer, healthier, more vibrant, and more equitable.”
