OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Dallas City Council Meeting - June 24, 2026: Convention Center Viaduct Debate, Morgan Stanley Incentives, and Key Zoning Decisions

City Council — Wednesday, June 24, 2026
BodyDallas, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, June 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 12:12:44
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

You're watching the meeting of the Dallas City Council with Mayor Eric L.

0:04

Johnson.

0:06

Mayor Pro Tem Jaime Recendez.

0:08

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Maxie Johnson.

0:12

Council members Chad West, Zaren D.

0:14

Gracie, Jesse Marino, Gay Denell Willis, Laura Cadena, Adam Basildua, Laurie Blair, Paula Blackman, Kathy Stewart, William Roth, Cara Mendelson, Paul E.

0:33

Ridley, City Manager Kimberly Meiser Tolburn, City Secretary Billy Ray Johnson, and Interim City Attorney Bert Vandenberg.

0:56

All right.

0:57

Thank you so much, everyone.

0:58

Good morning.

0:59

We have a quorum.

1:01

It's Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, times 9:32 a.m.

1:05

And I now call to meet the Dallas City Council to order.

1:09

This morning, we have as our invocation speaker, our good friend, great man, Dallas Police Chaplain.

1:16

He's also the senior rabbi at Temple Shalom.

1:22

I'm going to turn over him for our invocation.

1:24

Then we'll have our pledges of allegiance.

1:26

Thank you, Mr.

1:27

Mayor.

1:28

Council members.

1:29

Good morning.

1:31

Source of wisdom and compassion, God of many names.

1:36

We gather this morning, mindful of the privilege and responsibility of public service.

1:43

As our city council meets for the final time before a season of recess and renewal, we pause to give thanks for those who have accepted the difficult work of leadership.

1:55

We recognize that governing a great city such as ours requires patience amid disagreement, courage amid uncertainty, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.

2:09

Bless these elected leaders, city staff, and all who serve the people of Dallas.

2:16

Grant them wisdom to discern what is right, humility to listen carefully to voices different from their own, and integrity to place the welfare of this city above personal interest or political gain.

2:32

We recognize that many of the decisions before this body are not merely about policies, budgets, buildings, or plans.

2:43

They are questions ultimately of stewardship.

2:48

They ask how we honor what previous generations have built while preparing wisely for those who will inherit this city after us.

2:58

Give these leaders the vision to see beyond immediate pressures and immediate interests.

3:05

Help them weigh carefully the choices before them, mindful that the decisions made in this chamber shape the lives of neighbors they may never meet and generations they may never know.

3:20

Remind us that democracy is not the art of getting our own way, but the discipline of building a future together in a time when disagreement can come too easily become division.

3:35

Help us remember that we remain bound to one another by a shared responsibility for the city and its people.

3:43

As this council prepares for a brief pause in its work, grant rest to those who are weary, perspective to those carrying heavy burdens, and renewed purpose to all who serve.

3:56

May they return refreshed and recommitted to the task of helping Dallas flourish.

4:02

May this city be blessed with safety and opportunity, justice and compassion, hope and peace.

4:11

Amen.

4:13

If everyone who is able, would please rise for our pledges of allegiance first to the United States flag and then to the Texas flag.

4:21

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

4:33

Honor the Texas flag.

4:35

I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

4:41

Thank you very much.

4:42

You may be seated.

4:43

Members bear with me for one moment.

4:45

I have several, I think, of you who have announcements this morning or special recognitions.

4:49

I don't want to miss anybody.

4:50

So let's see.

4:52

First, I'm gonna recognize um Chairwoman Willis.

4:57

Is she?

4:57

Oh, okay.

4:58

You want to wait?

4:59

Do you want me to skip you?

5:00

Or are you ready?

5:02

Okay, all right.

5:03

We're gonna recognize uh Chairwoman Willis for an announcement or um uh yeah, special recognition or an announcement.

5:12

Is that is that an animal?

5:13

Okay, I'm not sure what our rules say about that.

5:15

I'm not okay.

5:16

We're just gonna assume that's okay.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Economic Development██████████████14%
Parks and Recreation████████████12%
Public Safety████████8%
Community Engagement███████7%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Procedural████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Dallas City Council Meeting - June 24, 2026

The Dallas City Council convened on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 9:32 AM, with Mayor Eric L. Johnson presiding. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including a major debate on the K. Bailey Hutchison Convention Center expansion and its impact on the Jefferson and Houston viaducts, approval of a significant economic development incentive package for Morgan Stanley, and numerous zoning and land use decisions. The meeting adjourned at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • William Hopkins: Spoke about lead contamination and deaths in West Dallas, alleging city inaction since 1983. He accused the city of failing its residents.
  • Richard Cox (District 13): Opposed a zoning request at Preston Royal, claiming developers are ignoring the community and that 4,000 petition signers oppose the project.
  • Rebecca Teresi (District 1): Defended the Dallas Tennis and Education Academy (DTEA) at Keys Tennis Center, urging the council not to transfer management to a for-profit company.
  • George DeVergis (District 14): Asked for restoration of $2.6 million in library funding and use of proceeds from the Skillman Southwest Library sale.
  • Dolores Phillips: Criticized City Hall's condition and linked it to past injustices, including a fabricated police report against her father.
  • Bruce Richardson: Alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency regarding City Hall and the convention center.
  • Numerous speakers on Item 90: Over 80 individuals spoke on the convention center viaduct issue, with many Oak Cliff residents urging the council to raise the convention center height to preserve viaduct access. Business and hospitality representatives argued against delays, citing job and revenue losses.
  • Speakers on Item 60: Many community members, including children and parents, testified in support of keeping DTEA at Keys Tennis Center, emphasizing its transformative impact.

Discussion Items

  • Animal Services Announcement: Chairwoman Willis highlighted that Dallas Animal Services has 600 animals in shelter and 1,000 in foster, urging adoptions and fostering.
  • Special Recognitions: Common Ground Soccer Plaza in Oak Cliff, Hilliard Memorial Golf Course historical marker, and Downtown Dallas Inc.'s work in reconnecting a homeless man with his family.
  • Consent Agenda: Included numerous items such as a $2.8 million anonymous donation to the Dallas Public Library, traffic studies for Beckley Avenue, replacement of Fire Station 43, and grants for various community projects. Council members highlighted key items before unanimous approval.
  • Agenda Item 88 (Morgan Stanley Incentives): The council approved a package designating two Neighborhood Empowerment Zones and providing up to $18.5 million in incentives for Morgan Stanley to establish a temporary and permanent regional office, expected to create at least 3,800 jobs with an average wage of $128,000. The vote was 15-0.
  • Agenda Item 90 (Convention Center Viaduct): After hours of public testimony and council debate, a motion to deny the item (which would have directed the convention center to be raised to its original height to maintain viaduct access) passed 9-6. Subsequently, a motion directing the city manager to engage an independent transportation consultant to explore additional options and conduct community engagement passed 13-2.
  • Agenda Item 6 (Disability Pride Flag): Approved after debate, with some council members opposing the proliferation of non-government flags. The flag will fly from July 15-31, 2026.
  • Agenda Item 60 (Tennis Center Contracts): The council divided the question for the four tennis centers. Contracts for Fritz, Samuel Grant, and LB Houston were approved. For Keys Tennis Center, the council voted to reject the proposal and direct staff to restart the procurement process with community input.
  • Agenda Item 93 (Bond Election): The council voted 9-5 to direct staff to prepare for a November 2026 bond election for public safety facilities and pension obligation bonds. Debate centered on bundling, timing, and community communication.
  • PH4 (Certificate of Occupancy Enforcement): Approved after discussion, tightening rules to prevent businesses without required permits from operating under a certificate of occupancy. The change aims to improve public safety in entertainment districts.
  • Zoning Items: Approved conservation district for Stevens Park Village (Z2), a new RV park in District 8 (Z7), temporary concrete batch plant (Z10), street name changes (PH1, PH2), and low-income housing tax credits (PH3).

Key Outcomes

  • Item 88 (Morgan Stanley): Approved 15-0.
  • Item 90 (Convention Center Viaduct): Motion to deny passed 9-6; subsequent motion for independent transportation consultant passed 13-2.
  • Item 60 (Tennis Centers): Three centers approved; Keys Tennis Center contract rejected, process to restart.
  • Item 6 (Disability Pride Flag): Approved.
  • Item 93 (Bond Election): Approved 9-5 to prepare for November 2026 ballot.
  • PH4: Approved.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • All zoning items: Approved as noted.

Meeting Transcript

You're watching the meeting of the Dallas City Council with Mayor Eric L. Johnson. Mayor Pro Tem Jaime Recendez. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Maxie Johnson. Council members Chad West, Zaren D. Gracie, Jesse Marino, Gay Denell Willis, Laura Cadena, Adam Basildua, Laurie Blair, Paula Blackman, Kathy Stewart, William Roth, Cara Mendelson, Paul E. Ridley, City Manager Kimberly Meiser Tolburn, City Secretary Billy Ray Johnson, and Interim City Attorney Bert Vandenberg. All right. Thank you so much, everyone. Good morning. We have a quorum. It's Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, times 9:32 a.m. And I now call to meet the Dallas City Council to order. This morning, we have as our invocation speaker, our good friend, great man, Dallas Police Chaplain. He's also the senior rabbi at Temple Shalom. I'm going to turn over him for our invocation. Then we'll have our pledges of allegiance. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members. Good morning. Source of wisdom and compassion, God of many names. We gather this morning, mindful of the privilege and responsibility of public service. As our city council meets for the final time before a season of recess and renewal, we pause to give thanks for those who have accepted the difficult work of leadership. We recognize that governing a great city such as ours requires patience amid disagreement, courage amid uncertainty, and a steadfast commitment to the common good. Bless these elected leaders, city staff, and all who serve the people of Dallas. Grant them wisdom to discern what is right, humility to listen carefully to voices different from their own, and integrity to place the welfare of this city above personal interest or political gain. We recognize that many of the decisions before this body are not merely about policies, budgets, buildings, or plans. They are questions ultimately of stewardship. They ask how we honor what previous generations have built while preparing wisely for those who will inherit this city after us. Give these leaders the vision to see beyond immediate pressures and immediate interests. Help them weigh carefully the choices before them, mindful that the decisions made in this chamber shape the lives of neighbors they may never meet and generations they may never know. Remind us that democracy is not the art of getting our own way, but the discipline of building a future together in a time when disagreement can come too easily become division. Help us remember that we remain bound to one another by a shared responsibility for the city and its people. As this council prepares for a brief pause in its work, grant rest to those who are weary, perspective to those carrying heavy burdens, and renewed purpose to all who serve. May they return refreshed and recommitted to the task of helping Dallas flourish. May this city be blessed with safety and opportunity, justice and compassion, hope and peace. Amen. If everyone who is able, would please rise for our pledges of allegiance first to the United States flag and then to the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you very much. You may be seated. Members bear with me for one moment. I have several, I think, of you who have announcements this morning or special recognitions. I don't want to miss anybody. So let's see. First, I'm gonna recognize um Chairwoman Willis. Is she?

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