Dallas City Council Meeting – September 23, 2026

The Dallas City Council met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 9:23 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, public comments, consent agenda approvals, individual consideration items, and public hearings on zoning and street name changes. Key actions included approval of the Cadillac Heights land acquisition (item 26), denial of a facilities condition assessment contract (item 27), adoption of the FY 2025-26 budget amendment (item 41), and passage of a $2.68 million convention center management extension (item 53). A controversial street name change for North Harwood Street to 'Exchange Place' failed to reach the required 12 votes and was held under advisement until October 14, 2026. The zoning case Z11 for 37 patio homes on Walnut Hill Lane was approved after a motion to reduce height to 30 feet failed, with a final vote of 9-5.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–47 were approved with deletions (items 6 and 8 removed) and corrections. Notable approvals include:
  • Item 2: $1,355,395 for the MVCPA Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Grant (including $227,026 local match).
  • Item 9: $5,147,500 contract renewal with The Bridge for homeless shelter services.
  • Item 17: $28,008,458 for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project Phase I (includes $18,383,458 in capital gifts and $9,625,000 from bonds).
  • Item 20: $1,188,662 TIF development agreement for The Highlands Village project in the Skillman Corridor.
  • Item 39: $2,658,246 for design of Jefferson Complete Street from Hampton to Polk.
  • Item 41 (after pull): FY 2025-26 budget amendment authorizing transfers and appropriations totaling $5,967,988,552.
  • Item 42 (after pull): Deferred to December 9, 2026, a forgivable loan for The Stewpot.
  • Item 47: $326,099 grant for South Dallas Drug Court Expansion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shanita Cleveland urged the council to save Dallas City Hall, stop employee furloughs, address flock camera surveillance, and fix potholes, stating the city belongs to its people.
• Catherine Parker opposed the rezoning of Preston Royal Shopping Center, asking the council to consider long-term consequences for neighborhoods and listen to longtime residents.
• William Hopkins spoke for 29 years about lead contamination in West Dallas, claiming the city ignored deaths from lead exposure and alleging a cover-up involving officials.
• Trinity EK invited council members to participate in 'Week Without Driving' (October 1–8) and to attend a meeting without cars on October 7.
• Nora Soto demanded consent items 2 and 4 be pulled, accusing the council of using grant funds for flock cameras despite public opposition, and criticized the city's handling of West Dallas lead issues.
• Barrett Johnston (on item 2) asked for separate votes on items 2 and 4, citing that state grants for auto theft could fund flock cameras; he also thanked the mayor for creating a 'socialist sanctuary.'
• Anan Mantherum (on item 9) spoke in support of The Bridge shelter, reporting 6,311 unduplicated day shelter guests (105% of goal), 2,480 night shelter guests (149%), and 585 housed (156%), but noted 100–150 people are turned away nightly.
• Multiple speakers on Z11 (Walnut Hill patio homes) uniformly requested a 30-foot height limit and two-story maximum, citing compatibility, traffic, and precedent concerns. 85% of a neighborhood survey (271 respondents) opposed the plan.
• On PH3 (alcohol variance), church members opposed a mixed-beverage permit for a restaurant 16 feet from Stephen Temple Church, citing parking, safety, and disruption. The owner argued her business would improve the area.
• On Z10 (South Dallas zoning), Julie Sackaton urged denial, stating the request exceeded the recently adopted PD 595 framework and would dwarf historic buildings.

Discussion Items

• Item 26 – Cadillac Heights Land Acquisition: The council debated $800,500 for three dwellings and two vacant lots (28,178 sq ft) for a future city service center, funded by 2006 bond proceeds originally for a police academy. Councilmembers Mendelson and Ridley questioned the repurposing, lack of a plan, and impact on displaced residents. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Councilmember Moreno supported it as a long-term community benefit. The item passed 9-5.
• Item 27 – Facilities Condition Assessment: A motion to deny the $3,493,200 contract with Tetra Tech succeeded. Councilmember Mendelson argued using bond funds for a report was fiscally irresponsible and noted the previous assessment (2017) was outdated. No further action was taken.
• Item 41 – Budget Amendment: Councilmember Mendelson questioned the use of ARPA funds for general fund expenses and highlighted $491 million in debt service. The amendment passed without opposition after clarification that $103.4 million was previously approved capital.
• Item 42 – Stewpot Loan: Deferred to December 9, 2026, at the request of staff and First Presbyterian Church.
• Item 53 – Convention Center Management Extension: A $2,675,479 five-month extension with Global Spectrum (OVG) passed 8-6 after debate. Critics cited poor performance at Fair Park; supporters emphasized a smooth transition to new management and retention of 24 conventions.
• Z11 – Walnut Hill PD: Councilmember Willis proposed a motion with a 30-foot height limit for lots adjacent to the church (lot 3), but not for all units. Councilmember Mendelson moved to amend requiring all structures to be 30 feet/two stories, 19 guest parking spaces, and 16.8% open space. After amendment to the amendment (striking the 30-foot limit), the final motion passed 9-5, allowing 37 homes with four live-story units in the southeast corner (up to 36 feet).
• PH1 – Street Name Change: A proposal to rename a segment of North Harwood Street to 'Exchange Place' failed 9-10 (12 required). A motion to hold under advisement until October 14 passed 8-6.
• Z10 – South Dallas Zoning: The council voted to deny the request for MU-3 or FWMU-5 zoning, following the Planning Commission recommendation. Councilmember Basildúa cited lack of concrete plans and community opposition.

Key Outcomes

• Votes & Decisions:
  • Item 26 (land acquisition) passed 9-5.
  • Item 27 (facilities assessment) denied by voice vote.
  • Item 41 (budget amendment) approved by voice vote.
  • Item 53 (convention center extension) passed 8-6.
  • Z11 (Walnut Hill PD) approved 9-5.
  • PH1 (street name change) failed to reach 12 votes; held under advisement until October 14.
  • Z10 (South Dallas zoning) denied by voice vote.
  • PH3 (alcohol variance) held under advisement until October 14.
• Directives:
  • Staff to provide a full briefing on Cadillac Heights plans to full council.
  • City Manager to report on homeless service investments financials.
  • Convention and Event Services to transition OVG sub-vendor contracts to Visit Dallas or direct city management by February 2027.
• Referrals: None.
• Next Steps: Deferred items will return on October 14, 2026 (PH1, PH3) and December 9, 2026 (item 42).