Most DFW residents can name their US senator but not their city council member. Here's what local government is working on.
Dallas City Council (15 members):
Current priorities:
- Housing affordability — bond package includes $200M+ for affordable housing. Source: dallascityhall.com
- Infrastructure — road repairs, bridge maintenance, drainage improvements
- Public safety — police staffing still below target (DPD has 3,000+ officers, needs 4,000+). Source: Dallas Morning News
- Homeless services — The Bridge, housing-first initiatives. Source: dallascityhall.com/homelessness
Recent controversies:
- Short-term rental regulations (Airbnb limits in residential neighborhoods)
- Convention center expansion cost overruns
- Dallas ISD vs City funding disputes
Fort Worth City Council (9 members):
Current priorities:
- Panther Island/Trinity River Vision — massive development project. Long-delayed, over budget. Source: trinityrivervision.org
- Growth management — Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities. Source: US Census.
- Public safety — FWPD staffing and community relations
- Infrastructure in newly annexed areas
How to participate:
- City council meetings are public and most allow citizen comments
- Dallas: 6th floor, City Hall, 1500 Marilla St. Meetings aired on Dallas City TV.
- Fort Worth: City Hall, 200 Texas St. Meetings aired on FWTV.
- Both cities have online comment portals for agenda items.
Find your council member:
- Dallas: dallascityhall.com/government/council
- Fort Worth: fortworthtexas.gov/government/city-council
Sources:
- City websites
- Dallas Morning News / Fort Worth Star-Telegram local coverage
- Council meeting minutes (public record)
Do you know who your council member is?