Latest news with #DallasCityCouncil
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Recuse Or Represent? Kitner's Ties Test Voter Trust In Dallas City Council D11 Runoff
As the Dallas City Council District 11 runoff election peaks, voters are scrutinizing the candidates' backgrounds and potential conflicts of interest. Bill Roth, a commercial realtor, positions himself as a dedicated advocate for taxpayers for Texans, while his opponent, Jeff Kitner, faces a bigger set of questions regarding his dual roles and affiliations around the DFW area, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Many of those conflicts of interest are now raising local eyebrows. Kitner serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, a prominent lobbying organization representing a collection of 'business' interests, including developers and corporate contractors. If elected, Kitner has indicated plans to continue part-time employment with the Chamber, according to previous reports, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest if he wins the election. Dallas City Code Chapter 12A mandates that officials disclose and recuse themselves from matters where conflicts exist, potentially limiting Kitner's participation in key council decisions affecting District 11 – The very district he wants to represent. Some critics could argue that Kitner's ongoing ties to the Chamber could compromise his ability to impartially represent citizens in his area, especially when council votes intersect with Chamber members' interests. Steve Nordseth, treasurer of the Save Pepper Square Neighborhood Association, previously told DX, 'It's like applying for a job to be a referee while staying on as a coach of one of the competing teams.' In contrast, Roth emphasizes his commitment to serving District 11 without outside connections that might block his council responsibilities or cause any recusals. He is also currently campaigning for transparent governance and prioritizing the needs of local residents over external business interests. Practically every important decision, from zoning and development to infrastructure projects and city contracts, affects the interests of Chamber members in Kitner's district. And each time Kitner would have to recuse himself from those discussions, District 11's voice would be absent, as Nordseth previously pointed out to DX. The runoff election is scheduled for June 7. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the debate over potential conflicts of interest remains a pivotal issue in the race. 'Serving as a Dallas City Councilmember can sometimes blur the lines between full-time and all the time,' said current councilmember Cara Mendelsohn in April. Blur the lines, indeed. As of the time of publication, Kitner's team has not responded to multiple requests for comment on his campaign or any conflict of interests connected to serving District 11.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dallas Bike Plan gets first approved expansion since 2011
The Brief The Dallas City Council has approved an update to the Dallas Bike Plan, its first expansion since 2011. The updated plan aims to create a bike network that encourages cyclists of all ages and abilities to explore Dallas. The plan will be implemented in phases over the coming years as funding becomes available. DALLAS - Bicyclists in Dallas will soon start to see updates to the city's network of cycling exploration. The Dallas Bike Plan, which was last updated in 2011, was approved for an expansion on Wednesday. What we know On Wednesday, the Dallas City Council adopted the 2025 Dallas Bike Plan, giving the first expansion since 2011 to a project established in 1975. According to a release from the City of Dallas, the update will expand on the existing infrastructure with a strong focus on building a network that encourages bicyclists of all ages and abilities to explore Dallas. The new plan creates a phased approach to tackling projects over coming years through the use of funding as it becomes available. In the full bike plan, available at this link, page 65 lays out three phases: The goal for the first five years is to complete the currently funded projects and a handful of high-priority, lower-cost unfunded projects. The projects that fall under the latter category are generally the lower-cost projects that make up the Top 15 Priority Projects identified in Technical Report 3. Phase 2 would complete the implementation of other top-scoring projects up to a value of $300 million. $300 million assumes $100 million in future Bond program, $150 million in grants, and $2.5 million/year from the general fund. The Phase 2 projects were determined using the prioritization methodology in the Dallas Bike Plan, as well as input from the Bike Advisory Committee. Additional identified projects that are not anticipated to be funded within Years 0-20. What they're saying "City Council has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change," District 6 Councilman Omar Narvaez said. "One of the ways of doing that is to reduce the number of people driving in cars or by themselves." "We know that getting more people to bike isn't just about building a network," said Dr. Gus Khankarli, director of the Dallas Transportation and Public Works Department. "This plan integrates with our multi-modal system and gives us a set of key action items that should be targeted over the next five to ten years by staff in several city departments and in coordination with our advocacy partners." What you can do Dallas's release notes that input from residents is central to the development and execution of their plan. You can contact the city on their official website. The Source Information in this article comes from the City of Dallas.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas City Council Approves 12-Year Lease Extension For Southwest Airlines At Love Field
The Dallas City Council has approved a lease extension for Southwest Airlines to operate 18 gates at Dallas Love Field through September 2040, extending the carrier's presence at its historic home base by 12 years. The move addresses anticipated passenger growth and secures long-term operational stability for the airport that served over 16 million travelers last year. Southwest's current lease was set to expire in September 2028, but city aviation officials pushed for an early renewal to lock in predictable costs per passenger. The proactive approach comes as Love Field prepares for projected annual enplanements to reach 10 million by late 2026. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson praised the partnership during the council's deliberations. 'I am proud to see Dallas extend its longstanding partnership with Southwest Airlines,' Johnson said, as reported by city officials. 'For over 50 years, Southwest has been the cornerstone of Dallas Love Field Airport and a key economic partner to our city.' Southwest CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the airline's deep roots at Love Field, dating back to its inaugural flight in 1971. 'We applaud the leadership of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert in helping secure Southwest's long-term future at Dallas Love Field,' Jordan said. The airline executive highlighted Southwest's mission to 'connect People to what matters most in their lives with friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.' The extended agreement includes provisions for capital investments aimed at enhancing passenger experience and airport infrastructure. These improvements will help Love Field maintain its status as the busiest medium-hub airport in the United States. Located just seven miles from downtown Dallas, Love Field contributes more than $5.6 billion in annual economic activity to the region. The airport supports approximately 28,000 local jobs and generates $1.7 billion in labor income each year. The facility has earned recognition from industry groups, including ACI-World's Airport Service Quality awards and ACI-NA's MarComCX honors. Still, managing projected growth while maintaining service quality remains a key challenge for airport administrators. The lease extension provides Southwest with operational certainty as the carrier continues expanding its network from its original hub. For Dallas, it ensures continued access to affordable air travel options for residents and businesses throughout the metropolitan area.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dallas City Council Approves 2025 Bike Plan, First Update Since 2011
The Dallas City Council adopted the 2025 Dallas Bike Plan on Wednesday, marking the first update to the city's cycling infrastructure blueprint since 2011. The comprehensive plan aims to expand Dallas's biking network, emphasizing safety, comfort, and maintenance for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Originally developed in 1975, the Dallas Bike Plan serves as the city's roadmap for implementing on-street and off-street bike lanes throughout the metropolitan area. Wednesday's update significantly expands the existing network with a strategic focus on accessibility. 'City Council has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change,' District 6 Council Member Omar Narvaez said. 'One of the ways of doing that is to reduce the number of people driving in cars or by themselves.' The updated plan introduces a phased, flexible approach to project development as funding becomes available. City officials have reported that prioritized routes will target infrastructure gaps identified through extensive community engagement. Dallas residents emphasized connecting existing network gaps, providing better trail and transit links, and enhancing bicycle access near schools. The plan also prioritizes more connections in the city's denser neighborhoods. Community input remains central to implementation. In the coming months, city staff will establish a permanent bicycle advisory committee to help advance the plan's objectives. 'We know that getting more people to bike isn't just about building a network,' said Dr. Gus Khankarli, director of the Dallas Transportation and Public Works Department. 'This plan integrates with our multi-modal system and gives us a set of key action items that should be targeted over the next five to ten years by staff in several city departments and in coordination with our advocacy partners.' The city will continue neighborhood engagement as future bike projects move into development phases. Dallas currently holds bronze-level certification as a Bicycle Friendly Community from The League of American Bicyclists. Data shows that 40 percent of Dallas bike trips cover three miles or less, a distance cyclists can typically complete in 15 minutes on direct routes. The complete 2025 Dallas Bike Plan is accessible online at
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Push to help fund Dallas Wings training site stirs urgency and debate
Women's sports are gaining momentum nationwide, and Dallas city leaders are investing millions to keep that momentum going. With the WNBA's Dallas Wings set to relocate to downtown Dallas, the city is moving quickly to ensure top-tier facilities are ready -- though the timeline has shifted. The team's move to Memorial Auditorium, part of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center complex, has been delayed until 2027 due to overlapping construction and event planning. On Wednesday, the Dallas City Council approved $5.5 million for the design of an off-site training facility for the Wings. The facility is expected to cost between $48 million and $54 million. It will be located at 1200 N. Cockrell Hill Road in West Dallas, separate from the arena where the team will eventually play its home games. Council divided over timing and transparency UNCASVILLE, CT - MAY 27: Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) defended by Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the WNBA game between Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun on May 27, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images While most council members expressed strong support for the Wings' move, some raised concerns about the speed of the process and the lack of public information about the facility's cost and location. "We are very much in support of the Wings," Council member Chad West said. "Just an issue we have to work through today." Council member Paul Ridley questioned the need for a separate training facility, asking, "Can you tell us why they need a practice facility? To practice as well as to play games?" City staff explained that the new convention center complex, which includes Memorial Arena, does not have enough space to accommodate the promised training facility. The vote on Wednesday was strictly to approve additional design funding. A delay could derail the timeline Despite calls to delay the vote for two weeks to allow more public input, the motion to postpone failed. Several council members warned that even a short delay could jeopardize the project's timeline. "It's very rare to be able to go at this kind of speed," council member Omar Narvaez said. "If any of my colleagues think that two weeks is not a big deal, it is a big deal. Those two weeks could delay everything. The Dallas Wings have to be ready and practicing by April 2026." City Manager Kimberly Tolbert echoed that urgency. "We are already in the month of May, less than a year to get design completed ... and for them to be able to move in," Tolbert said. "We don't want to be back in front of the city council explaining why we could not keep the project on track." A vision for Dallas as a sports city Despite the concerns, the council ultimately voted to move forward with the additional funding. Leaders emphasized the importance of positioning Dallas as a premier destination for professional sports. "If we are going to act and be the sports city," Council member Zarin Gracey said, "... we definitely need to keep this moving." City officials also addressed rumors of a delay in the Wings' move to Dallas, stating that the current plan remains on track to welcome the team in 2026.
