DALLAS – The City of Dallas is conducting a comprehensive review of its policies to ensure compliance with recent federal directives tied to grant funding, following new Presidential Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EO 14173) and Immigration Compliance (EO 14218). These orders, issued in January, were followed by updated federal grant requirements mandating recipients certify they do not operate programs promoting DEI in violation of anti-discrimination laws and that HUD-funded assistance goes only to “qualified” immigrants. Noncompliance could result in loss of funding or penalties under the False Claims Act.
On June 25, 2025, the Dallas City Council directed City Manager T.C. Broadnax to take steps to ensure compliance. City Manager Tolbert responded by instructing all departments to pause any policies using race, gender, ethnicity, or national origin in decision-making and formed a cross-departmental grant compliance task force. That task force is reviewing policies and will present recommendations to the City Council in late September after policy analysis, community engagement, and best-practices research.
During an August 6, 2025, City Council briefing, staff updated council members on compliance efforts. No formal action was taken.
As part of the review, the City’s Business Inclusion and Development Policy has been paused while a new Dallas Capacity Building Collaborative model is developed with assistance from a national procurement consultant and community stakeholders.
Dallas is also transitioning from its 2017 “Drivers of Poverty” framework to a new “Drivers of Opportunity” approach, focusing on five priorities: gainful employment, high-quality education, opportunity-rich neighborhoods, a healthy environment, and public safety and well-being.
The City is unifying four offices—Community Care, Housing, Homeless Solutions, and Equity and Inclusion—into the new Office of Housing and Community Empowerment. The office will combine housing programs, supportive services, ADA coordination, veteran services, human rights, and community empowerment efforts.
Community engagement sessions will be held throughout August to gather public input, with the City pledging to track progress and remain transparent throughout the process.
