DALLAS — City leaders on Wednesday introduced a new housing framework aimed at tackling affordability challenges, expanding homeownership opportunities, and addressing homelessness across Dallas.
The proposal, called “Dallas is Home,” was presented to the Mayor and City Council on April 1 as a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to meet the city’s growing housing needs.
City officials said the plan builds on previous housing efforts while incorporating national and local data to guide future policy. It also highlights a $100 million housing fund created through the Communities Foundation of Texas to support development and housing initiatives.
The briefing outlined several challenges facing Dallas residents, including rising housing costs and limited availability. Officials said the average renter in Dallas spends about 39% of their income on housing, while more than 12,000 single-family homes affordable to median-income buyers are currently lacking. At the same time, existing affordable housing units are increasingly being replaced by higher-priced developments.
“Dallas is Home” focuses on eight key strategies, including increasing the supply of rental and for-sale housing, preserving existing affordable units, directing investments to high-need areas, strengthening housing services, and improving infrastructure. The plan also emphasizes collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners, as well as expanded community engagement.
“This comprehensive approach to addressing our city’s housing needs speaks to the City Council’s commitment to drive opportunity for all residents,” City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said. “Dallas is Home centers around people and the place in which they live.”
Housing officials said the framework also aims to address infrastructure gaps, particularly in southern Dallas, and close financing gaps that can delay or prevent new housing development.
“We look forward to working closely with the City Council, residents of Dallas and our industry partners to craft a meaningful and impactful housing policy,” said Thor Erickson, Director of the Office of Housing and Community Empowerment.
The proposal was developed with input from housing and policy experts, including representatives from the Bush Institute, National Association of Realtors, Child Poverty Action Lab, Housing Forward, and the Communities Foundation of Texas.
City staff will now begin gathering feedback from council members and community groups before presenting a finalized version of the plan for City Council consideration later this fall.
