District 7 Community Office Ribbon-Cutting

A ribbon-cutting for Dallas’ District 7 Community was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. It’s the second office opened as part of a City pilot program designed to give residents easier access to their Council representative and City services.  Councilmember Kevin Felder who represents District 7, attended the ceremony as well as Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

Office hours for the District 7 Community Office are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, however, days and hours are subject to change. You can reach the District 7 Community Office by telephone at 214-670-6197.

Other community offices are expected to open in Districts 2, 4, 8 and 10. District 3 had the first Community Outreach Office, located at Dallas Executive Airport.

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40 Years at 1500 Marilla

“It’s time to sing or get away from the piano.”

Mayor Wes Wise said this during Dallas City Hall’s groundbreaking, referring to the long struggle to build what we now know as present-day city hall.

Planning for the Dallas Municipal Center, today known as Dallas City Hall, started in 1964 when the Dallas City Council appointed a Citizen’s City Hall Site Committee to select an appropriate location for new municipal administration offices.

Opening in 1978, the present Dallas City Hall is on an 11.8-acre site near the center of downtown Dallas. The first Dallas City Council meeting was held in the building’s City Council Chamber on February 1, 1978. The City Council Chamber is three-stories high with theatre-style seating for 250 persons. The facility was formally opened and dedicated on March 12, 1978.

At its start, City Hall contained 1,400 workstations. It had few floor-to-ceiling walls, using instead five, six, and seven-foot-high partitions to create separate offices. The absence of walls allowed employees and visitors to have window views from all areas. The second floor of Dallas City Hall is referred to as the Great Court because of its 250-foot length and the uninterrupted height to the vaulted ceiling approximately 100 feet above.

To learn more about Dallas City Hall and other municipal buildings visit our City Archives website.

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Dallas Regional Chamber Sets Out to Create Innovation Economy Roadmap, Releases Regional “Innovation Scorecard”

Collaborators include Accenture, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and SMU

DALLAS – The Dallas Regional Chamber has teamed with Accenture, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and SMU to launch a new regional study to build a strategy to accelerate the growth of North Texas’ innovation economy and strengthen its reputation as a hub for innovation. The goal of this comprehensive, multi-stakeholder study is to better understand the state of the innovation climate in the DFW Region and to identify recommendations for attracting more capital investment; shoring up research and development collaboration among universities and the public and private sectors; and facilitating local start up activity.

“Innovation is one of the most important driving force for regional economic growth and for keeping our market resilient during down times,” said Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. “We already have a roster of innovation-focused global companies headquartered here across a diverse set of industries, top notch universities producing highly skilled graduates, and a growing community of cutting-edge and creative entrepreneurs. This study will look at what we can do collaboratively to become a recognized hub for innovation on a global scale.”

The announcement of the study was marked by the release of the inaugural DFW Region Innovation Scorecard, which compiles global rankings to create a snapshot of how experts perceive the DFW Region as a center of innovation excellence. Benchmarking the region against global peer markets,
the scorecard serves as a barometer of the DFW Region’s standing and ability to generate and adapt to continuous innovation.

The main takeaway from this initial scorecard is that the DFW Region is in a position of strength across many indicators. It also identifies areas where we can most efficiently improve against peer major metros. Other key findings include:

• In terms of overall innovation readiness, Dallas outperformed New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, ranking #3 in Milken’s Best Performing Cities list of which metros offer the greatest opportunities for prosperity and innovation
• Dallas ranks well against other top global cities in Dell’s Future Ready Cities, charting ahead of global powerhouses Munich, Beijing, and Hong Kong
• Dallas performs well against other U.S. cities in the Kauffman Indexes, ranking 11th as a market for startups and 10th as a market got entrepreneurship growth.
• In the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation that Matters report, which examines the
  health of startup communities in the country, Dallas ranks 7th, ahead of Seattle and New
  York City – and jumping up 12 spots from 2016
• CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield, two global commercial real estate firms, evaluate tech
  cities across measures of talent, community support, and nurturing. Dallas ranked 10th and
  21st respectively.

The scorecard serves as a first step in the process to better understand and encourage the ongoing development of the DFW Region’s innovation economy.

In collaboration with Accenture and working closely with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and SMU, the study is designed to identify opportunities to develop the DFW Region’s innovation ecosystem and will include a survey of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, researchers, nonprofit leaders and venture capitalists across North Texas, as well as learnings from the development paths of other cities.

“For our clients in North Texas, innovation is an imperative to compete, transform and drive growth in today’s digital economy,” said Jorge Corral, Accenture’s Dallas office managing director. “We are excited to team with a wide spectrum of Dallas-Fort Worth leaders to define actionable ways to
elevate our community as a global hub for innovation.”

“Innovation is the key to opportunity, and the opportunities Dallas provides are major factors in bringing ambitious, talented students to SMU from all over the world,” said SMU Provost Steven C. Currall. “The ‘wildcatter’ spirit still lives here among people who think a good idea is always worth
pursuing. We look forward to how this survey can help support the connections between SMU research and commercial investment.”

“Innovation is expanding rapidly across North Texas, sparking the development of new solutions to complex community challenges,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “United Way is proud to partner with corporate, civic,
education, and community leaders to embrace and encourage pioneering approaches to building a better future for us all.”

The study will be conducted through June 2018. Results and analysis from the full report will be released by the Dallas Regional Chamber and partner organizations in summer 2018.

About the Dallas Regional Chamber
The Dallas Regional Chamber is one of the most established business organizations in the nation and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. We work with our 1,100 member companies and regional partners to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving our educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make Dallas the best place in America to live, work, and do business.

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Top 5 must see events during Dallas Arts Month

If you’re all about exploring Dallas’ cultural scene, you’re in luck, Dallas Arts Month is kicking off in April! Dallas Arts Month offers a glimpse at the many ways art is expressed in every part of the city. It originally began as Dallas Arts Week, but became so popular it was expanded into a month-long celebration of the arts in Dallas. We spoke to event organizers who recommended a few signature events they say you don’t want to miss:

1. Nasher Prize Dialogues: Laureate Town Hall – Theaster Gates is the latest winner of the Nasher Prize. His work with clay and tar radically reengineers landscapes of urban neighborhoods into reimagined vessels of opportunity. He’ll speak on the intertwining of artistic philosophy and sculptural practice.
2. Dallas Cultural Plan: Working Together for A Creative City – It’s an incredible opportunity for Dallasites to get an update on input given to city officials about the type of art they want to see. Featuring Mayor Mike Rawlings, this creative conversation is moderated by Michael Granberry of the Dallas Morning News.
3. Dallas Jazz Appreciation – April is also national jazz appreciation month. Visit Moody Performance Hall to sample a bit of what’s seen as one of the few original musical styles started purely in the United States.
4. Changing Perspectives Block Party – Dallas Arts District is closing several city streets for a FREE block party featuring Australia’s Strange Fruit, a troupe of beautifully costumed dancers gracefully dipping and bowing above the crowd.
5. The Dallas Poetry Project – Closeout Dallas Arts Month with thought-provoking spoken word performances with two-time National Poetry slam winner Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre and former Dallas Slam Champion Awaji Johnson at the Texas Theatre.

Dallas Arts Month builds awareness and appreciation for the work of Dallas artists and organizations and fosters creative learning and activity throughout the city.

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Lena Horne Honored at Red Bird Mall for Women’s History Month

Local leaders came together to honor noted civil rights activist, singer and actress Lena Horne (1917-2010) at Red Bird Mall in a special ceremony for Women’s History Month. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Horne’s career started at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club as a dancer, then live singer. Her talent was quickly spotted by MGM studios who signed her and became known as one of the top African-American performers of her time. She was known for her refusal to play roles that stereotyped African-American women.

In addition to her work as a performer, she served fearlessly as a civil rights activist, collaborating with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws, as well as attending the March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr., and marched in Mississippi with Medgar Evers. She remains an icon for African-American performers.

Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, Councilmember Tennell Atkins, and Councilmember Adam McGough attended the event along with County Commissioner John Wiley Price.
United States Post Office Officials unveiled the Black Heritage Lena Horne Forever Stamp during the ceremony. It’s the 41st in the Black Heritage series.

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Volunteers needed for Trinity River Corridor’s Big Event

Texas A&M University’s Big Event comes to Dallas on Saturday, March 24. Volunteers are needed to assist Trinity River staff in beautifying the Trinity River. The Big Event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will clean up brush and vegetation, and pickup trash and debris.

Those wishing to participate can meet at 9701 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, 75220. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required to participate; long sleeves are encouraged. All tools and gloves will be provided for volunteers, though volunteers should bring a bottle to use for water.

For more information, click here, or call 214-671-9500.

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Best Egg Hunts in Dallas

The best free egg hunts Dallas has to offer.

Grab your basket to collect eggs and head to one of these free egg hunts throughout the city. Collectively, over 100,000 eggs will be up for grabs throughout the city.

Dallas Park and Recreation Egg Hunts:
March 24
10 a.m. – noon
Ages 12 and under can participate in the egg hunt and can take picture with the bunny.
Locations: Jaycee Zaragoza Recreation Center, Crawford Park, Kiest Recreation Center

Dallas Executive Egg Drop:
March 24
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 5303 Challenger Dr. Dallas, TX. 75237

Easter on the Bridge
March 31
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Ron Kirk Bridge & Felix H. Lozada, Sr. Gateway 109 Continental Avenue, Dallas, TX 75207

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Code Compliance opens registration for July Code Academy

The City of Dallas Department of Code Compliance Services has opened registration for the next Citizens Code Academy. The Academy is free, and is open to Dallas residents 18 years of age or older. The Academy is a three week program where attendees will learn about the Department, its staff and initiatives.

The class meets on consecutive Tuesdays from 6 – 8 p.m. The next Academy will begin on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, and conclude on July 24. Registration is limited to a maximum of 30 students, and is on a first come, first serve basis. For registrants who sign up after the class is full, they will be put on a waitlist for future Citizens Academy classes.

Learn more and register online here.

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Code Compliance introduces new super hero

The Department of Code Compliance is introducing a new Super Hero in our Dallas Community, Captain Codey – a native Dallasite! He has super human speed and intelligence that allows him to respond and solve citizen service requests faster than any of our Code officers and he cleans up litter and blight in neighborhoods in a blink of an eye. Captain Codey is a facilitator among community leaders in Dallas and he specializes in creating solutions to premise and zoning violations. Look for Captain Codey to be at your neighborhood meetings soon! He cannot wait to serve the Citizens of Dallas!

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Dallas Water Utilities telephone system temporarily unavailable

Dallas Water Utilities telephone system is experiencing intermittent issues connecting to an agent. Limited functionality is still available through the IVR system. Residents may experience longer wait times than normal or be transferred out of the system prematurely. To pay a bill at this time, residents may also visit epay.dallascityhall.com or click here to see a list of authorized payment locations.

Dallas Water Utilities apologizes for this inconvenience.

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Keep track of construction at Dallas Family Aquatic Centers

Dallas Park and Recreation has been hard at work building three new Family Aquatic Centers at Crawford, Fretz and Samuell Grand parks. Features at these new centers will include an eight-lane lap pool, slides, climbing walls, and toddler pools. Outside the pools, there will be play structures, a group pavilion, picnic tables, lounge chairs, as well as lockers and a concession stand.

To watch the progression of the construction projects, Dallas Aquatics has provided time lapse cameras for each of the sites. View them here: Crawford, Crawford, Samuell Grand

To learn more about what Dallas Aquatics offers their website.

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City of Dallas to hold public hearing on March 28

The City of Dallas will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed FY 18-19 Operating Capital, Grant and Trust Budgets. Members of the public wishing to make comments are invited to attend the public hearing, which will be held not earlier than 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Dallas City Hall, 6^th floor, 1500 Marilla St. Anyone interested in signing up in advance to speak at the public hearing may contact the City Secretary’s Office at 214-670-3738.

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State Climatologist Speaks on Climate Change in Dallas

The Office of Environmental Quality in conjunction with the Dallas Bar Association Environmental Law Section hosted the North Texas Climate Change Symposium. Hot topics included climate resilience in urban planning and infrastructure, climate change and the local economy, and climate justice in relation to environmental justice.

Councilmember Sandy Greyson introduced the event outlining how Dallas has reduced its carbon footprint.  Steps included reducing 4 million tons of carbon emissions per year by using electricity from 100% renewable sources, using alternative fuels to power up to 60% of the City’s municipal fleet, and starting the process to achieving carbon neutrality accreditation for Love Field with the Airport Council International Carbon Accreditation program.

The event’s keynote speaker was Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, State Climatologist and professor at Texas A&M University. Nielsen-Gammon noted that an increase in temperature means that tropical climates would spread farther north into Texas, potentially bringing in more tropical illnesses and invasive species during his presentation.

The full symposium can be viewed at www.facebook.com/GreenDallasTX/.  For information on climate change and how the City of Dallas is combatting its effects, please visit GreenDallas.net.

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Better Transportation Solutions Coming to Southern Dallas’ Inland Port

The City of Dallas is likely one step closer to having a comprehensive transportation plan for the Inland Port.  The Inland Port is a regional economic powerhouse, nestled in the southernmost section of Dallas, employing more than 17,000 people in the trade, transportation and utility industries.

Recently, public and private industry leaders, including representatives from Amazon, Home Depot, Proctor & Gamble as well as Dallas City Councilmember Tennell Atkins and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price gathered for an Inland Port symposium at UNT-Dallas. Hosted by DART President Gary Thomas, participants weighed in on two panel discussions on the topics of “What is currently happening in the Inland Port?” and “What is a Transportation Management Association (TMA)?”

Inland Port Transit Services Slide

DART revealed several new transportation measures being taken and tested to increase mobility for employees to their employers at the Inland Port, including a pilot program called DART GoPool to allow users to call for a rideshare in areas where fixed bus routes aren’t available. During the ensuing discourse, businesses revealed they often arranged their own shuttle buses to transport employees from DART stations to their facilities. The Dallas Regional Chamber representatives also said the most commonly asked question they receive from prospective businesses about the Inland Port revolve around quality public transportation.

During the second panel discussion, Michael Morris, Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments described a TMA as a formal organization of businesses and local governments dedicated to solving local transportation concerns. He challenged attendees to come together to form such an entity for Southern Dallas.  The symposium ended with several organizations committed to exploring the idea of creating a TMA, including the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association as well as Amazon and Home Depot.

Background information: Inland ports are specialized places developed along railroad lines that offer shipping container transfer facilities as well as serve as a distribution point for goods. With three major highways and three major railroad networks in and around the Dallas area, most goods shipped from Dallas’ Inland port can be delivered to all major North American Markets within 48 hours by train or truck.

 

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Streets to be closed for St. Patrick’s Day events

Women of Wonder Con coming to Dallas Public Library March 10

Women and girls involved in creative industries are invited to network and learn at Women of Wonder Con Saturday at the Dallas Public Library. Women of Wonder con is a free event created to encourage women and girls as they navigate sometimes difficult creative fields.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young St., will feature guest speakers, panel discussions and creative workshops on comics, graphic design, fine arts, film making, acting and other creative areas.

The Conference will conclude with a Guinness World Record attempt for “the largest gathering of people dressed as female superheroes,” from 6 to 7 p.m. in front of the library. To get involved in the attempt and keep up with all the details, join the event on Facebook.

Women of Wonder will feature actress, martial arts expert and stunt woman Caitlin Dechelle; author and career coach Lar Park Lincoln and featured WFAA-TV Reporter Hannah Davis. Artists and authors will have art, jewelry and books for sale in a special Artists Alley.

“Although Women of Wonder’s focuses is on women in creative fields, we encourage everyone to attend the event,” said Dallas Public Library Fine Arts Manager Tiffany Bailey.

See the full schedule of activities here.

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Phone system outage – PSC

Due to recent weather events, the telephone lines serving Public Safety Corporation PSC are temporarily out of service. However, PSC is working diligently to restore these communications lines and expect service to be restored in one to two days. In the meantime, you may continue to apply for an alarm permit or conduct other business using their website 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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