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Dallas is 6.9 billion in debt. The City of Dallas' financial report for FY23 shows that it had $2.9 billion available to cover $9.9 billion in bills, creating a $6.9 billion shortfall. This has placed Dallas 69th out of 75 major U.S. cities for taxpayer debt burdens. A big component is driven by decades of under-funding the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System, which accounts for about $3.5 billion of the shortfall. In addition, the city owes approximately $1.25 billion in bond debt along with other liabilities. This financial mismanagement results in a substantial liability for future taxpayers, with each potentially facing an average liability of $18,110.
Despite this dire situation, the Dallas City Council recently spent $50,000 of taxpayer money on a trip to Japan, reportedly to study high-speed rail systems. Additionally, the city allocated $20.6 million to the (OAC) for 'cultural celebrations' (2024-2025) and $79.6 million for workforce, education, and equity programs (2022-2025). While DEI initiatives aim to promote inclusivity, they often exclude others by prioritizing specific groups, creating a new form of unfairness. Instead, we should focus on leveling the playing field, welcoming everyone equally, and selecting the most qualified individuals for jobs and opportunities.
Meanwhile, $18.5 million has been spent on recycling programs (2024-2025) where the costs outweigh the benefits, $145.5 million for (QOL) initiatives (2024-2025), $6 million to count the city's trees (2024), and more. These expenditures are just a few examples. According to the 2023 Dallas Community Survey, only 24% of residents believe the city provides good value for their tax dollars—a sharp decline from 44% in 2014. These over-funded, non-essential programs show to have little to no benefit on the average Dallas taxpayer, and only divert funds from critical needs that actually impact Dallas and District 6, such as public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and the growing drug crisis. The 2023 Dallas Community Survey highlights these concerns, with residents identifying homelessness (75%), crime (61%), drugs (60%), infrastructure and streets (55%), aggressive solicitation and panhandling (45%), and litter (34%) as the city’s top 6 problems.
However, besides your taxpayer money going to fully address these issues, your hard-earned money is being squandered away on wasteful programs. Meanwhile, Dallas faces a $28 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025, with projected deficits of $37.3 million in 2026, $38 million in 2027, and $36 million in 2028. We don't have the money to go around right now, but with bold, common-sense leadership, we can cut spending, cut regulation, reallocate resources toward essential services, and maintain low property tax rates to make District 6 a safe, strong community for everyone.
Cut & Reallocate Spending
Funding needs to go towards common sense priorities.
We need to cut wasteful spending, eliminate non-essential programs, and redirect funds to necessity programs like Public Safety, Infrastructure, Homeless Solutions, and Sanitation.
We have budget shortfalls expected for the next three years, therefore we need to concentrate on common-sense priorities, not non-essential programs and events. We just don't have the money to go around until the deficit and community well-being is under control and addressed.
Faithfully Fund Pension Obligations
The passage of Proposition U by voters is a step toward funding the police and fire pensions, but it is crucial that the city continues to honor its pension commitments and requires that the city meets or exceeds the minimum annual contributions for all pension systems to stop deferring liabilities to future generations.
Introduce pension transparency and create a public dashboard that shows how much is owed, how much is paid, and what’s left to cover.
Address Debt Responsibly
Suspend non-essential borrowing and cap new borrowing until the city demonstrates measurable progress in reducing its deficit.
Focus bond funds on essential projects, prioritizing safety and infrastructure over unnecessary spending.
Establish a reasonable percentage of the city's annual budget dedicated to debt repayment, while halting non-essential spending.
Ensure transparency in all debt-related decisions, keeping taxpayers informed about the city's financial health and how funds are allocated.
Cut Red Tape
Cutting red tape helps avoid wasteful spending by removing unnecessary regulations, paperwork, and administrative costs. This lowers the cost of running government programs, leading to more efficient use of taxpayer money and saving taxpayers in the long run. At the same time, simplifying these processes makes it easier for businesses to operate, helping them grow and contribute to the economy.
Lower Property Tax Rates
Lowering property tax rates help prevent wasteful government spending by ensuring responsible budgeting, while prioritizing essential services. Lowering rates also support homeowners and businesses by reducing their financial burdens. However, to maintain these low rates, fiscal responsibility must be practiced; otherwise, rates will rise to cover the cost of wasteful spending.