D7 Dallas City Council candidates discuss public safety and affordable housing

Six candidates are running for the District 7 city council seat during this year’s May 3 election. Four of them attended a forum at Salem Institutional Baptist this month to make their case to South Dallas residents.

The forum focused on public safety, affordable housing, economic growth and more. A full livestream and set of Dallas Documenter notes of the forum are available here. Below, we’re highlighting three topics from the forum.

Early voting for Dallas City Council races runs from April 26 to April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit Dallas Free Press’ voter guide for more information.

Queen City

Candidates were asked if they would approve the measure to declare the Queen City neighborhood as a historic district. The process to become a historic district was initiated in June of 2024. 

The neighborhood currently has a two-year overlay to stabilize the rapidly growing property values in the area.

The candidates said….

Adam Bazaldua (Incumbent) said he would vote to declare Queen City a historic district because there is a need to protect the aesthetic character and the land use in the area.

O’Neil Hesson said he would vote in favor to “maintain the cultural integrity” of South Dallas.

Cydney Walker said she would not vote in favor because it would tie up renovations at an additional cost.

Jose Rivas said he would vote yes and said neighbors decided to declare it a historic district and deserve the right to determine that.

South Dallas Fair Park Area Plan

Candidates were asked if they would support an authorized hearing for the South Dallas/Fair Park Area Plan and if they would approve it. The land use plan attempts to jumpstart economic growth while preventing incompatible housing.

The plan was supposed to be briefed during an April 24 City Plan Commission meeting, but was pulled due to community members wanting to discuss the maximum height requirement for homes in the plan. District 7 Commissioner Tabitha Wheeler-Reagan says CPC hopes to pass the plan before Adam Bazaldua leaves office.

The candidates said….

Hesson said he would authorize a hearing but would not guarantee that the area plan would get his approval.

Walker said she would approve a hearing and the plan itself, as residents have already decided on it through community engagement during planning.

Rivas said he would approve a hearing, but can’t guarantee approval of the plan, as the plan was composed before Rivas’ hypothetical occupation in the position.

Bazaldua said he would approve a hearing and the plan.

Tools for economic growth

Candidates were asked if they could name the single most important economic issue facing South Dallas and what tool they would use to specifically address the issue.

Candidates said….

Walker–
Issue: Business development

Tool she’ll use: The South Dallas Fair Park PID

Hesson– 

Issue: Fruitful homeownership for existing residents/generational wealth 

Tool he’ll use: The Home Repair Program.

Bazaldua–

Issue: Homeownership through greater development 

Tool he’ll use: TIF funding

Rivas–

Issue: Economic development 

Tool he’ll use: Public safety measures to reduce crime

Watch the April 8 forum here and read the full notes of the meeting by Dallas Documenter Sam Judy here.

Brenda Hernandez contributed to this report.