Laura Cadena: District 6 City Council candidate

Leading up to the May 3 election, Dallas Free Press is asking questions and publishing answers from the nine District 6 candidates, one of whom will represent West Dallas. Find more information on 50-year-old Laura Cadena and other candidates, plus where and when to vote, in our Dallas Voter Guide.

Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?

I have lived in Dallas my entire life. My paternal and maternal families have lived in District 6 since the 1940s. [Cadena currently lives in West Dallas and indicated on her candidate filing that she has lived in the district since June 2024.]

Did you grow up in Dallas? Where did you live previously?

I attended high school at Tyler Street Academy and graduated from Gospel Lighthouse Academy. After high school graduation I attended Baylor University where I earned a bachelor’s degree and master of divinity.

Tell us about your family.

I am single and have no children. I am blessed to have my parents, Juan Cadena and Elsa Orozco-Cadena. My dad is the baby of eight and my mom is the oldest of eight children who were raised and met in District 6. I have lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. My family is very supportive of my council run and they have donated, volunteered and block walked as a part of my campaign. My mom and dad graduated from Crozier Tech and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins are Pinkston graduates.

Have you run for office previously, whether for this seat or others?

No.

What is the main reason you are running for this seat at this time?

I am a proud 4th-generation Texan, lifelong Dallas resident and Baylor graduate. My family has called District 6 home for over 80 years, shaping my values, resilience, and deep commitment to service. My father is a Navy veteran who served on the USS Forrestal and my mother worked for the city. Public service, volunteerism and advocacy are at the core of who I am. For nearly eight years, I served at City Hall, dedicated to addressing the needs of our community. I came to City Hall to learn as much as I could to help my community.

What is one thing that needs to change in West Dallas, and what policies will you create or activate to make that happen?

It is important to involve the leaders of a community when coming up with plans and strategies. I will always work for the people and betterment of the district and Dallas. Change requires residents and elected officials working together. One of the most important changes that was made in 2017 that needs to continue is having public meetings with residents when zoning change applications work through the zoning process. Today there are community meetings prior to a zoning case being heard at City Plan Commission and then often prior to an item going to council.

What is one thing that needs to stay the same in West Dallas, and what policies will you create or activate to make that happen?

Change is inevitable but it is important to preserve our history. It is important to involve the leaders of a community when coming up with plans and strategies. I will always work for the people and betterment of the district and Dallas. For example the Historic commission was able to landmark the Eagle Ford school because a group of local community leaders advocated for this designation. This was an important piece of West Dallas history that was preserved because local leaders worked through the historical commission to preserve this important piece of history. 

What other community and civic roles have you held in Dallas, especially in West Dallas? [We asked candidates to list up to 10 roles.]

Current:
Baylor School of Social Work Board of Advocates
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials member

Former:
Dallas Arboretum Honorary Host
Children’s Health volunteer coordinator of students
West Dallas Chamber volunteer
Trinity Commons Foundation board member
Dallas Mexican American Historical League member
Bridge-O-Rama co-chair (West Dallas’ celebration of the Opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge)
The Pachanga at the Trinity River Revel co-chair (celebrated the opening of the Continental Pedestrian Bridge, West Dallas Gateway Plaza, Trinity Skyline Trail and redesigned Sylvan Street Bridge)

What is the job of a Dallas city council member?

A council member represents and seeks the input of constituents in drafting city policy. The City requires Council Members to attend City Council Committee meetings, Council Briefings and Council Agenda meetings. In addition, council members and their office help citizens access city services or may refer residents to partner organizations.

How will you approach this job on a day-to-day basis?

I plan to do my best every day for the residents of District 6 and residents of Dallas. Full time council members typically work well over 40 hours a week. There are also times when residents may reach out at night if issues arise or in cases of natural disasters.

If you lose, would you be willing to serve as an appointee to a City board or commission? Yes or no?

[Cadena did not provide a yes or no answer.]

If you win, would you be willing to appoint your fellow candidates to a City board or commission? Yes or no?

[Cadena did not provide a yes or no answer.]

What distinguishes you from your fellow candidates?

I have deep roots in District 6, I attended Bill Harrod Day School and grew up attending Bill Harrod Baptist Church in Ledbetter, and grew up volunteering at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand and Voice of Hope. 

District 6 is where my great grandmother lived on Chihuahua street in Los Altos where my grandparents raised their children in Cemento Grande and Ledbetter, and where my parents met at Amelia Earhart School. Charter amendment changes passed in 2024 allow council members to serve eight years total. As a new candidate, I am eligible to serve four, two year terms. I have well over 100 endorsements from elected officials like Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket, County Commissioner Elba Garcia and Council Member Omar Narvaez, local leaders such as Dr. Pat Stephens, Debbie Solis, Henry Martinez, Dedrick and Sonya Tubbs, Jonda Mitchell, Ann Harrington, Pastor Terryyon Jefferson, Ronnie Mestas, Jeff and Sharon Howard and Starlet Ramirez and groups such as Ledbetter Neighborhood Association, National Latino Law Enforcement Organization, Black Police Association of Greater Dallas, Black Firefighters Association, Latino Victory Fund, Black Americans Future PAC and SEIU. To view the complete list, visit LauraForDallas.com.

I became more involved in community issues because of a vote that took place on October 28, 2015. That was perhaps the first time I spoke at a City Council meeting. The item was motioned for approval by the District 6 Council member at the time and former mayor pro-tem of the city. In a sharply divided 8-to-6 vote the council approved a $2.5 million city grant to build a rail spur for the new concrete production facility behind the only middle school in West Dallas, Edison Middle School. The school later closed. One of the reasons cited for moving the facility from 240 Singleton was that the existing building was viewed as an “eyesore” and incompatible with redevelopment efforts in the area. 

Is there anything we haven’t asked that voters should know?

Having worked at the city for eight years, I know what the job entails and I have had the opportunity to work with all departments. I am ready on day one to serve District 6 and the City of Dallas. Voters should know that I love District 6 deeply. Volunteering and serving my community has been an honor.

Laura Cadena can be reached at 214.616.3058 or laura@laurafordallas.com. Her campaign website is laurafordallas.com.