Introduction to the Budget Amendment
The city of Dallas has made a significant decision regarding its budget for the next 12 months. As part of its new $5.2 billion budget, Dallas has cut funding for state lobbying. This decision was made by the Dallas City Council, which approved shifting $339,000, originally planned for three lobbyists’ contracts, to reduce the property tax rate by 0.015 cents per $100 valuation.
The Reason Behind the Decision
Mayor Eric Johnson, who proposed the budget amendment, argued that the city could rely on council members, the city manager, other top officials, and the city’s government affairs office to represent Dallas in Austin instead of paying external lobbyists. Johnson had previously criticized the lobbying team during an Aug. 27 City Council meeting, calling them “not very good” and questioning their influence and relationships at the State Capitol. On Wednesday, he reiterated his lack of confidence in farming out the city’s lobbying efforts.
Impact on Property Tax Rate
The budget amendment specifically targets three of the four lobbyist contracts, which total $339,000 annually from the general fund. A fourth contract, funded by $60,000 from Dallas Water Utilities, can’t be redirected to reduce the property tax rate. By cutting funding for the lobbyists, the city aims to reduce the property tax rate, which will benefit the residents of Dallas.
Support for the Amendment
During nonbinding straw votes, at least 11 City Council members expressed support for the amendment. These members include Mayor Johnson, Chad West, Jesse Moreno, Maxie Johnson, Jaime Resendez, Laura Cadena, Lorie Blair, Kathy Stewart, Bill Roth, Cara Mendelsohn, and Gay Donnell Willis. The amendment became official upon approval of the budget, which didn’t happen until after 1 a.m. Thursday.
Previous Lobbying Efforts
Last month, the mayor and the 14 other council members unanimously approved renewing two-year deals through the summer of 2027 for all four contracts during the same meeting, each of which includes a single two-year renewal option. Clifford Sparks, Dallas’ legislative director, defended the lobbying team, calling them “extremely effective” compared to other lobby teams. Over the past 20-plus years, the lobbying team has brought back over $213 million to the city and has been responsible for countless pieces of legislation.
Concerns and Future Plans
City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and City Attorney Tammy Palomino confirmed that the cut means the city will not fund the lobbyists for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. They noted that the city could reconsider restoring funding or exploring alternative approaches for the following fiscal year, which would run during the 2027 state legislative session. Council member Adam Bazaldua argued against the budget amendment, saying he felt cutting the lobbyists’ contracts without a concrete plan already in place was premature.
New Lobbying Strategy
Willis said she supported the amendment despite also having concerns because she wants the city to develop a new, more inclusive lobbying strategy. She praised more recent efforts to involve more council members in legislative work, noting that each member brings their own unique strengths and relationships to the table. “We don’t want to lose ground,” said Willis, the council’s deputy mayor pro tem. “So I say, put the throttle down and let’s figure out what a good new strategy would be.”
Conclusion
The decision to cut funding for state lobbying in Dallas is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how the city navigates this new approach. While some council members have expressed support for the amendment, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the city’s effectiveness in lobbying in Austin. As the city moves forward, it will be important to develop a new, more inclusive lobbying strategy that takes into account the unique strengths and relationships of each council member.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason behind the decision to cut funding for state lobbying in Dallas?
A: The main reason behind the decision is to reduce the property tax rate by 0.015 cents per $100 valuation.
Q: How much money will be cut from the lobbyists’ contracts?
A: The budget amendment specifically targets three of the four lobbyist contracts, which total $339,000 annually from the general fund.
Q: What will happen to the fourth contract, funded by $60,000 from Dallas Water Utilities?
A: The fourth contract can’t be redirected to reduce the property tax rate.
Q: Who expressed support for the amendment?
A: At least 11 City Council members, including Mayor Johnson, Chad West, Jesse Moreno, Maxie Johnson, Jaime Resendez, Laura Cadena, Lorie Blair, Kathy Stewart, Bill Roth, Cara Mendelsohn, and Gay Donnell Willis.
Q: What is the city’s plan for the upcoming fiscal year?
A: The city will not fund the lobbyists for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.
Q: Can the city reconsider restoring funding or exploring alternative approaches for the following fiscal year?
A: Yes, the city can reconsider restoring funding or exploring alternative approaches for the following fiscal year, which would run during the 2027 state legislative session.
