Dallas is a large and dynamic city in Texas that is rapidly developing. New laws are constantly being passed here, additional resources are being allocated and any needs of the local population are being urgently responded to. The city executive branch is fully responsible for each of these processes. It is the integral part that keeps Dallas running smoothly. Read more about how the executive branch in Dallas is organized and who makes the main decisions in the city on dallas-yes.
Organization and responsibilities of the city executive branch
The structure of the executive branch in Dallas is designed to ensure that city management is organized as efficiently as possible. To do this, the city government works according to a standard model that combines political and administrative components.
The executive branch of Dallas is headed by the mayor of the city. He is elected by the local population during general elections. His term of office is four years. According to the law, the mayor performs the main executive duties, representing the interests of the city at the regional and national levels. The mayor is also responsible for setting the general direction of the city’s policy, as he can be a representative of both the Democratic and Republican parties. However, it is worth noting that his activities are quite limited, since the city manager and the city council also have a significant influence on mayor decisions.
The city manager in Dallas is usually elected by the city council. His duties include day-to-day supervision of the work of each department. He or she monitors the activities of emergency services, health departments, education, transportation and others. The city manager must have significant experience in resource allocation, as he must monitor the city’s budget.
As for the Dallas City Council, it consists of 14 people. Each member of the city council is elected separately from different districts of the city. Members of this part of the executive branch are involved in the development of important projects, control the budget and determine taxes.
The composition of the city’s executive branch after the 2023 elections
After the local elections held in 2023, the composition of the city’s executive branch was to change completely. However, due to the fact that the city mayor was elected for a second term, some levels of the board remained unchanged.
In 2023, Eric Johnson took office as mayor for the second time. He was first elected in 2019. Such a success of the politician is associated with several factors. First, during those elections, several people ran for the position of mayor. Eric Johnson was more recognizable among the townspeople. The majority automatically chose him, as they were almost not familiar with the other candidate. Secondly, Johnson conducted a rather fruitful campaign. He successfully highlighted his advantages and achievements. Thirdly, he successfully established himself during his first term. The politician helped many townspeople, was competent and attentive to their problems.
The position of city manager since 2023 has been held by Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. By the way, she also became the first black woman to be called deputy mayor. Tolbert is responsible for more than 10 different departments of the city. Her subordinates claim that she is a very educated and proactive politician.
The positions of 14 members of the city council were also taken by quite qualified specialists:
- Chad West. 1st district
- Jesse Moreno. 2nd district
- Zarin D. Gracey. 3rd district
- Carolyn King Arnold. 4th district
- Jaime Resendez. 5th district
- Omar Narvaez. 6th district
- Adam Bazaldua. 7th district
- Tennell Atkins. 8th district
- Paula Blackmon. 9th district
- Kathy Stewart. 10th district
- Jaynie Schultz. 11th district
- Cara Mendelsohn. 12th district
- Gay Donnell Willis. 13 district
- Paul E. Ridley. 14th district.