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Connecting You With City Information, News, and Resources
Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn

Council appointments:
*Chairman, Government Performance and Financial Management Committee
*Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on General Investigations and Ethics
*Vice Chairman, Public Safety Committee
*Housing and Homeless Solutions Committee
*Transportation Committee
*Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19
*Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Affairs
*Regional Transportation Council Member
*North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee

Other city-related appointments/elected positions:
*National League of Cities Youth, Education, and Families Council
*Board of Directors, National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government
Happy Spring Break!

Across District 12, spring breaks have happened at different times. Whether you are taking some time off now or did it last week, I hope you've had a chance to relax and recharge.

Most members of the Dallas City Council traveled to Washington DC last week to participate in the National League of Cities conference. It provides an opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues from other cities and hear from professionals about topical issues, policy challenges, and advocate for issues with our Congressmen. This year, the focus was on American Rescue Plan Act funding and how to successfully implement the funds to best serve our cities.

There are lots of community meetings coming up and I encourage you to be involved. They include a community meeting about how the rail will impact you, two city budget meetings where you are able to give input BEFORE the budget is developed, and more... see below. There are also several events happening where you can help improve our community and they will be fun for the whole family.

A reminder to please slow down for school zones and obey the speed limits as you drive. Especially on our side streets, there has been an increase in speed and it is putting neighbors in danger. Let's stay safe.

Take care, Cara

Council Liaison: Madison.Johnson@dallascityhall.com
Council Assistant:
Luis.Delgado@dallascityhall.com
We are not expecting to record the meeting, but we'll work on some short videos that capture the questions most residents have. This meeting is for you - so you can know what is happening and can get honest answers. City of Dallas staff will present the design that DART has submitted to them, we'll go over the challenges in the design, construction, and big problems for the community. I'll share with you how I think you can make your voice heard effectively. DART has not been invited to speak, but I'm sure they will attend and report back about the level of attendance, presentation, and questions asked. Media will be present.
DMA Events
Late Nights: Celebrating Art and Culture of the Mississippian Peoples
Friday, March 25, 5:00–11:00 p.m.

Stay up late with us as we explore the art and culture of the Mississippian peoples. Enjoy artist demonstrations, art making, performances, films, and talks about the exhibition Spirit Lodge: Mississippian Art from Spiro.
Family Festival
Saturday, April 2, 11:00 a.m.–5 :00 p.m.

Celebrate the power of creativity and all the ways we "MAKE" in this fun-filled day of free activities for the entire family! Enjoy outdoor yoga, art making, and live music and dance performances, and have the chance to meet and make alongside local artists.
Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Assistance
The Texas Workforce Commission is working with the ChildCare Group to provide child care subsidies to service industry employees. Deadline to apply is March 31st.
 
UPCOMING DISTRICT 12 MEETINGS
Townhall Meetings - These meetings are for you and focus on District 12 and city issues. Usually there is a short update from city hall, a guest speaker for about 10 minutes, and time for you to ask questions and give input.

Budget Townhall Meetings - Come give your input BEFORE the budget is developed. Two meetings are scheduled for you to share your priorities and suggestions for improvement. This is your chance to comment on the tax rate, street maintenance budget, allocation for homeless encampment clean ups, etc... An assistant city manager will lead the presentation and be available to answer questions.
City Council Redistricting
If you would like to give input to the Redistricting Commission about areas that you believe should be considered "communities of interest," they are working on the maps that will define the boundaries for city council in the coming decade. A community of interest could mean your HOA or neighborhood association, your school attendance boundary, your county, an area where there is a minority concentration, or any other factor that you think makes keeping your area and another area together in being represented. You can tell them these things by email or sign up to speak at one of their meetings. A list of all the emails of commissioners is listed below.

You could also draw a map for them, or review potential maps submitted. For additional information or to submit a map, please go to 
www.DallasRedistricting.com or call 214-671-6197.

If you wish to send an email to the commissioners, you can cut and paste these email addresses: jesse.oliver@dallascityhall.com,

Quick Updates
  • If you live near the Cotton Belt / Silver Line and you want to host a meeting for just the neighbors on your street to learn about what is happening or ask questions specific to your area, please contact our office for more information.
  • The City of Dallas Small Business Center proudly presents the 2022 Women's Entrepreneurs Leadership Forum scheduled to be held virtually from March 30 - April 21, 2022. Join us to receive valuable information about writing business plans, marketing, and building strategic lender relationships to finance your business. For more information please contact Regina Onyeibe, Economic Development Coordinator at the Small Business Center or visit online at: http://wwwSourceDallas.org.
  • Congratulations to the Dallas Police Department, which was named a winner in the annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA). DPD was recognized for its "Violent Crime Evidence-Based Reduction Plan." Winners in the SCNAA illustrate best practices of how forward-thinking municipalities effectively leverage technology and innovation to offer new services and economic opportunities to meet the needs and expectations of citizens and residents.
  • Did you know you can receive a regular update of all the Arts and Culture events happening in Dallas? Sign up or just check out the website at www.attpac.org.
  • Pickleball courts at Campbell Green are moving along. Light poles and fixtures should be in by April 1. Please do not walk on or use the pickleball courts until the parks department has officially opened the space. More information coming soon!
  • Parkhill Dog Park fencing has been ordered and should start work in the next two weeks. Other items have been ordered. Target for completion is June.
  • Save the date: If you live near Preston Green, we'll be having a community meeting at the park on April 12, 6:30 pm, to get your input for improvements. The Cotton Belt Hike and Bike trail will be coming through the park, and we'd like to hear your ideas and concerns.
  • Litter an issue? Please complete this short survey to help code compliance, Keep Texas Beautiful and other State of Texas affiliates are partnering in the fight against litter. https://bit.ly/3gDBmTJ
  • Learn more about the latest happenings at our Family Gateway North family homeless shelter. http://familygateway.org/north/
  • Dallas Animal Services reports the shelter is full! If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog or cat, please contact them. Dogs are free to adopt and we have the Everyday Adoption Center inside the Petsmart at Coit and Campbell, usually open 4 days a week. Check out the website www.BeDallas90.org to see the pets currently available.
Need help, got a question, or want to give input?

Email: Cara.Mendelsohn@DallasCityHall.com
Office phone: (214) 670-4067
Text phone: (214) 490-1036