What is the greatest challenge facing your district? How would you act to address that need?

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The greatest challenge facing our District 8 community is economic disparity and a lack of equitable development. While other areas of Dallas have experienced rapid growth, our district struggles with limited access to quality jobs, infrastructure gaps, and underdeveloped commercial areas. This has contributed to higher poverty rates and fewer business opportunities for our residents.

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To address these issues, I will implement a comprehensive strategy focused on community growth and prosperity. First, I'll work to attract businesses and jobs by leveraging the International Inland Port of Dallas, supporting workforce training programs, and prioritizing local hiring practices. Infrastructure improvements—including upgrading roads, public transit, and utilities—will make our district more appealing for investment while improving residents' daily lives.

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Supporting small businesses is another priority. I'll work to provide resources, grants, and incentives to help local entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, ensuring economic benefits stay within the community. Affordable and mixed-income housing will be promoted to prevent displacement while allowing long-time residents to remain in their neighborhoods as the district evolves.

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Finally, I'll focus on improving public safety through stronger police-community relations, expanded neighborhood programs, and investment in youth and workforce development. By implementing these targeted initiatives, we can bridge the economic divide, create sustainable opportunities, and ensure that District 8 thrives alongside the rest of Dallas.

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How big a problem is crime in your district, and what should the law enforcement response be?

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Crime is a serious concern in Dallas City Council District 8, affecting our residents' safety and quality of life. While some areas have seen improvements, others continue to struggle with property crimes, violent offenses, and drug-related activity. Addressing the root causes—economic challenges, lack of job opportunities, and limited youth engagement programs—requires a balanced approach that includes violence prevention programs, community policing, and strategic enforcement.

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To address these challenges, we should implement proven strategies used in other urban areas. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Programs, where trained individuals mediate conflicts to prevent violence, could be established in District 8 to help de-escalate conflicts before they escalate. Strengthening community-police relations through increased officer presence and engagement can help build trust between law enforcement and residents.

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Investing in youth and crime prevention programs is equally important. Expanding workforce training, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities can provide alternatives for young people and reduce their likelihood of involvement in criminal activity. Similarly, expanding mental health and crisis intervention services by training officers in crisis intervention and increasing access to mental health professionals can improve responses to non-violent incidents.

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Targeting high-crime areas with data-driven strategies is also essential. Law enforcement should focus resources on areas with higher crime rates, while ensuring fair and just policing practices. A comprehensive approach that includes community partnerships, targeted crime prevention, and responsible law enforcement practices can help improve safety and stability in District 8.

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How should the city address the need for housing across income levels, and how can your district contribute to the solution?

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Addressing the need for housing across income levels is crucial to ensuring all residents can access safe and affordable homes. The city must take a practical and proven approach by prioritizing affordable housing development. Offering zoning incentives and financial subsidies to developers building mixed-income communities can increase the availability of affordable homes while encouraging responsible growth.

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Preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as building new units. The city can provide rehabilitation grants or low-interest loans to property owners to maintain and upgrade older buildings, preventing displacement. The Dallas Housing Finance Corporation can play a key role in financing these efforts, ensuring that rent remains affordable for current residents.

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Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are another effective tool. By leveraging city-owned land or providing financial support, Dallas can incentivize developers to build more affordable housing. This approach has proven successful in previous projects, creating both market-rate and affordable homes.

Expanding housing voucher programs is another critical step. Increasing the availability of vouchers and streamlining the application process will help more low-income families secure housing in neighborhoods with better job opportunities, schools, and services.

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District 8 has unique opportunities to contribute to these efforts. Areas like Kleberg-Rylie and Southern Pleasant Grove have land suitable for mixed-income housing development. Developers can collaborate to create multi-generational communities that include apartments, town homes, single-family homes, and senior living options. These developments must be designed to protect current residents and preserve green spaces, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

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By focusing on these strategies, District 8 can help address Dallas’s housing crisis and ensure that all residents have access to affordable, high-quality homes.

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What are your priorities for creating more connected and attractive neighborhoods in your district?

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Creating more connected and attractive neighborhoods in District 8 requires a strong focus on infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. Addressing streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems will improve mobility and prevent flooding, while expanding public transit options will better connect residents to jobs, schools, and essential services. Enhancing pedestrian pathways will promote walkability, making neighborhoods safer and healthier.

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Public safety is vital for community stability. Increasing street lighting and surveillance in high-crime areas will help deter crime. At the same time, stronger partnerships between neighborhood associations and law enforcement will foster trust and collaboration. 

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Economic revitalization is essential for attracting businesses and supporting local commerce. Providing incentives for small businesses will encourage entrepreneurship and job creation, while investing in underutilized shopping centers will bring grocery stores, retail, and entertainment closer to residents. Promoting mixed-use developments that combine housing, retail, and green spaces will create vibrant, community-oriented hubs.

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Expanding parks, green spaces, and community centers will enhance residents' quality of life. Developing and maintaining parks and trails in areas like Southern Pleasant Grove and Kleberg-Rylie will provide outdoor recreational opportunities, and adding playgrounds, sports facilities, and community centers will strengthen community bonds. Protecting natural areas along the Trinity River corridor will promote sustainability and outdoor activities.

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Focusing on these priorities can help District 8 become a safer, more connected, and economically thriving community. Strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, business development, and green spaces will ensure long-term success for residents and businesses alike.

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What action should the city take to guide the development of warehouses in this district?

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The city must take a strategic and community-focused approach to warehouse development in District 8, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of residents' well-being. I have firsthand experience advocating against poorly planned warehouse expansion, having worked alongside Pastor Frederick Haynes and Friendship-West Baptist Church to fight against a proposed warehouse that would have been built right next to the church. Together, we pushed back against the City Plan Commission, Board of Adjustments, and City officials, ensuring that the voices of the community were heard and the proposal was ultimately stopped.

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To prevent similar issues in the future, communities must advocate for clear zoning and land-use policies that keep warehouses in designated industrial corridors, preventing encroachment on residential and community spaces. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements must accompany warehouse expansion, including better traffic management, road maintenance, and environmental protections to reduce pollution. One critical element often overlooked is the creation of **public transportation options** for warehouse workers, many of whom may not have reliable transportation. The city must invest in transit routes that connect workers from residential areas to warehouses, making sure everyone has access to reliable transportation options to and from work.

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Lastly, workforce development initiatives should ensure that warehouse jobs offer livable wages and career pathways for local residents. By taking a balanced and proactive approach, we can ensure that warehouse growth strengthens our economy without sacrificing the health, stability, and accessibility of our neighborhoods.

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How can the city build on the work done at the Shops at RedBird to best serve residents?

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When elected, I will continue to focus on realistic, proven economic strategies that promote growth and improve the quality of life for District 8 residents. A key example of my leadership is securing the Highway 67 North Camp Wisdom exit as part of the Southern Gateway Project to help reimagine Red Bird Mall. The final phase of this project was completed by opening the I-20 East and Westbound exits. This provides better access to Red Bird Mall from both I-20 and Highway 67, making it more convenient for residents to visit the mall and local businesses.

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As District 8 Council Member, I will collaborate with the mall owner, the city’s economic development department, and other agencies to attract diverse businesses. Expanding retail options and introducing dining, entertainment, and community spaces will help make the Shops at Red Bird a more vibrant hub. Offering incentives like tax abatements or relaxed zoning requirements can encourage businesses to set up in the area.

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We must also improve marketing by the city’s Economic Development Department, local Chambers of Commerce, and other entities to promote Red Bird as a regional shopping, entertainment, and business destination. This will bring more visitors and businesses, boosting job growth and local revenue.

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Focusing on family-friendly entertainment, such as movie theaters or event spaces, will also help draw residents and visitors, making Red Bird a destination for both shopping and leisure.

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Lastly, continued support for the Dallas Police Department’s Resource Outlet Center (ROC) is essential. The ROC provides a safe, productive space for residents to work, live, and play, supporting community development and economic opportunities.

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By focusing on business development, marketing, family entertainment, and supporting the ROC, we can make the Shops at Red Bird a thriving hub for District 8.