The Chamber actively supported amendments D, A, & L during the Dallas Charter Review process.
What are the Dallas Municipal Amendments?
The Chamber’s “Municipal Amendments Voter Guide” for the City of Dallas is designed to help residents understand proposed changes to the Dallas Charter, the city’s foundational governing document. The charter, which must be reviewed every ten years and is amendable every two years, outlines the structure and function of city government.
This year, the Chamber has actively supported amendments D, A, and L following a thorough Charter Review process. In collaboration with civic and business partners, the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and Board Leadership carefully evaluated all recommendations to ensure they align with the Chamber’s mission and support pro-business initiatives.
Dallas voters can vote on these proposed amendments in the upcoming November election.
Want to share? Download the full “Municipal Amendments Voter Guide” or a printer-friendly “Quick Position Summary.”
EXPANDED POSITION SUMMARY
A – Employees’ Retirement Fund Amendments
Amendment to the City Code relating to modified terms for City employee retirement funds.
Chamber Stance: FOR
B – Adding a Preamble to the City Charter
Amendment is unnecessary for effective City governance.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
C – Increasing Salaries for City Council & Mayor
While on its own an increase in salary is warranted, the proposed amendment includes an additional yearly CPI adjustment, something not included for City employees.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
D – November Odd-Year Municipal Elections
Allows the City to begin the process of moving elections from May during odd-years to November during odd-years to increase turnout and reduce election costs.
Chamber Stance: FOR
E – City Council Term Limits
While this is a close call, term limits do exist in the form of elections every two years, and a lifetime term limit ban could be considered undemocratic.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
F – Providing City Secretary & City Auditor with Employees
Operational amendment requested by City Secretary’s Office for improved governance, and to clarify that these offices can be staffed with effective senior-level personnel.
Chamber Stance: FOR
G – Enhanced Criteria for Redistricting Commission
Will allow for de-politicization of Commission appointees and ensures more independent, effective appointees.
Chamber Stance: FOR
H – Expanding Certain Board Commissions to Non-Citizens
Removes the requirement for some board and commission members to be registered voters. Commitment to voting is a critical characteristic of an engaged citizen, and there are many qualified registered voters to serve in these roles. This amendment was rejected by voters in a previous election.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
I – Extending Petition Signature Deadlines & Reducing Signatures Required
Creates additional petition-driven reforms rather than traditional consideration of policy matters by committee and City Council review, which would lead to less effective policy and additional costs for the City.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
J – Allowing Early Removal of Board and Commission Members Before Term Completion
This could result in ineffective representation on boards and commissions, and may also politicize these positions.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
K – Removed from Ballot
L – Adding Office of Inspector General
This will maximize independence of the Inspector General office and help create true deterrent for misconduct.
Chamber Stance: FOR
M – Removed from Ballot
N – Removed from Ballot
O – Appointment Procedures of Municipal Judges
Operational amendment to improve municipal judge appointment procedures.
Chamber Stance: FOR
P – Discharge Appeal Payments
Could lead to additional costs for City associated with employee discharge appeals, and, if passed, would remove a barrier to frivolous appeals that lead to less efficient governance.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
Q – Technical Amendment Revisions
Technical amendments to comply with recent changes in state law and current practices.
Chamber Stance: FOR
R – Enforcement of Marijuana Offenses Reform
Conflicts with other existing laws and opposed by Dallas Police Department Chief.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
S – Waiver of Governmental Immunity
Conflicts with other existing laws and would lead to additional expenses for City in already challenging budget.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
T – Annual City Manager Survey
Policy item more appropriate for City Council and will also detract from the hiring of best candidates.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST
U – Mandatory Increases to Police Force and Budget
Would negatively impact the City budget and require across the board cuts to other services.
Chamber Stance: AGAINST