Candidate: Erik Wilson

Age: 51

Website: voteerikwilson.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

I am uniquely positioned to lead because I understand the needs and challenges facing District 8. My commitment to public safety, affordable housing, and community/economic development is backed by years of collaboration with residents and organizations. I know how to balance the needs of businesses with the community's priorities.

I am the best person for the job because I have the experience, leadership skills, and community relationships needed to make an immediate impact. I'm ready to hit the ground running and ensure that District 8 continues to grow, thrive, and remain a great place for families, businesses, and individuals.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

The single greatest challenge for District 8 is the lack of diversity in housing options. Many areas currently have limited choices for residents, with a heavy reliance on single-family homes and a shortage of affordable rental units, townhomes, and multifamily housing. This limits options for families, young professionals, and seniors who may need different types of housing based on their needs and budgets. To address this, I will focus on promoting the development of a broader range of housing types, including affordable rentals, townhomes, and multifamily units catering to diverse income levels. I will work with developers and zoning authorities to ensure that affordable housing is integrated into new developments and that developers are given incentives to create diverse, inclusive communities. Additionally, I will advocate for preserving existing affordable housing and protecting residents from displacement due to rising rents and property taxes. By providing more options for people at different stages of life, we can create a district that is more inclusive, vibrant, and accessible for all.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

The greatest opportunities to grow Dallas' tax base lie in strategic economic development and smart infrastructure investments that attract businesses, improve neighborhoods, and create jobs. Here are a few key areas I would focus on: Revitalizing Underdeveloped Areas: By revitalizing blighted or underdeveloped neighborhoods, especially in parts of District 8, we can attract new businesses, residents, and investment. This will create a ripple effect of economic growth and increase property values and tax revenue. Incentivizing Small Business Growth: Supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs with resources, incentives, and streamlined processes for opening or expanding companies in Dallas will create jobs and bring new revenue streams into the city. Expanding the small business ecosystem can significantly impact our tax base. Public-Private Partnerships: Building partnerships with developers and private investors to create mixed-use developments that integrate housing, retail, and commercial spaces can help draw in new residents and businesses while creating tax-generating infrastructure. Improving Transportation and Infrastructure: Investing in better transportation networks, including public transit and road improvements, makes areas more accessible and attractive to businesses and residents. Infrastructure investments can also encourage economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses to thrive. Attracting Tech and Green Industries: Tech companies and green industries are booming in many cities. Dallas should focus on creating an environment that supports their growth. Offering incentives for clean energy businesses, startups, and technology companies will help diversify our economy and sustainably grow our tax base. By focusing on these opportunities, we can build a stronger, more diversified economy that increases our city's tax base while creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all residents.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

I am a Democrat when it comes to political party affiliation. Local government should focus on the needs of the community rather than party politics. As a council member, my role is to serve the residents of District 8 first and foremost and make decisions based on what is best for our neighborhoods, businesses, and families. While political party affiliation can influence national or state policies, at the local level, it is more important to work with people from all backgrounds and perspectives, regardless of party, to find practical solutions to our challenges. I will prioritize community collaboration, open dialogue, and bipartisan cooperation to get things done and improve the quality of life for District 8 residents. My focus will always be on what benefits the district and how we can strengthen our city.

Candidate: Lorie Blair

Age: 67

Website: LorieBlair.com

Why do you want to be a member of the Dallas City Council, and why are you the best person for the job?

For the last 6 years I have served as the district 8 City Planning Commissioner and the vice chair of the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee which provides strong community advocacy. I want to continue to serve as a district 8 advocate focusing on public safety, economic development, quality of life, and homelessness.

What is the single greatest challenge for your district and how will you address it?

The greatest challenge is a quality of life with the placement of warehousing in the middle of residential areas. Through zoning and Forward Dallas 2.0 it is being addressed.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities to grow our city's tax base?

The University of North Texas Dallas corridor. There is land that is ready for development and the opportunity to grow our tax base and bring in opportunity to revitalize this area.

What is your political party affiliation and what role will that play in your job as a council member?

The city council is nonpartisan. Our affiliation plays no part in being a council member.