Meetings of Interest: Clock's Ticking ⏱️🏀

Major demolition of the existing Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center hit another milestone last week, as work continues to clear the way for a rebuild expected to be completed in 2029. Watch WFAA’s report above and read more here.

City Hall veteran Tamara Leak is being promoted to a new economic development role overseeing all “urban core initiatives,” including serving as liaison for Downtown Dallas, Inc.'s (DDI) recently announced planning initiative.

Donzell Gipson is retiring after nearly three decades working for the City of Dallas, including as an assistant city manager since 2024.

Jake Anderson, who served as interim Director of Government Affairs for Dallas for the past 18 months, is taking his talents elsewhere. This memo announcing the news also includes names and bios for two outside finalists for the permanent job leading government affairs for Dallas.

City Council members will consider an ordinance in coming weeks to regulate temporary outdoor displays like a viral Preston Hollow house that has caused holiday headaches for neighbors the past few years. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis and four of her colleagues are proposing the change.

Check out the complete city manager memo packet for Friday, April 3, 2026.

Item 2 would grant permission to extend perimeter fencing around the entirety of the Freedman’s Cemetery along Central Expressway at Lemmon Avenue. The request comes after the historic site was hit by vandals last year.

Board members will discuss extending a contract with Parkland Health to keep mental health clinicians paired with DART police to serve people experiencing homelessness and suffering from mental illness. A procurement process to make the DART Cares program permanent is pending.

Also up for discussion is extension of a security contract to continue to supplement DART police and fare enforcement officers on the system.

Committee members will meet to consider removing Cesar E. Chavez Day as an official City holiday and recognizing April 10 as Delores Huerta Day. Both items are also on the 9 a.m. City Council agenda.

Item 3 is acceptance of a $10.4 million federal grant to fund Dallas Police Department purchases of mobile trailers and handheld drone detectors to be used during major events including this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Item 43 is a resolution amending the City Calendar to recognize April 10 as Delores Huerta Day in recognition of the labor leader and activist who fought alongside the now-disgraced Cesar Chavez.

Item 44 is an ordinance to strip Cesar E. Chavez Day from the list of city holidays. Items 43 and 44 were filed by City Council members in the wake of a New York Times investigation of sexual abuse allegations against Chavez.

Public Hearing 4 is being held to receive comments on the upcoming budget for the fiscal year that begins on October 1.

Item 18 is a Development Code amendment to create a new “Reception Facility” land use category, which would replace the outdated “Commercial Wedding Chapel” classification. This new category is designed for spaces that host private events like weddings, parties, and fundraisers, with invited guests and intermittent operating hours, rather than being open to the general public. The change aims to provide clearer regulations for these venues, address community concerns about nuisances, and prepare for increased private gatherings during events like the 2026 FIFA games.

Meeting documents shed light on an ongoing debate about the role and authority of the RTC, including whether it has the power to hire its own transportation policy director. The discussion began last year after long-time NCTCOG Transportation Director Michael Morris was reportedly pushed to retire over the objections of many on the independent RTC who continue to support Morris.

Committee members will discuss approval of qualifications and job description for a new president and CEO. They are also expected to interview and evaluate candidates to serve as interim leader of the organization. Outgoing CEO Nadine Lee informed board members last month of her decision not to seek a new contract.

This meeting will include discussion of proposed rule changes for the operation of dockless vehicles, including time for public and operators comments.