Dallas Plan Would Spend $400 Million to Support Affordable Housing

A proposed bond referendum would be the city’s largest-ever affordable housing investment.

1 minute read

May 1, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Texas

SignMedia / Shutterstock

The Dallas city council is weighing a proposal to invest $400 million in programs that encourage and support affordable housing construction, with the goal of building 100,000 new units in the next decade. As Ken Kelthoff explains for NBC DFW, “A 2024 public improvement bond referendum could include $150 million for housing. That’s far more affordable housing support than any past Dallas bond referendum.”

A similar (much smaller) investment from a 2017 bond referendum helped fund new infrastructure like sidewalks, street lighting, and swere lines in the Bottom neighborhood, which then drew more developers to build housing there. “A 2012 referendum contributed $2 million toward $8.3 million in public money for the 300-unit Palladium Red Bird apartment complex, with 70% of the units reserved for tenants with limited income.”

Some city councilmembers say the last few bond measures didn’t create nearly enough new housing, and that a larger investment is necessary. But the proposal isn’t without its critics, who worry about the large outlay of public funds. According to Kalthoff, “Many public meetings will be held over the next year before details of a 2024 borrowing plan are finalized.”

Monday, April 24, 2023 in NBC DFW

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Blue and white Amazon trucks parked at loading docks at warehouse.

Poorest NYC Neighborhoods Pay Price for Delivery Boom

The rise of ‘last-mile’ e-commerce warehouses — and their attendant truck traffic and air pollution — is disproportionately impacting the most historically disadvantaged parts of the city.

6 seconds ago - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

April 2 - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

April 2 - Los Angeles Times