The Government Performance & Financial Management Committee of Dallas convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss a new spending framework aimed at addressing various community needs and enhancing public safety. The meeting outlined four key categories of funding that will guide the city’s financial decisions moving forward.

The first category discussed was revenue stabilization. This fund is designed to mitigate declines in city revenue and replenish any funds utilized in the previous fiscal year, 2024.

Next, the committee addressed public safety hiring and retention. The city manager has set an ambitious goal for the police department to hire 250 officers. To support this initiative, the committee proposed using one-time savings to bridge any funding gaps, allowing for the possibility of hiring more officers if the department can exceed the target.

The third category focused on infrastructure investment. This fund aims to incentivize investments in underserved areas while continuing to enhance the city’s overall infrastructure.

The final category discussed was unmet needs, where the committee emphasized the importance of identifying programs that cater to residents at all stages of life.

The committee also reviewed proposed reprogramming recommendations, which included reallocating funds from various completed projects and interest earnings. A significant recommendation was to allocate $7,968,226 in ARPA funds specifically for public safety hiring and retention. The committee highlighted the importance of adhering to the U.S. Treasury grant fund deadline and the internal ARPA deadline, ensuring that all projects are completed in a timely manner.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to prepare a budget amendment for council consideration in May and will continue to monitor spending closely as they implement these initiatives. The discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing community needs through strategic financial planning.