The Dallas Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee convened on May 27, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding homelessness and housing development in the city. The meeting focused on ongoing projects funded by bond dollars, the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2026, and the need for improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

The session began with a discussion on the importance of transparency regarding bond-funded homelessness projects. Committee members emphasized the necessity of reporting on these initiatives to ensure the public is informed about the allocation of funds and the status of various projects. A call was made for a comprehensive overview of all districts and project statuses to be presented in June.

Council Member West raised concerns about the use of housing vouchers for a specific property, 1950 Fourth Avenue, and requested that key stakeholders, including Sarah Khan from the housing board, be present for future discussions. The need for a clear plan moving forward was highlighted, as residents expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress.

Chief Financial Officer Jack Ireland provided an overview of the current budget and the planned budget for fiscal year 2026. He noted that the upcoming budget discussions would align with the city manager's objectives and emphasized the importance of preparing for a balanced budget presentation in August. Ireland invited committee members to engage in discussions regarding the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) and the Housing and Community Development Department.

Council Member Willis pointed out the absence of a mission statement for OHS and stressed the need for clear objectives, particularly regarding the disruption of street giving. He suggested that the focus should be on actionable goals that align with the city's homelessness strategy.

The committee also discussed the performance measures for housing and homelessness, with several members expressing dissatisfaction with the metrics currently in place. There was a consensus that more meaningful data, such as the number of housing units created and their affordability, should be prioritized in future reports.

Concerns were raised about a significant budget increase for Housing Forward's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), with calls for regular reporting on client activity within the system. Members expressed frustration over the lack of access to this data, which is crucial for understanding the current state of homelessness in the community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit these discussions in the coming months, as the committee aims to refine its strategies and ensure effective use of resources in addressing homelessness and housing challenges in Dallas. The next meeting is anticipated to bring further clarity and updates on the ongoing initiatives.