The Dallas Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee voted unanimously on Oct. 21 to recommend finalizing a Good Neighbor Agreement between the city and The Bridge, the large downtown shelter operator that provides day and night services.

Committee members debated the geographic scope and responsibilities in the draft agreement before meeting in a closed executive session under section 551.071 of the Texas Open Meetings Act to consult with legal counsel. After the executive session, Chair resumed open session and members moved to approve the recommendation to finalize the agreement. “All those in favor, please say aye,” the Chair said during the open-session vote; a committee member answered, “Aye,” and the motion carried unanimously.

During the public discussion, several councilmembers said they supported the idea that shelters be “good neighbors” and acknowledged the work The Bridge already does to reduce encampments and respond to neighborhood concerns. Dr. David Woodie III, president and CEO of The Bridge, described a multi‑year neighborhood engagement plan the shelter has used, including coordination with Dallas Police Department and neighborhood cleanup efforts. “We are part of the neighborhood,” Dr. Woodie told committee members, adding that his organization had previously accepted responsibility for a two‑block radius and negotiated that boundary with the city.

Members expressed concern about imposing overly broad responsibilities on shelters, such as obligations to manage a one‑mile radius around a facility. “I also don't think it is your job to be responsible for a mile around a homeless shelter,” one member said, arguing the city should retain responsibility for broader public‑safety and nuisance enforcement. Dr. Woodie acknowledged the work and resources his organization currently commits to local outreach and cleanups and framed the agreement as an extension of that collaboration.

The committee also briefly considered a separate item for electrical upgrades and generator additions at The Bridge; staff confirmed the item will move to the November city council agenda and no committee action was taken on utility upgrades at the meeting.

After legal consultation in executive session, the committee returned to open session and approved the recommendation to finalize the Good Neighbor Agreement; there was no recorded dissent. Committee members said the item will be returned to the November council agenda for final action.