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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square