City Council Approves Dallas Comprehensive Plan

The plan seeks to expand the city's mixed use development and improve transit options. An alternative version of the plan, recommended by the City Plan Commission, was voted down as the city council opted for the original, slightly amended plan.

1 minute read

June 22, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The comprehensive plan known as ForwardDallas! was approved by the Dallas City Council last week, with only two dissenting votes. Urban planner John Fregonese's plan had been in the works for more than 18 months, and while many in the city's government see it as a positive step, some feel there hasn't been enough public input.

" 'Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the nation, and we've only developed half of it,' council member Bill Blaydes said. The plan as passed, especially given its language on mass transit and southern-sector development, 'is a map by which the city can move forward.' "

"During a public hearing Wednesday prior to the vote, dozens of Dallas residents argued for and against the city staff's recommendation to the council."

"Cay Kolb, who supported the plan commission's amended version, wrote the council that the Forward Dallas planning process was 'fraudulent' and 'underhanded,' as 'public input has been suppressed; the staff has funneled a foregone conclusion upon which they are asking you to vote today.' "

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 in Dallas Morning News

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

A coal power plant in Iowa billows smoke into the air.

Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand

For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.

September 17 - Inside Climate News

A sign on a fence describing the rain garden behind it.

NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop

New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.

September 17 - Gothamist

A map showing Brightline West's intended route from  Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan

The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.

September 17 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.