In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a report that evaluates property conditions in the City of Dallas and Dallas County. A council member highlighted two critical flaws in the report: it inconsistently references both jurisdictions and excludes properties built before a certain date, which disproportionately affects District 12. The member emphasized that many older properties, particularly those constructed in the 1970s, remain viable housing options for residents earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). They urged the need for a revised report that focuses solely on the City of Dallas and includes all properties, regardless of their age.
Additionally, the discussion turned to the topic of property tax exemptions. When questioned about the possibility of limiting the number of properties or the total dollar amount of exemptions granted in a single year, officials indicated that no such considerations had been made. Currently, there are 12 projects approved and underway, with an average of three projects progressing each year. Officials noted that while many applications are received, only a few meet the necessary criteria for approval.
The council member also inquired about projects that had been approved but did not move forward. It was confirmed that, aside from a couple of exceptions, most approved projects have proceeded as planned. The board expressed concern about the potential perception of the city as a primary destination for tax abatements, indicating a desire to maintain a balanced approach to property development and tax incentives.