Housing Developers Propose Projects in Southern Dallas to Address Poverty Issues

The Dallas Public Facility Corporation (DPFC) held a special called meeting on May 12, 2025, to discuss ongoing and future housing projects aimed at addressing the housing shortage in the Southern sector of Dallas. The meeting focused on three key projects currently in various stages of development, all located in areas with poverty rates exceeding 20%.

The first project, situated in District 4 across from Roosevelt High School, is nearing completion. The second project is in District 3, adjacent to the University of North Texas Dallas campus, and is currently in predevelopment. The third project, also in District 4, is in the early stages of predevelopment. Both the first and second projects have received DPFC approval, while the third is part of the current underwriting assumptions.

During the meeting, a representative emphasized the importance of the DPFC program as a tool for adding affordable rental housing in high-opportunity areas. The program incentivizes developers to create affordable units instead of solely market-rate projects, thereby providing residents access to quality jobs and schools, and helping to mitigate poverty concentration.

The representative highlighted two specific projects to illustrate the program's impact. The first, a 53-unit development on Morell Avenue, was noted as the first non-tax credit property built in District 4, transforming a vacant lot that had been neglected for 30 years. The second project, Rivulet, is a 240-unit development near UNT Dallas, which is part of a larger mixed-use initiative. Both projects rely on the DPFC program for financial viability, as traditional funding avenues were not accessible due to the socioeconomic profiles of the areas.

Concerns were raised regarding proposed changes to the DPFC program, particularly the potential limitation of projects to areas with poverty rates above 20% and the inclusion of 50% Area Median Income (AMI) units. The representative warned that these changes could shift community perceptions of the DPFC from a mixed-income initiative to one focused on low-income housing, potentially leading to community pushback against future developments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the DPFC's role in facilitating affordable housing in Southern Dallas while also addressing the challenges posed by economic conditions in these areas. The discussions highlighted the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of housing initiatives that benefit the community. Further analysis and discussions are anticipated as the projects progress.