Rowlett delays DART interlocal agreement review pending board decisions and new council member

City official Mr. Alt briefed the Rowlett City Council at its May 19 work session on an evolving Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) interlocal agreement concept that would create a framework for cities in DART’s service area to participate in certain economic development incentives.

Alt said the concept emerged from recent governance and economic development committee meetings between DART and participating city managers; he described the interlocal agreement as a tool to return or direct a portion of revenues to member cities’ opportunity areas. Alt said the proposal would “incentivize affordable housing, but not require it,” and that DART board discussions were still shaping the template language.

Because the ILA draft is still changing and the city expects a new council member to be seated soon, Alt and the mayor recommended delaying a formal council review. Alt told the council there is no immediate deadline beyond a December target and that staff will return with a full presentation when the DART board clarifies outstanding items and the council is at full membership.

Council members who reviewed the packet said the concept appeared promising and asked clarifying questions about timing and whether existing downtown funds were tied to the interlocal concept; Alt replied those earlier downtown conversations were separate from the ILA under discussion. No action was taken; the council asked staff to raise any significant council concerns with DART in the meantime and to schedule a full presentation when the draft language stabilizes and the new council member has been seated.