top of page
jons pic of lake cliff cropped 2_edited_edited.png

Your Voice, My Priority

At City Hall, I will always put the people of District 1 first. I am committed to ensuring that your voice is not only heard but respected in every decision. Your concerns, your ideas, and your priorities will guide my work—because no one knows what our community needs better than you.

The people of District 1 are my neighbors and friends—and your voices matter most. As your representative, I will lead with transparency and foster open dialogue on the issues that impact our lives. I’m committed to keeping you informed, seeking your input, and clearly communicating the reasoning behind every decision I make on your behalf. I’m passionate about finding innovative ways to keep citizens updated and engaged. By helping more people understand how to take part in the process at City Hall, we can build a stronger, more connected future for Oak Cliff.
LIST OF PRIORITIES
STRENGTHENING NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 

Maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods is vital to our future. Without this focus, we risk losing the character, culture, and heritage that make our community unique. I am committed to preserving what makes Oak Cliff special while fostering deeper connections among residents.

 

Conserve and Protect
We must safeguard the identity of our neighborhoods. By reexamining and streamlining the process for creating Conservation Districts, Historic Districts, and Neighborhood Stabilization Overlays, we can protect the distinctive character and culture that define our community. These tools should be accessible and effective in preserving the essence of who we are.

 

Foster Communication and Connection
One of my top priorities is promoting connectedness among neighbors. We are safer, stronger, and more resilient when we engage with each other on a personal level. Government often overlooks the everyday opportunities we have to support one another—and that’s where I want to make a difference.

I am dedicated to encouraging interpersonal interaction, strengthening neighborhood bonds, and creating innovative ways to keep residents informed and involved. When citizens are empowered to engage with City Hall, we create a more vibrant, responsive, and united Oak Cliff.

ZONING AND LAND USE POLICY

 

Growth and development are inevitable, but how we manage them defines the future of our neighborhoods. I am committed to a smarter, more community-responsive approach to zoning and land use that respects our unique character while planning for long-term sustainability.

 

Smarter Zoning, Not One-Size-Fits-All

A one-size-fits-all approach to zoning ignores the specific needs and wishes of individual neighborhoods. As your representative, I will avoid blanket solutions and easy fixes in favor of thoughtful, responsive zoning decisions that reflect the distinct character and priorities of our communities.

 

Development with Community at Its Core

Growth must be intentional and considerate. We can welcome new development without compromising the integrity of our neighborhoods or the quality of life for residents. Respecting our community's character and placing people above profit leads to better outcomes for everyone—now and in the future.

Questioning the Elimination of Parking Minimums

Parking needs vary significantly across Dallas, and District 1 faces unique challenges. While there is room to reform oversized parking lots near shopping centers, areas like Bishop Arts are already at capacity. Removing parking minimums citywide would eliminate incentives for preservation, tree retention, and alternative transportation like biking—all critical to maintaining our neighborhood’s appeal.

Significant parking reductions for historic buildings have benefited areas like the Bishop Davis PD, Oak Cliff Gateway, and Jefferson PD. This approach balances preservation with development. 

 

Eliminating parking minimums risks creating a "Wild West" environment in neighborhoods near popular destinations. We must protect what we already treasure—our history, architecture, and green spaces—while ensuring future development serves our community’s needs, not just developers’ bottom lines.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: PRESERVING WHAT WE HAVE, BUILDING FOR EVERYONE

 

Balancing economic growth, social equity, and sustainable urban development requires bold ideas—and a commitment to addressing the gaps that too often exist between intention and impact. The real challenges we face lie in those gaps, and bridging them demands a holistic, thoughtful approach. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s the only way to ensure Dallas remains a vibrant, inclusive, and livable city for all.

 

Preserve and Protect Existing Housing

District 1 is fortunate to have a large inventory of adaptable, high-quality housing that deserves protection. These homes are more than structures—they are community assets, not just raw land for redevelopment. Preserving this housing stock must be a priority in our affordable housing strategy.

 

Tools for Equitable Growth

To promote equitable development and maintain neighborhood diversity, we must explore a full range of tools, including:

  • Inclusionary zoning

  • Acquisition and rehabilitation programs

  • Community land trusts

  • Flexible zoning overlays

  • Middle-income housing initiatives

  • Repurposing of existing housing inventory

 

These measures can help us create affordable options while honoring the character of our neighborhoods.

Preventing Displacement

Partnering with nonprofits and community organizations is essential to implement effective non-displacement measures that reflect the real needs of our residents. By prioritizing housing stability, we can ensure that growth benefits everyone—not just developers—and that long-time residents can remain in the communities they love.

Let’s pursue a future where development is people-centered, neighborhoods are preserved, and affordability is more than just a talking point—it’s a reality.​

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: PLANNING RESPONSIBLY FOR GROWTH

 

As efforts to increase density move forward, they bring added strain on our city’s infrastructure and resources. Attracting new residents should never come at the expense of essential services for the people who already call our neighborhoods home.

Development must be balanced with the capacity of our infrastructure. I am deeply concerned that some density initiatives may unintentionally push our services beyond their limits, diminishing quality of life for existing residents. That’s why I will advocate for thorough forecasting and planning to anticipate these impacts before decisions are made.

As your representative, I will remain vigilant—ensuring that infrastructure capacity, resource allocation, and community needs are front and center in every discussion about new development. Growth must work for all of us, not just developers.

Calling On Volunteers

Pol Adv Paid for by Katrina for Council, Jamie Laws Treasurer, 1028 N Beckley Ave, Dallas TX 75203
bottom of page