Dallas leaders discuss ways to encourage homeownership in city

Dallas leaders react to a loss in population

A recent update from the U.S. Census shows North Texas is growing. The picture was not as bright for Dallas County, which actually showed a loss in population. Dallas City Council members on Wednesday discussed how to encourage home ownership in the city.

DALLAS - "Dallas Is Home" is a new framework proposal Dallas city leaders were briefed on today as they look for ways to encourage homeownership within the city.

"Dallas Is Home"

What we know:

58% of Dallas residents rent rather than own a home, and the average renter spends 39% of their income on housing. That's something the city is looking into how to improve.

Dallas leaders were briefed on "Dallas Is Home," a new housing framework aiming to encourage homeownership in Dallas.

According to recent census data, Dallas County has lost population despite the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex experiencing rapid growth.

"Dallas Is Home" would also include efforts to curb homelessness in the city and working towards house attainability.

What they're saying:

Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn said the city should set a goal for homeownership and rental options, while shifting incentives for the two if the mix of ownership becomes lopsided.

"I think we should set a goal, and what that goal should mean is that either citywide or we say we're not going to provide additional incentives for rental properties when we are at an unstable level of homeownership."

She also said Dallas needs to expand the types of homes the city is building.

I'd like us to talk about new housing types, including single room occupancy. We're completely missing that category. It would be extremely affordable, provide community, and provide density. Possibly even tax revenue. I mean, it could be either way, but this is an important missing element in our continuum of housing."

Zarin Gracey, another Dallas City Council member, echoed Mendelsohn's thoughts.

"I need more than just gas stations being built in my district and things that create crime, blight, prostitution, and more drugs because that's what's happening," Gracey said. 

"And when I see that happening, it's frustrating because I've already said that's not what we need. We need real economic development that brings growth, that brings change, and that allows this kind of housing to come into our district."